Schools Are Using Screens Wisely, Says Local Teacher.
A teaching assistant at a local primary school has challenged the notion that schools are recklessly relying on screens. "Purposeful, mindful" use of technology is the norm in many classrooms, according to the assistant, who argues that lesson plans are carefully thought out and delivered using digital tools just as they would have been on a blackboard.
The use of screens saves time for teachers, allowing them to focus on more engaging aspects of education. Video clips, photographs, and sounds enhance children's learning experiences, while also encouraging oral contributions in the majority of lessons. This is particularly evident in schools that are part of the Voice 21 oracy programme, which aims to embed speaking and listening skills throughout the curriculum.
Hands-on activities abound in science, art, IT, history, geography, and maths classes, where children work with a variety of manipulatives. The Opal programme, meanwhile, provides children with access to outdoor play opportunities that are child-led and intrinsically motivated, promoting collaboration, problem-solving, and risk management.
Forest school, another growing program, offers a natural setting for play-based learning, allowing children to use their imagination while developing practical skills and working with tools. For this teacher, the key is valuing children as part of the school community and putting them at the heart of everything that happens there.
A teaching assistant at a local primary school has challenged the notion that schools are recklessly relying on screens. "Purposeful, mindful" use of technology is the norm in many classrooms, according to the assistant, who argues that lesson plans are carefully thought out and delivered using digital tools just as they would have been on a blackboard.
The use of screens saves time for teachers, allowing them to focus on more engaging aspects of education. Video clips, photographs, and sounds enhance children's learning experiences, while also encouraging oral contributions in the majority of lessons. This is particularly evident in schools that are part of the Voice 21 oracy programme, which aims to embed speaking and listening skills throughout the curriculum.
Hands-on activities abound in science, art, IT, history, geography, and maths classes, where children work with a variety of manipulatives. The Opal programme, meanwhile, provides children with access to outdoor play opportunities that are child-led and intrinsically motivated, promoting collaboration, problem-solving, and risk management.
Forest school, another growing program, offers a natural setting for play-based learning, allowing children to use their imagination while developing practical skills and working with tools. For this teacher, the key is valuing children as part of the school community and putting them at the heart of everything that happens there.
. As a parent, it's been a relief to see our little ones being balanced with screen time, but not having their whole educational experience controlled by it 
. The teacher's point about using screens in a "purposeful and mindful" way is so on point 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good video clip or interactive activity that still leaves room for oral contributions and creativity? 
It's all about finding that sweet spot where tech enhances learning without being the sole focus 
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. It's like they're finally realizing that kids need a mix of structure and freedom to thrive 
. The Voice 21 oracy programme and Opal programme are definitely worth exploring – I've heard great things about them from fellow parents 
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. It's all about creating a learning environment that's engaging, inclusive, and values creativity and imagination 
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I mean don't get me wrong screens can be useful but think about all the time kids spend staring at these things they're missing out on real life experiences, outdoor activities and socializing... schools should be more about balance not just tech 
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I'm all for it too 
. They're not just wasting time on screens 
, they're actually making learning more fun and engaging 
Video clips, sounds, and pictures are awesome ways to get kids excited about what they're learning 
. And the best part is, it's not just about sitting in front of a screen all day 
. I love that schools like this one are making sure kids have plenty of hands-on activities and outdoor playtime too 
too! 
. it's great to see teachers being mindful about how they use technology and making sure it's part of a bigger plan to help kids learn. and the fact that they're incorporating hands-on activities and outdoor play into the curriculum is just awesome 
. it's all about findin the right mix, not just dumpin screens in class 
. and hey, who doesn't luv a good outdoor session? 
forest school sounds like an amazing way 2 learn! 
! like they dont just dump kids on tablets all day like some kind of digital babysitter, noooo their lesson plans r sooo thoughtful, they use tech to save teachers time & focus on the good stuff 
. and schools r getting creative w/ outdoor programs like forest school where kids can just be kids & explore nite n day