Reply to DCI: Too much focus on tablets/devices?

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[quote=Anonymous]Another DCI parent here. The use of the chromebooks in the classroom is not particularly excessive. The kids do science experiments using their hands, my DDs language class has a text book and some subjects (Math), is taught partially on paper. As a parent I have found a work-around for the reading - I just buy books, borrow from library or print. Homework online did not work for us as the G-chat invites would distract my child. But some kids swear they use G-chat to get assignment help from their friends. We made the decision to buy a printer and do HW offline, then type up the assignments with a parent (to monitor screen). Extra work but I think it definitely helps imprint the content into my DD's brain.

However, I worry that the school environment is too tech heavy. I was stunned when the administration told our kids at orientation that at break times they could use their cell phones, play games... The administration says it wants the kids to "choose" how to spend their time. My DD reports that many, many kids "choose" to be online, describing lunch tables with boys playing games and girls "liking" pictures on Instagram. The school insists that kids do choose offline activities and I do see DCI working to improve these options.

Another distraction is the easy access to games during class times. My DD does not have a problem with this but she talks about kids who get distracted by games and other kids who get distracted from kids who get distracted. In short, a huge distraction. My DD told me the other day, " We're not even supposed to be playing games during class so why have them?" Smart kid!

What I don't understand is why DCI feels so compelled to allow these distractions and why they allow screens during non-education times to kids who are getting so much screen-time already. And why would the school even want the liability?

I really want this school to succeed both for us and for the hundreds of families excited to have this MS/HS option. There is a growing group of current parents talking to the administration, trying to persuade them that reducing the tech times to classrooms only will improve the school. I encourage prospective parents to raise these issues tonight and going forward.
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