The Brief
- Richardson schools are moving forward with a new plan to cut down on “passive screen time” in classrooms.
- Schools will no longer offer programs like free time on iPads as an incentive, and will offer more physical books and assignments to students.
- The change comes as district parents expressed concerns about how students’ overreliance on technology could cause concentration and communication issues.
RICHARDSON, Texas – Students in Richardson ISD will see less screen time and more physical books next school year as the district reconsiders how it uses technology in the classroom.
Richardson ISD technology changes
What we know:
Starting next school year, Richardson ISD is limiting the amount of what it calls “passive screen time” in their classrooms. The district discussed the changes at a Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday evening.
The district is limiting the amount of screen time for different grade levels.
- 1st through 4th grade: no more than 20 minutes of screen time per day
- 5th and 6th grade: no more than 30 minutes of screen time per day
- 7th through 12th grade: no more than 20 minutes of screen time per class
Required minutes in apps have been eliminated for students, and programs like free time with an iPad on Fridays will no longer be offered as an incentive.…