Kindergarten through second grade students in the Canon-McMillan School District will no longer use Chromebooks in school.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Taranto says younger students learn more from humans, not screens.
“Those earliest grades, there’s really no need for it, we can look to the research, look to the learning science that says you best learn from other humans, and we’re going to maximize that in those classrooms,” said Dr. Taranto.
Chromebook usage won’t be eliminated but reduced in higher grades.
Taranto stresses that the changes do not mean they’re eliminating tech and A.I. classes in the school, they’re just eliminating unnecessary screen time.
“Maybe it’s a program designed to teach your math and you’re going to go through this [game-like] math application via the Chromebook, those are actually things we are going to eliminate,” said Taranto.
He says there isn’t research out there that shows those types of learning techniques are working.
Taranto says it’s about “coming back to center” and not overusing technology.
Canon-McMillan is one of the first schools in the area to enact the change.
Taranto says they’ve also started buying hardcover books again and have found some companies are not even selling textbooks any more.
The response in the community has been overwhelmingly positive thus far.
Canon-McMillan also has a cellphone policy in effect with middle school students needing to leave their phones in their locker all day and high school students have restricted access.
That cellphone policy could change depending on if a state bill passes in Harrisburg.
K - 2 grades won't use Chromebooks
K - 2 grades won't use Chromebooks
