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Original poster

The big iPad in schools deception

82 replies

ampletime · 06/10/2023 22:20

My child's school recently introduced iPads for all parents, effectively eliminating traditional textbooks and paper worksheets in favour of a fully digital approach. While I understand the move towards digital learning, I'm concerned that the costs are being transferred to parents in a private education setting. The school seems to raise fees but with this digital move they are also saving, a lot of money. I paid for the iPad. It seems that the school is heavily relying on digital technology, which I believe might not necessarily improve the quality of education. I'm skeptical about the idea that increased screen time will genuinely enhance the learning experience.
Are we inadvertently turning our children into screen-dependent individuals by providing them with iPads around the clock? iPads offer numerous distractions, and I'm concerned about the potential consequences of these constant digital engagements on our children.

Any opposing views?

OP posts:
twistyizzy · 04/02/2024 13:02

ampletime · 04/02/2024 11:22

Schools promote iPads as Big Tech firms penetrate education, benefiting financially. For school leaders the substantial savings from reduced printing, exercise, and textbook costs are offset by transferring iPad expenses to parents. This raises concerns about sending children to private schools, where hefty fees, coupled with parent-funded iPads, may not directly benefit the child. Despite claims of a hybrid model, in some schools, the underlying agenda in private schools often revolves around cost-cutting, impacting the educational experience. Also children are tasked with charging devices at home, again cost save for the school.

Why would anyone not hold private schools to account for this, the fees paid at private schools in particular are exorbitant.

My better half works with a big tech company.

Edited

OK I will give you an example of how DDs private school utilise devices:
Subject wide project of writing a 1000 word short story.

  • English they use pen and paper to write ideas, map out the story, character design etc. They then write first and second drafts on paper.
  • Once they are satisfied with the 2nd draft they have to type up final draft. This can be done through either manual input or voice recognition
  • In Art they design the front and back covers with pencil and paper. Once happy with the design they then use any medium to add colour/dimension ie watercoliur/acrylic etc.
  • Once happy with the cover in Art they transfer to DT lessons whereby they learn how to translate their drawings onto computer
  • The school then print out final copy

I am very happy with this as they are blending both manual and ICT skills and translating each into meaningful activities. This project is then assessed and graded by each department and goes towards this term's subject assessments.

surreygirl1987 · 04/02/2024 13:48

Yes, it is a preprint, but this is normal, I think. Peer-review takes some time and authors publish preprint while it is pending. It is not a sign the study is not good

Yes I know. I'm an educational researcher. It doesn't mean that it doesn't have legitimate findings, but people just skimming the headline do need to be aware that this is not yet a peer reviewed piece of research, and that matters.

OP posts:
Xenia · 21/04/2024 07:44

I don't think they need too many digital skills (as they learn so much at home - too much in many cases) at that age and can learn them later.

Original poster
ampletime · 15/07/2024 09:12

https://x.com/Miss_Snuffy/status/1698348160559518168

from the well known head katharine b

x.com

https://x.com/Miss_Snuffy/status/1698348160559518168

OP posts:
YourAmusedOtter · 26/07/2024 11:52

ampletime · 06/10/2023 22:20

My child's school recently introduced iPads for all parents, effectively eliminating traditional textbooks and paper worksheets in favour of a fully digital approach. While I understand the move towards digital learning, I'm concerned that the costs are being transferred to parents in a private education setting. The school seems to raise fees but with this digital move they are also saving, a lot of money. I paid for the iPad. It seems that the school is heavily relying on digital technology, which I believe might not necessarily improve the quality of education. I'm skeptical about the idea that increased screen time will genuinely enhance the learning experience.
Are we inadvertently turning our children into screen-dependent individuals by providing them with iPads around the clock? iPads offer numerous distractions, and I'm concerned about the potential consequences of these constant digital engagements on our children.

Any opposing views?

Ample, Introduced because of damp paper/ not great for suitcases (homework) And wasting paper.

ThisPinkKoala · 29/07/2024 04:40

I feel the exact same way however I haven't bought the ipads (twins).

They insist that we buy them and they can only use them at school if we agree to allow the state department of education to be the device administrator of each device.

No thank you.

I'll use one of the many free ones the state government paid for the school to use.

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