As technology continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, many of us believed that incorporating screens into education would enhance learning. However, recent developments suggest we might have been gravely mistaken.
The Rise of Screens in Schools
I recall visiting my niece’s classroom a few years ago and being amazed at the sight of every student equipped with a tablet. Schools worldwide, including many in France, have embraced digital devices like tablets and laptops as supplements to traditional textbooks. These tools offer a plethora of possibilities: streaming educational videos, interactive quizzes, instant research capabilities, and even facilitating communication between teachers and parents. Platforms such as Pronote have replaced the old-fashioned correspondence notebooks, providing real-time updates on grades, schedules, and attendance.
Yet, despite these advantages, several drawbacks have emerged. Screens can be a significant source of distraction, especially for students who already struggle with attention. An international study found that reading on a backlit screen is more tiring than reading on paper, which can impair memory and make comprehension more challenging for younger learners.
Sweden’s Shift Back to Traditional Learning
Sweden, a country that had fully embraced digital learning over the past 15 years, is now reevaluating its approach. Unlike France, where textbooks remain prevalent, Swedish schools gradually replaced books with screens. From middle school onward, students spend considerable time on personal laptops or tablets provided by their schools. They’re expected to search for information online, write assignments, and study directly from their devices.
However, many parents have expressed concerns about ensuring their children are actually studying and not getting sidetracked by games or videos. In 2018, a survey revealed that one in five Swedish children aged 5 to 8 owned their own smartphone. In France, over half of school-aged children have a mobile phone, with 12% of 9 to 10-year-olds owning one.
Initially, Sweden’s Ministry of Education championed a modern, tech-focused approach to teaching. In some preschools, children even learned to read and write using tablets. Despite Swedish students still ranking high in reading comprehension within the European Union, there’s been an overall decline in academic performance. Lotta Edholm, Sweden’s Minister of Education, has voiced concerns about a lack of critical thinking and an overreliance on digital media.
In response, the Swedish government is advocating for a return to traditional textbooks. They’ve announced plans to allocate €60 million this year, followed by €44 million annually in 2024 and 2025, to expedite the reintroduction of physical books in schools. The goal is clear: ensure every student has a textbook for each subject.
Conclusion
Sweden’s decision serves as a wake-up call for other countries grappling with the balance between technology and traditional teaching methods. While screens undoubtedly offer valuable resources, it’s becoming evident that they may also impede student performance when overused. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider our assumptions about digital learning and acknowledge that sometimes, the tried-and-true methods remain the most effective.
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