Technology has been slowly gaining ground in education since the 90s, but we can thank the pandemic for the boom in educational technology (edtech). With students learning from home, the lockdown showed us the potential of technology in academia and transformed it from an aid to an essential education tool.
At Qustodio, we recognize the amazing opportunities that tech can offer children while acknowledging the drawbacks and safety risks. That’s why we’ve put together these 19 questions you might want to ask your child’s teacher about tech in the classroom.
For easier navigation, we’ve divided the questions into 3 categories: Learning, Digital wellbeing, and Security.
Learning
From comprehensive learning platforms like Google Classroom and GradPoint to gamified learning tools like Quizlet and Kahoot, technology can offer a more interactive and fun way of learning for many students.
- How can you ensure students focus on learning, and not be distracted when using devices?
- How do you balance screen time with traditional learning methods to ensure a well-rounded education?
- Which apps or platforms are students required to use, and how can we support their use at home?
- How much does AI play a role in learning?
- What measures are in place to prevent overreliance on AI and AI plagiarism?
Cybersecurity
As technology use in education continues to grow, schools are forced to consider stronger security measures. In 2023 alone, 954 data breaches in US schools and colleges were recorded – more than 7 times 2022’s figure.
As well as solutions to guard against cyberattacks, schools also have the responsibility to educate children on the dangers of sharing personal information online; especially when we consider that children are commonly targeted by scammers.
- Is there content filtering or other safety controls in place?
- What measures are in place to protect students’ privacy and personal information?
- What data is being collected by devices and learning platforms and how is it used?
- How do you educate students about online safety and the importance of protecting their personal information?
- What steps are taken to ensure that the apps and websites used in the classroom are secure and safe for student use?
- What training do teachers and staff receive regarding cybersecurity and protecting student data?
Digital wellbeing
With devices being such an integral part of family life, having a healthy relationship with technology is more important than ever. We can help children practice good digital habits by regulating their screen time and making sure they consume appropriate content; as well as safeguarding them from online dangers like cyberbullying and predation.
- How much time per day are students spending on a device? And are there mandated breaks?
- Will my child be required to use a device to complete homework or study at home?
- How do you monitor students’ online activities and ensure that they’re behaving responsibly?
- How do you protect students from interacting with inappropriate material?
- How would you deal with cyberbullying?
- Do you teach children about online predators?
- How do you prevent children from being dependent on screens?
- Do you teach students about digital literacy and online etiquette?
Healthy digital wellbeing requires parents and educators to be involved with kids’ device use, working together to create a balanced, safe environment both in and out of the classroom. Although the tech-in-schools topic isn’t limited to these 19 questions, we hope one or two serve as jumping-off points for a constructive conversation.
