Schools today are embracing the screen-based transformation, 'screen time in schools' has become a key player in shaping our children's journey. Embracing the awe-inspiring might of technology, we walk the fine line of balance, unlocking screen-based learning's potential while prioritising our students' well-being.

How Does Screen Time Affect Students?

From fostering creativity and critical thinking to promoting interactive learning experiences, educational screen time has the power to:

• Light the Spark of Knowledge
• Planting the Roots of Creativity
• Building Bridges Through Interactive Learning
• Fostering Healthy Bodies to House Healthy Minds

However, like everything else, the key lies in striking the right balance. Let’s take a deeper look at how screen time is shaping our children’s minds and also the importance of maintaining good old physical activity alongside enriching social interactions.

Light the Spark of Knowledge:

Imagine your child diving into a universe of information, discovering new worlds, and unravelling mysteries. Screen time offers an amazing opportunity to quench this intellectual curiosity. Just remember to keep the journey focused, guiding your child towards valuable resources that align with their education and interests.

Planting the Roots of Creativity:

Screen time isn't just about passive consumption. It's a creative playground where students can develop problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. From interactive games to immersive puzzles, screen time can be a gateway to intellectual growth. However, let's not forget to strike a balance, ensuring screen time also fosters creativity off the screen.

Building Bridges Through Interactive Learning:

The screen serves as a window to the world, inviting students to connect with diverse cultures, experiences, and ideas. Virtual field trips, global classrooms, and real-time information make learning a vibrant, exciting journey. Yet, let's also remember the importance of personal experiences and offline learning. It's all about balance!

Fostering Healthy Bodies to House Healthy Minds:

In the allure of the digital world, let's not overlook the importance of physical activity. Regular exercise is crucial for your child's health, providing a necessary counterbalance to screen time. So, while we venture into the digital domain, let's also remember to step outside, feel the sun on our faces, and keep our bodies active.

How Much Screen Time During School for Children?

Screen time for young school children should ideally not exceed an hour per day, as recommended by the World Health Organisation; however, the lines get blurred as they move into higher grades. Here, screen time recommendations for schools should embrace a flexible approach.

Young learners blossom when screen time is carefully managed, focusing on high-quality, interactive, and educational content. As your children climb the academic ladder, their screen time can gradually increase, widening their learning opportunities. However, it's vital to ensure this screen-based engagement dances harmoniously with other educational activities, physical exercise, and social interactions.

How to Manage Screen Time in Schools?

Embarking on the journey of managing screen time in schools is akin to stepping onto an exciting new path. Here are some thoughtful pointers to light our way:

• Nurturing Team Spirit
• Setting Clear Guidelines
• Building Consistent Routines
• Achieving Balance

Now, let’s delve into the task of managing screen time in schools with confidence, all while keeping your child's best interests at heart.

Nurturing Team Spirit

Start by recognising that this journey isn't for the lone traveller. It calls for a collective effort, where educators and parents join hands to create an enriching learning environment. It's a shared adventure, where every voice matters, and every step forward counts.

Setting Clear Guidelines

Think of these guidelines as our trusty compass, directing us through the complicated and unclear screen time usage. Ensuring these are meticulously crafted to align with educational goals and curricular objectives can make the journey more fruitful. It's about building the right bridge between technology and education - sturdy, efficient, and purposeful.

Building Consistent Routines

Education isn't about racing to the finish line but journeying at a pace that respects individual needs; therefore, implementing structured schedules that include regular breaks is essential to maintain a healthy rhythm. It's about letting children wander off the digital path for a while, immerse in physical activities, engage in face-to-face interactions, and then return refreshed for another learning session.

Achieving Balance

The landscape of learning is vast and varied. It's not all about screen time; we must remember to explore the myriad of other aspects of educational activities. It's like keeping one foot in the digital world while the other one steps into the physical world, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded learning experience.

Education & Screen Time in Schools - How to Apply Screen-Based Learning for Children?

Indeed, the blending of education and screen time in schools requires thoughtful planning and a touch of finesse. Here's an empathetic step-by-step guide on how to apply screen-based learning for children:

• Step 1: Setting the Course
• Step 2: Navigating the Digital Landscape
• Step 3: Keeping an Eye on the Horizon

Melding education and screen time in schools can feel like a daunting task, but with a bit of preparation and understanding, we can break it down into a detailed manageable process.

 

Step 1: Setting the Course

Every successful journey starts with a clear destination in mind. In the same way, every meaningful screen-based learning experience needs well-defined goals. Begin by pinpointing the educational objectives which wish to achieve through screen-based learning. This will ensure that screen time weaves seamlessly into the broader educational tapestry and the curriculum.

Step 2: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Let's prioritise selecting educational resources that truly sparkle engagement, interaction, and the spark of critical thinking. It's important for us to remember, we're here to create a space where 'learning' takes centre stage, rather than simply 'screening'. Let's commit to selecting tools that make every digital moment a step forward on the exciting journey of discovery and growth of our children.

Step 3: Keeping an Eye on the Horizon

The digital journey in education doesn't end with the implementation of screen learning. It must monitor with our ongoing attention and effort along the way. Is the screen learning engaging the students? Are the concepts being absorbed and understood? Gathering these insights maintains an adaptable and responsive stance.

Let's embrace screen-based learning as an ally in our pursuit of education. Together, we can use its power to create an enriching and effective educational environment, one that sparks joy, fuels curiosity and cultivates lifelong learners.

Screen Time in Schools: Striking the Right Balance

The realm of 'screen time in schools' presents a remarkable opportunity to revolutionise learning, a quest embraced with mindful and dedicated commitment. Therefore, at UNIS Hanoi, our dynamic International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme are about future-ready learning, it blends tech-based and traditional education, creating a rich, inspiring learning space for our young futures. So let's navigate this journey together, empowering our students, our children, and our future. Apply now, the adventure at UNIS Hanoi awaits your child!