LCMS Students Take on the Screen-Time Debate
Does technology improve our lives—or control them?
Students in Amanda Todd’s middle school classroom are exploring that question through a project that combines research, critical thinking and civic engagement.
Students began by considering how often they use technology and the different roles it plays in their lives. They then examined technology through fiction, nonfiction and poetry, weighing its benefits against its potential drawbacks.
“The ultimate goal is to get kids to realize that they do have a voice,” Todd said. “There’s a lot going on in their community, and through writing and their words, they can get their voices out and be heard.”
Students also welcomed several visitors for a classroom question-and-answer session about technology use in education. In addition, they watched a video from Superintendent Adryanne Warren discussing the district’s Screen-Free initiative.
Those conversations challenged students to decide whether schools should allow more or less screen time. Each student is now writing a letter to Warren that states an opinion, supports it with evidence and proposes how the school and district should approach technology.
“I appreciate Ms. Todd for teaching students to advocate for themselves through research, evaluate the facts and make informed decisions about technology,” Warren said. “This work also supports our district’s effort to limit overall screen use while ensuring that time spent on devices is purposeful, high-quality instructional time.”
The assignment gives students an opportunity to write for a real audience and contribute to a timely conversation affecting their education. Rather than being told what to think, they must evaluate different perspectives, form their own conclusions and make a persuasive case for change.
“It’s about asking students what they think,” Todd said. “Should we have less screen time or more? Now they’re sharing their opinions, the reasons behind them and their proposals for how our schools should handle technology.”
