Using a Tablet at School

Question: My child regularly uses a tablet at school. Should I be concerned?

Answer: Since the One Laptop per Child initiative in 2005 and the launch of the iPad in 2010, K-12 education has been one pathway through which young children start using internet-connected technologies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, adoption of tablets and laptops became nearly universal in U.S. public K-12 school. 

Research has found that using touchscreen devices generally has a positive effect on young children’s academic learning in the classroom, especially for improving reading and math. But tablets can have different games and features. Some things for parents to consider:

1. Specific app features: is it interactive and at the right skill level?
2. App approach: is it play-based and/or does it allow for child-led exploration?
3. Instructional grouping/adult feedback: is the child using the app in a small group, in pairs, or individually, and do they receive feedback from a teacher on their activity?
4. Child age and previous experience/familiarity with touchscreens: does the child understand how to use different features of learning programs?

Unfortunately, we don’t know very much about the long-term impacts of touchscreen device use in classrooms on young children’s learning as most of the research has looked at the immediate or short-term effects of use.

What can parents do?

• If you feel unsure about your young child using touchscreens in school, talk to their teacher. The good news is there are proven learning benefits when the technology is well designed and students get support from teachers.
• Ask your child what types of apps or games they play on touchscreens at school. If they are playing video games that have no learning goals, you can ask that they be given another activity instead (like reading or drawing).
• It’s OK to ask teachers:
  • Which lessons or activities are touchscreens used for?
  • Does the school have a goal to follow an approach like the Ed Tech triangle?
  • How does my child handle transition away from the touchscreen? Does this cause more problems?
  • Do they use a curriculum like Common Sense Education that teaches young kids about their relationship with technology?