As the use of laptops and tablets becomes more common in K–12 classrooms, some parents are questioning whether increased screen time is benefiting students’ learning, according to a March 18 discussion with Shana Levi-Nielsen, assistant professor of instruction at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development.
The debate over technology in schools has gained attention as families express concerns about student development, attention spans, and digital distractions. Levi-Nielsen said that while technology has reshaped education since the pandemic and offers benefits such as individualized practice opportunities for students and classroom management support for teachers, there are also significant drawbacks. “Technology can give students more opportunities to practice skills, and it can help teachers manage classrooms with a lot of different learning needs. But there are also real drawbacks, and parents are starting to notice those much more clearly,” she said.
Levi-Nielsen explained that one challenge is monitoring how students actually use their time on devices. She noted that from a parent’s perspective, device usage may not always be productive or closely connected to learning. “That disconnect is one reason this movement is gaining traction,” she said.
Concerns about screen time affecting behavior and mental health are supported by research, Levi-Nielsen said. She pointed out that excessive screen time can make it harder for children to engage in other important activities like outdoor play or social interaction. “From a behavioral perspective, screen time can be extremely stimulating. It provides a level of constant engagement that kids don’t get in everyday interactions,” she said.
Levi-Nielsen emphasized the importance of foundational skills such as handwriting for memory and learning, especially among younger students. She distinguished between necessary assistive technologies for students with disabilities and overreliance on digital tools that could lower expectations or replace essential skill-building instruction.
In preparing future educators at Temple University, Levi-Nielsen said her teaching focuses on helping graduate students understand both the benefits and limitations of technology: “What I emphasize is that technology is a tool that can enhance professional practice, but it shouldn’t replace the job of a well-trained practitioner.” Looking ahead, she advised parents and educators to ensure technology enhances rather than replaces teaching: “Technology should enhance teaching, not replace it.”
