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A tech-free week at Waverley College resulted in heightened classroom participation and fewer distractions, according to staff and students.

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For five days in late October, Waverley College conducted a ban on technology, requiring students from years 5 to 12 to complete all lessons and assignments without using laptops or digital devices.

A Week Without Screens

The initiative, aimed at improving student focus and well-being, saw students return to traditional learning methods such as handwritten notes and hard-copy textbooks. The all-boys school, which typically provides laptops for students, implemented the experiment after recognising the potential benefits of reducing screen time. 

Deputy Principal Lynsey Porter noted that the trial encouraged better engagement and study habits, with staff feedback showing overwhelming support for the idea.

Students found the experience both challenging and enlightening. One year 10 student shared that while it was initially difficult, taking handwritten notes proved less distracting and helped with subjects like maths and history. However, he also pointed out that typing remains essential for longer tasks requiring substantial editing.

Broader Impact Across Schools

The tech-free week initiative comes amidst a growing conversation in Sydney schools about the role of technology in education. Schools like Killara High in the Upper North Shore and Ashfield Boys High in the Inner West have been limiting screen use for years, ensuring students use laptops selectively rather than as their primary learning tool. These policies have been backed by research suggesting that handwriting can enhance memory and conceptual understanding compared to typing.

At Killara High, students are required to bring traditional stationery daily, with laptops reserved for specific, teacher-guided tasks. Principal Robin Chand explained that parents often express relief upon hearing about these limits, citing concerns about excessive screen time. Similarly, Ashfield Boys High has avoided adopting a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, opting instead to provide laptops only when necessary. The school also introduced mobile phone lockers in 2023, which has led to increased active play during breaks.

The Growing Push for Balance

Other private schools, including Cranbrook, Reddam House in Bondi, and Queenwood in Mosman, are also reassessing their use of technology in classrooms. Some have shifted away from iPads to more structured laptop use, while others rely on shared computer banks that teachers can book for lessons. These approaches aim to strike a balance between leveraging technology for specific educational needs and ensuring students develop critical thinking and organisational skills through traditional methods.

Educational experts argue that while digital tools can enhance learning when used purposefully, excessive reliance on screens may hinder academic performance. Studies cited by educators across Sydney highlight that students often process information better when taking notes by hand, as it requires more cognitive engagement than typing.

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Based on the success of its tech-free week, Waverley College is considering integrating regular screen-free days into its schedule. Staff believe that even a single day per week without devices could foster healthier study habits and reduce digital distractions. Students, too, suggested that a mix of traditional and digital methods might be the most effective approach, particularly for younger year groups.

Published 31-Dec-2024