Technology Free Day
Disconnect to Reconnect: Heathmont College's Tech-Free Day Reflection
On the 3rd of August, Heathmont College embarked on an innovative journey by participating in a "Tech-Free Day," a unique initiative aimed at fostering a deeper connection among students and encouraging mindfulness in the digital age. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to disconnect from their electronic devices and connect with their community.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Tech-Free Day served as a timely reminder of the importance of disconnecting from screens and embracing face-to-face interactions. Students at Heathmont College embarked on this adventure with mixed emotions – some with excitement, others with apprehension.
Throughout the day, students were encouraged to engage in various activities that spanned the spectrum of creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. Many students were pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed these low-tech experiences.
What does the research suggest?
According to teacher and principal data from an Australian research study, the amount of time children and teenagers are spending on digital technology inside and outside school is having a significant impact on their classroom learning, and physical and mental wellbeing,
Data from Growing Up Digital Australia shows 84 per cent believed devices were a growing distraction in classrooms, while 78 per cent reported students' ability to focus on educational tasks had decreased (Gonski Institute for Education, 2020). The majority of educators surveyed also reported a decrease in student empathy (78 per cent) and physical activity (60 per cent), while roughly four out of five (81 per cent) said they had seen an increase in online harassment and cyberbullying. Almost six out of 10 teachers and principals (59 per cent) reported a decline in students' overall readiness to learn over the last three to five years.
For more on this, please read the following report: https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/the-impact-of-digital-technology-on-student-learning-and-wellbeing
Unplugging for a Day: A Student's Perspective
“I think it was good and that we should have it more often, but to have a more controlled classroom when the tech is unavailable.”
“I thought it was a good change to normal and it made us a s groups / classes talk about work and teach each other instead of using laptops.”
“It honestly wasn’t that bad we don’t actually really need our laptops for most classes.”
“The tech-free day was interesting because we weren’t used to it. I found that people were less focused towards the end of the day. I felt like I was more productive but preferred being on laptops.”
“I enjoyed it. The teachers taught more instead of just reading from a PowerPoint. It gave people more of a chance to socialise.”
“I thought tech free day was a great refresher because there were less distractions for students.”
“The absence of technology allowed students to listed to the teacher when they were talking.”
“A lot of the work we needed to do involved tech and so there was less for us to do.”
“It was good, other than the fact some teachers were unprepared.”
“Tech free day was boring, and I couldn’t see what I had and where my classes were.”
“Tech free day was fun in class and there was not much difference from a normal day.”
“I feel like almost everyone had a better day at school without using laptops and other technology, I had such chill day, it was so good and with the sunny weather it just made it even better.”
“This was so much fun as I was assigned as a ‘roll runner’ and I had to go around and collect people’s rolls. I also feel like it met it’s purpose, hardly any people are just opening their laptops without being asked”
“It was good, but it’s easier to do work on laptops.”
“It was hard to do work without a laptop, but I think it was a well-needed break”
Rediscovering Human Connections
One of the most profound realisations that emerged from the Tech-Free Day was the rekindling of authentic human connections. Without the distraction of screens, students engaged in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and even delved into deep discussions. The absence of digital interruptions allowed for a more profound exchange of ideas and emotions, strengthening the bonds among peers.
Mindfulness and Self-Reflection
The Tech-Free Day also presented an opportunity for students to engage in introspection and mindfulness. With reduced digital noise, students found themselves more attuned to their thoughts and surroundings. Many took advantage of this introspective atmosphere to journal, sketch, or simply appreciate the world around them. This practice of mindfulness encouraged students to be more present, fostering a sense of calm and self-awareness.
Unleashing Creativity
In the absence of screens and technology, students tapped into their creativity in unexpected ways. Collaborative art projects, impromptu storytelling, and imaginative games flourished throughout the day. Students discovered the joy of creating without digital constraints, embracing their inner artists and thinkers.
Looking Forward
Heathmont College's Tech-Free Day not only rekindled human connections and creativity but also instilled a sense of mindfulness that students can carry forward into their daily lives.
In a world where screens often dominate our attention, Heathmont College's commitment to fostering genuine human interactions and self-reflection is commendable. The Tech-Free Day stands as a testament to the school's dedication to holistic education and nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive in the digital age while remaining rooted in the values of authentic human connections.
Have a look into the article attached to see more information about the impact of digital technology on student learning and wellbeing.
Tech Free Day - Library
After a slightly grumpy start, both students and staff eagerly embraced the spirit of Tech Free Day once recess arrived. This brilliant idea, led by Miss Constance, aimed to reset, and return to the fundamentals of communication and play, free from the distractions of technology.
According to Common Sense Media, teenagers are spending an average of nine hours a day on their screens. Our students are no exception. They start their day by scrolling through their phones as soon as they hop off the bus or get dropped off by their parents. Although they cannot use their devices at school, they make up for it once the final bell rings as they head off home or to afterschool activities.
The library became abuzz with a higher noise level than usual (a positive sign, we assure you!), as students chatted and played with their friends. Card games, board games, and even making paper airplanes out of scrap paper became popular activities during recess and lunch.
We’d like to thank Miss Constance for introducing this concept, despite the initial grumbles, and for successfully encouraging meaningful engagement among the students without digital technology. Many staff commented on how much more the whole school community were engaged… perhaps we’ll see another Tech Free Day in future?