From the Facts They Don't Teach You The world spent years pushing screens into classrooms. Tablets replaced textbooks. Digital assignments replaced handwritten notes. Schools were told that the future of education was sitting behind a screen. Now some European countries are starting to reverse course. Sweden, Finland, Norway, France, Italy, and Denmark are all moving away from heavy classroom digitalization and bringing back something many schools thought was disappearing: printed books, handwriting, and traditional reading. And this shift is not happening because of nostalgia. It is happening because researchers have found that writing by hand and reading … [Read more...]
The U.S. spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents
From an article at FORTUNE In 2002, Maine became the first state to implement a statewide laptop program to some grade levels. Then-governor Angus King saw the program as a way to put the internet at the fingertips of more children, who would be able to immerse themselves in information. By that fall, the Maine Learning Technology Initiative had distributed 17,000 Apple laptops to seventh graders across 243 middle schools. By 2016, those numbers had multiplied to 66,000 laptops and tablets distributed to Maine students. King’s initial efforts have been mirrored across the country. In 2024, the U.S. spent more than $30 billion putting laptops and tablets in schools. But more than … [Read more...]
How to Find Success When Going Back to School as an Adult
Today's article comes to us from Emily at Mightymom's. Education never ends. Today she talks about adults returning to school. Returning to school as an adult can be both thrilling and intimidating. Between managing work, family, and personal commitments, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. But with the right strategy, tools, and mindset, adult learners often thrive — bringing life experience, motivation, and focus that younger students may not yet have developed. Success as an adult learner comes down to preparation, time management, digital organization, and mindset. Start with clear goals, create a sustainable routine, use tech tools to stay organized, build a support system, … [Read more...]
Screen vs. Paper: Which One Boosts Reading Comprehension?
Today's article is from Oxford Learning: https://oxfordlearning.com/screen-vs-paper-which-one-boosts-reading-comprehension/ In today’s digital world, reading on screens has become the norm—but is it the best way for students to learn? Neuroscience research suggests that reading comprehension, not just what we read, plays a crucial role in comprehension, retention, and overall academic success. When we swap pages for pixels, we’re changing the way our brains process information. For students, this can make a significant difference in their ability to absorb and retain what they read. The Print Advantage: What Science Says Studies show that reading print books leads to better reading … [Read more...]
Sweden School Tablets vs Books
Sweden has been reconsidering the role of digital tools, such as tablets, in its education system, particularly in response to concerns about declining reading comprehension skills among students. The country has historically been a leader in digital education, with tablets being a common sight in classrooms for over a decade. However, recent policy shifts have emphasized a return to traditional learning methods, such as the use of physical books and handwriting, especially for younger students. In 2022, Sweden’s Minister of Education, Lotta Edholm, expressed alarm over the decline in Swedish children’s reading comprehension skills, as highlighted by the Progress in International Reading … [Read more...]
Children’s Brains Shaped by Their Time on Tech
Today's article comes from the Taylor and Francis Group. Time spent watching television or playing computer games has measurable and long-term effects on children’s brain function, according to a review of 23 years of neuroimaging research, which while showing negative impacts also demonstrates some positive effects. However, the researchers stop short of advocating limits on screen time, which they say can lead to confrontation. Instead, they urge policymakers to help parents navigate the digital world by promoting programs which support positive brain development. The evidence review, published today in the peer-reviewed journal Early Education and Development, is an analysis of … [Read more...]
School Administrators ‘Worm Around’ Laws Banning Critical Race Theory, Undercover Videos Reveal
So some school districts say they don't teach Critical Race Theory (CRT) when they really do. They may call it something else but the essence is there. In Washington State teachers are required by law to go through CRT training. Today we share a story that ran in The National Review. Take a few minutes to read the article and then go ask your local school district what they are doing and then file a public record request to get the details. Lastly, share those with us so we can share with our readers. As the intra-right debate over anti–critical race theory laws continues, new evidence has emerged to support the notion that the laws are toothless because ultimately teachers in the … [Read more...]
Pearson’s Strategy to Disrupt the Education System
Who is Pearson's? They are a large company who develops educational and testing materials. Sounds reasonable right? Let's dig a little deeper and then we'll share an article we came across that also took a look at Pearson so you can see what they found. First let's look at their website: https://www.pearson.com/us/ They are a global company and see their mission as re-shaping education world-wide. They put together their own brochure to tell people about who they are: Little Guide to Pearson They are one of the companies who has pushed Common Core. They have reaped billions of dollars in sales by pushing Common Core and other unproven programs. They tell us about all the … [Read more...]
A new study shows that students learn way more effectively from print textbooks than screens
Computers make learning better, more efficient, faster...right? Tablets. social media, online testing...all are better ways to educate our children...right? The following article is another example of how physical books, physical handwriting, hand note taking...all do a better job. Rather than blindly follow the herd perhaps consider learning more about the value of traditional learning methods vs. the new? Ask those who promote computer learning for evidence...proof that new is better? This article comes to us from The BusinessInsider. Writers are Patricia A. Alexander and Lauren M. Singer Today's students see themselves as digital natives, the first generation to grow up … [Read more...]
Top 10 K-12 Education Fads – Failing our Children (Updated Jan 2019)
A new article you may want to read: https://swweducation.org?p=5486 In your lifetime have you seen educational fads that turned out to be stinkers? How many times have you seen companies selling new approaches to better education? How many times have you seen administrators implement new programs designed to “prepare our students for the future” only to have them quietly retired in 5-10 years? We set out to examine the past 30 years based on research and our own experiences. To be clear, this is our opinion. We raised 4 children who now are in their 30’s and 40’s. We’ve participated in raising 11 grandchildren. We’ve had some decent education ourselves (Bachelor’s … [Read more...]