Discover How a Georgia Elementary School is Reviving Learning with Technology-Free Days!

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Technology in classrooms has grown a lot in recent years. One elementary school in metro Atlanta is taking a step back with days free of tech.

At Jack P. Nix Elementary School, students are setting aside their laptops and tablets for four special days this year. They’re going old-school with paper and pens.

The backstory:

Robin Chisolm, a first-grade teacher, shared that the idea started with their school counselor. “We thought having tech-free days was a great plan,” she said.

Chisolm has been at the school for 25 years. When she started in 1999, technology in classrooms was minimal. “We barely used tech, maybe a filmstrip now and then. Then, things really took off,” she recalled.

While technology can be very helpful, school counselor Erica Owens has noticed some issues with too much screen time.

“I see students from ages 5 to 11 every day, and tech often comes up in our talks,” she explained. This inspired her to plan the unplugged days.

“I’m really proud of our staff for supporting this idea. It’s a challenge we all face, finding balance with our devices.”

What they’re saying:

Principal Laura Hall believes these days help engage students in new ways. “We have great tech resources, but it’s refreshing to step back and try hands-on activities,” Hall mentioned.

Chisolm also found the tech-free days enjoyable for both teachers and students. “The kids were excited and wanted more days like this. They need time off technology to interact with each other,” she noted.

What’s next:

Though they won’t eliminate technology completely, they are focusing on finding balance in education. “We want to be present and help everyone thrive,” Hall stated.

Jack P. Nix Elementary has two more tech-free days planned for this year. The activities were such a hit that some lessons are now being integrated into regular classroom time.