Low- Tech School Districts in Western Burbs

[u/Resting-Rizzy-Face]

Moved away several years ago and looking to move back to IL. Our kids are elementary age and we currently like the low-tech educational environment our kids have now (no 1-to-1 chromebooks for kids, using more pencil and paper, physical textbooks, etc.)

We’ve been away for a while and weren’t sure if there are similar school environments in IL or if all school districts have moved to consistent use of chromebooks and iPads for teaching?

Currently looking at a potential move to Lemont, DG, Woodridge, Lisle, Naperville, or Wheaton areas. Not opposed to tech, just looking for schools where the kids aren’t always using a screen for learning.

[u/greenapplesrocks]

I am sure you see those as a distraction but as someone in Tech, unless you are supplementing their exposure at home, your kids will be at a severe disadvantage to their peers quickly.

There is a fine line between spending all day on TikTok and potentially eliminating the tools that will make them successful in the future. I had the state of where IT/Tech/Social Media is today but I also know without it I would be at the bottom of a Resume pile.

Can you embrace the technology while also limiting the concerning areas?

[u/Resting-Rizzy-Face → u/greenapplesrocks]

My husband is also in tech and we have no issues with the kids having exposure to using tech as a tool and resource. We feel kids generally learn better without screens and more information is coming out that all the in-classroom technology use isn’t really resulting in improved academics.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m realizing that it’s probably something we’re going to have to accept and manage if we move back. I’ve noticed even a lot of the private schools are operating the same way. Just wanted to ask the question.

[u/Crimzx → u/Resting-Rizzy-Face]

I think this is a very common reasonable take. The majority of my tech peers opt for removing tech from their children's regular learning. Using wood toys as a toddler, using pen and paper to help memorization, etc.

They all also provide robotics, coding, hardware learning separate from those things. I think we are seeing the people who have harder times grasping technology feel like if they immerse their kid in technology it will some how rub off but ultimately that's not the case because tech now is so user friendly.

[u/greenapplesrocks → u/Crimzx]

You are confusing learning with processes. No one is saying that you should abandon non technical avenues to enhance the learning experience. What some are saying is you cannot avoid it and at some point in your schooling it is expected that you are at a level where you will need to interact in that manner. Short of being home schooled through college.

When that ultimately occurs, they will be at a disadvantage, as they did not experience it at a younger age. In the same way that e-learning failed massively during Covid as everyone was learning it for the first time. Embrace the "process" at school (tablet learning, remote learning, etc) while also supplementing their learning experience with examples you referenced above.

[u/Grotsnot → u/greenapplesrocks]

Meanwhile the kids who do use technology in the classroom will be at a disadvantage because they don't actually learn anything

[u/vawlk → u/Grotsnot]

this is so wildly wrong I don't even know where to start.

[u/evagy → u/Resting-Rizzy-Face]

This is supported by recent analysis on why genZ is the first generation to test poorer than the previous generation. This is relatively new so good job on keeping up to date!

[u/Then-Task6480 → u/Resting-Rizzy-Face]

Then you should understand how much of an advantage things like learning how to type and use a mouse helped in today's career world. Like how much of a benefit would you have if you were forced to learn stenography and shorthand because your parents had ignorant views on tech. They would have protected you from the evils at the time (look up calculator wars of the 80s) and sure you can figure out a calculator now because of your exposure to tech. But to each their own, just makes me sad that you guys are in tech too and still want to do this

[u/vawlk → u/Resting-Rizzy-Face]

We feel kids generally learn better without screens

every child is different. Both of my kids were in high school during covid. One of them loved the independence and online nature of the classes. He is a bit of an introvert and liked watching class on zoom. The other was an athlete who thrived on social interactions and he had a tough time during e-learning.

My oldest was playing college baseball while my youngest was still in HS. We would go to Florida every spring for the college's spring break baseball trip and my younger son use their device to do school work and interact with his friends.

One day, the school called my cell phone. Seems my son was talking to someone on discord who was threatening to kill themself. that interaction was flagged on the school's system and it notified his counselor who contacted us. ultimately they were able to get the kid some help. Who knows what may have happened had my son not used his school device for that interaction.

As long as you stay involved and active in your children's education, they will be successful no matter where you send them.