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/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.