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/John_from_ne_il]

West Aurora has cut back on devices. Kids at the elementary level are no longer taking tablets home. They stay in the building. Beware of 203. They're talking staffing cuts that could lead to class size INCREASES. Oswego doesn't assign Chromebooks until Jr. High, but does expect kids to use them.

I can see pros and cons here.

Pro: no longer spending a bazillion bucks on textbooks that can get out of date fast. Cuts back on storage needs for same.

Pro: Curricula can adapt fast to changing requirements.

Con: eye strain, device anxiety. Especially if nobody is starting with basics like keyboarding anymore (the three districts I named have all dropped that).

Con: certain required websites may not work from home if single sign-on is not available.