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Technology in the Classroom

While helping students to learn how to become digital citizens and use technology in responsible and practical ways is part of the Colonial curriculum and state standards, administrators, faculty, and staff understand that technology tools must be used with thought, intention, and balance.

Colonial’s core beliefs surrounding technology in the classroom are:

  • Curriculum is delivered through direct instruction, discussion, and hands-on experiences. Technology supports these efforts and is not meant to replace them.
  • Digital tools are used intentionally and in limited, purposeful ways to support learning and engagement.
  • Effective learning is achieved through the thoughtful balance of technology and meaningful interactions between students and teachers.
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Screen Time During the School Day

Every student in Colonial School District is assigned a Chromebook to be used for classwork only. How long they use the devices during the typical school day depends on their age. Students in kindergarten through third grade spend a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes a day using technology, while fourth- and fifth-graders spend between 40 to 50 minutes a day. 

Students at the secondary level spend more time using their devices since many classroom resources, such as textbooks, are now digital. For older students, the maximum time spent on a device is 2.5 to 3 hours spread throughout the day. 

In another effort to limit student use of school-issued devices, Colonial School District no longer permits students in grades K-5 to take their Chromebooks home. Students in grades 6-12 may take their devices home to complete homework or other assigned projects.

Faculty and staff are reminded through meetings and professional development to limit screen time and to choose teacher-directed activities when possible. However, it is necessary for students to spend some time engaged with technology so they have the skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving technological world. It is also important for students to engage in differentiated learning experiences that provide multiple pathways to access content, demonstrate understanding, and receive instruction that meets their individual strengths, needs, and readiness levels. 

To support this, the District uses digital resources for elementary ELA and mathematics. The ELA resources include Benchmark (K-3), Wonders (4-5), Wilson Fun Hub (K-3), Lexia, Read Naturally, and Imagine Learning. The math resources include IXL, Xtra Math, Tang Math. Technology education teachers, special area teachers, and special education teachers may use other platforms to meet specific instructional goals and reinforce learning.

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Digital Citizenship & Cell Phone Use

Most children come to Colonial already knowing how to use technology, so teaching them about digital citizenship from the start is important. At the elementary level, students learn how to become good digital citizens through library and technology classes. Middle school students are required to take foundational technology classes that teach responsible online behavior. Digital citizenship lessons are reinforced throughout high school as well. Speakers are brought in throughout the school year to talk with students about what they can do to protect themselves and others online.

It is Colonial’s hope that these digital citizenship lessons carry over into students’ personal use of technology. Knowing that many students already own smartphones, smartwatches, and other internet-connected devices, Colonial School District has implemented electronic device guidelines that are shared in student/family handbooks. Here’s a summary by grade level:

  • K-5: Students may bring cellphones to school as long as they are turned off and stored in backpacks during school hours and on the bus.
  • 6-8: Students must keep cell phones turned off and in their lockers during the school day. They can use them to access games or music while waiting for dismissal to class from their morning location, but cannot make calls, texts or take picture/video/audio recordings.
  • 9-12: Students may bring phones to school and use them at the discretion of the teacher or in technology-safe zones, such as the hallways (during class transitions) and the cafeteria. 

For more detailed information, please review student handbooks by clicking here.

These rules are subject to change based on what’s decided by the state. Legislation to ban cell phone use in all Pennsylvania schools is under consideration but has not been signed into law as of this publication’s printing.