Sweden reexamines the use of computers in schools | Focus on Europe

Summary

In a southern Swedish town, a school is shifting from digital to traditional learning, reintroducing printed books after years of digital-only education. Fourth graders, who used laptops for most lessons, now face new challenges, such as reading and writing by hand. Teachers and government officials have noted the drawbacks of exclusive digital learning, including slower reading and reduced comprehension. Sweden's government is now funding book purchases and aims to balance digital tools with traditional methods, believing that young children should avoid excessive screen time in favor of printed materials.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Printed Books Return**: Swedish schools are reintroducing printed books in classrooms after years of digital-only teaching.
• 👨‍🎓 **Student Adjustment**: Students are noticing differences in learning with physical books compared to digital devices, such as more descriptions and the need to read themselves.
• 📈 **Decreased Reading Skills**: Teachers have observed that students read more slowly and have a smaller vocabulary due to digital teaching methods.
• 🏫 **Decentralized Education System**: Sweden's education system is not centralized, allowing for varied approaches to digitization in different schools.
• 📊 **Government Support**: The Swedish government is investing €10 million for book purchases to promote traditional learning methods.
• 👩‍🏫 **Teacher Concerns**: Teachers have protested against the overuse of digital tools, feeling unheard in their concerns about young children's exposure to screens.
• 🧠 **Brain Research Influence**: Research suggests that young children should not be exposed to screens, influencing the government's push for less digitization.
• 📱 **Digital Tools for Older Students**: There is a belief that digital teaching materials should be reserved for older children.
• 🌍 **Geography Class Example**: In geography, laptops are used to explore Sweden, showing a balanced approach where digital tools are used effectively.
• 👨‍🏫 **Teacher's Role**: The future is digital, and teachers need to handle new tools correctly to prepare students for it.
• 🤔 **Student Preference**: Some students prefer a combination of digital and traditional methods, as demonstrated by one student who uses a book when the computer freezes.

Q & A

What happens at the start of the school day in Herbo, Sweden?

At the start of the school day, pupils in Herbo, Sweden, are required to turn in their smartphones to the teacher.

Why are Swedish fourth graders receiving their first printed math books?

After nearly four years of working mostly with laptops, Swedish fourth graders are receiving their first printed math books to reintroduce traditional learning methods, including reading and writing by hand.

What differences did the students notice between using laptops and printed books in math class?

The students noticed that printed books have more descriptions, and they now have to read the exercises themselves instead of having them read aloud by the computer. One student mentioned that it might be harder because they have to write by hand.

Why is the use of printed books being reintroduced in some Swedish schools?

Printed books are being reintroduced because teachers have observed that purely digital lessons negatively affect students’ reading speed, vocabulary, and comprehension. The switch aims to improve these skills.

What was the national recommendation for teaching methods in Sweden five years ago?

Five years ago, Sweden’s Education Ministry recommended using digital teaching aids like laptops and apps over traditional books.

What negative effects have teachers observed from teaching with digital tools?

Teachers have observed that students read more slowly, have a smaller vocabulary, and understand less of what they read, which they attribute to the excessive use of digital tools in the classroom.

What is the stance of Sweden’s government regarding digitization in schools?

Sweden’s government, led by the conservative prime minister, wants to reduce the reliance on digital tools in primary education. The government is promoting more reading with printed books and has allocated significant funds for book purchases.

Why do some people believe digital teaching materials should be limited to older students?

Some believe that brain research suggests young children should not be exposed to screens, as it may affect their development. Therefore, digital teaching materials should be limited to older students.

What changes does the Swedish government plan to implement in the education system?

The Swedish government plans to provide new guidelines for teachers to limit screen time for young children and promote more traditional learning methods, such as reading books and writing by hand.

How do teachers view the balance between digital and traditional tools in education?

Many teachers believe a balance is needed between digital tools and traditional methods. While they acknowledge that digital skills are essential for the future, they also recognize the importance of books and hands-on learning.