San Diego reining in school technology
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
When school starts in August, classroom use of technology will look a little different.
The big picture: The San Diego Unified school board voted Tuesday on a suite of new technology restrictions.
Zoom in: These changes go into effect with the new school year on Aug. 10:
- No video-streaming, including YouTube, or "non-instructional gaming" on student laptops
- No computers for Transitional Kindergarten students, except if a student has specific needs for one, including an Individualized Education Plan.
- By next winter break, the district will create guidance for how computers are used and set timeframes for when students' Chromebook can be used.
The school district will also work on providing options for elementary students to leave Chromebooks at school and ban their use during lunch and other non-classroom times.
Context: Some of these changes align with a resolution from the advocacy group Schools Beyond Screens.
What's next: Before the end of the school year, the district will also restrict AI software to "district-approved applications only" and require school technology to be free of ads.
"A learner-centered approach to technology uses digital tools purposefully to support diverse learning needs, strengthen connection, and create more time for meaningful human interaction, and limits passive use of devices in favor of experiences that promote student thinking, creativity, collaboration, and engagement," read the resolution passed Tuesday.