The U.S. spent $30B to ditch textbooks
11 hours ago
- #education-technology
- #learning-crisis
- #Gen-Z
- Maine was the first state to implement a statewide laptop program in 2002, aiming to provide internet access to students.
- By 2016, Maine distributed 66,000 laptops and tablets to students, but test scores did not improve.
- Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath testified that Gen Z is less cognitively capable despite increased technology access.
- Standardized test scores have declined, correlating with increased screen time in schools.
- Horvath argues that unfettered technology access has weakened learning environments rather than strengthened them.
- A 2021 poll found teachers spend 1-4 hours daily on educational tech, but students often engage in off-task activities.
- Task-switching due to technology interrupts learning, leading to weaker memory formation and higher error rates.
- Jean Twenge notes that addictive app designs hinder sustained attention, making screen time counterproductive for learning.
- A 2025 study found TikTok requires minimal effort, balancing relevant and surprising content to keep users engaged.
- Over 1,600 plaintiffs have sued Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube, alleging their platforms harm children's mental health.
- Horvath suggests policy solutions like efficacy standards for classroom tech and limits on data collection for minors.
- 17 states have banned cellphone use during instructional time, and 75% of schools prohibit non-academic phone use.
- Horvath calls Gen Z victims of a failed pedagogical experiment, urging them to recognize and address the issue.