We know how much smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. But what happens when these devices enter classrooms? UNESCO, the UN agency for education, science and culture, has recently released a relationship that recommends a ban on smartphones in schools around the world. But is this the right way to go against the trend for which a device has now become "a drug" for the youngest users?
A new UNESCO report calls for a global ban on smartphones in schools. But what does it mean for the future of education?
According to UNESCO, the excessive use of smartphones is linked to a rireduction of educational performance and a negative impact on the emotional stability of children. But that is not all. The agency argues that digital technology, including artificial intelligence, should always be conditional on a "human-centered view” of education and should not never replace face-to-face interaction with teachers.
UNESCO warns policymakers not to uncritically embrace digital technology, arguing that its impact positive on the results of learning and economic efficiency may be overrated. “Not all change constitutes progress. Just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be done“, concludes the report.
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With the rise of online learning, especially in universities, UNESCO urges policy makers to do not neglect the "social dimension" of educationwhere students are taught face-to-face. “Those pushing for increasing individualization may be missing the point of what education is“, The report states.
UNESCO stresses in the report that countries must ensure they have clear goals and principles for ensure that digital technology in education is beneficial and avoids harm, both for individual student health, and for democracy and human rights more broadly, for example through invasion of privacy and online hate speech. It is worth mentioning that Unesco is not the first organization to condemn the use of certain technologies in educational institutions. The government of San Paul blocked the use of Instagram, TikTok, Netflix and other apps in schools on the state network in March 2023. France has banned the use of smartphones in the classroom since 2018 ei Villages Low they will follow suit in 2024.
Through | The Guardian
