Opinion: Why putting kids on a ‘digital diet’ may disadvantage them at school
To the editor: As an elementary school teacher in my 60s, l read Naomi Schaefer Riley’s article with great interest. (“Kids don’t need a cellphone; they need a digital diet,” Opinion, Jan. 2)
What many people who are not involved in public education may not realize is how technology-dependent it has become.
My district has an online program that teachers use for diagnostic testing and students use to practice language arts and math skills. My students also use online programs instead of flashcards to learn their math facts. State testing is done online, so children need to know how to use these electronic devices.
I have students who are not online at home, which impedes their academic progress. We have laptops that students use at school, but kids without internet access at home are still at a disadvantage.
I wholeheartedly agree with Riley about the importance of getting lost in good books, which I do regularly — on my Nook tablet.
Diane Andersen, Claremont
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