Change Technology Approach: Elmhurst Parents To School District

ELMHURST, IL – Nearly 600 people have signed a week-old petition that calls for Elmhurst schools to change their technology policies.

Resident Jane Errebo titled her Change.org petition "Protect Childhood Learning by Implementing Evidence-Based Policies in District 205."

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She asks the district to roll back its policy of one device per student. She noted that districts around the country are removing device usage for young students and enacting policies on when and how devices are used in classrooms.

"Learning through 1:1 devices has been proven to be less effective than teacher interaction, physical books, pencil, and paper," Errebo said in the petition. "Along with having a negative effect on learning, device usage can negatively impact development and behavior."

Errebo proposes doing away with digital devices for students through third grade.

For fourth and fifth graders, the district should transition to shared laptop carts and computer labs, Errebo said.

During the school day, she said, the district should prohibit students' access to YouTube, social media and non-instructional gaming platforms such as Roblox.

"Teachers may retain the ability to use appropriate video content for instruction, but unsupervised student access has no place in the classroom," Errebo said.

Resident Jill Nicoli is also part of the campaign to persuade District 205 to change its approach.

Nicoli, a parent, said petition signers recognize technology is an essential tool for certain learners, including those with special needs.

"However, we want to ensure technology is being used in meaningful and productive ways that supplement traditional analog learning where appropriate, particularly in grades K-5," Nicoli said. "Let's have a strong understanding of literacy before we work on digital literacy!"

As of Monday morning, 583 people had signed the petition.