Across the nation, parents and educators are rallying behind Jared Cooney Horvath’s book, ‘The Digital Delusion’, which argues for reducing screen time in schools. The book, self-published last December, has quickly become a cornerstone for those advocating a return to traditional learning methods. Horvath connects the decline in standardized test scores to the increased use of laptops and tablets in classrooms, suggesting that students learn more effectively through paper and discussion.
Grassroots Movement Gains Momentum
Local parent groups from California to Maryland have embraced Horvath’s research, hosting webinars and distributing copies of the book at school board meetings. In Granville County, North Carolina, administrators have already implemented a ‘tech-free’ experiment, inspired by Horvath’s findings. The book’s influence has even reached the U.S. Senate, where Horvath testified on the impact of screen time in schools.
Debate Among Educators
While many parents and educators support Horvath’s call for change, some educational leaders view the book as problematic. Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, argues that Horvath’s claims misattribute the cause of falling test scores to educational technology, suggesting instead that mental health issues play a larger role. Despite this, the book continues to fuel discussions on the future of education technology.
Back to Basics
Horvath, who holds advanced degrees in education and neuroscience, contends that ed tech is incompatible with how humans learn. He advocates for a return to textbooks and paper, emphasizing the effectiveness of traditional methods. His book echoes findings from various think tanks, reinforcing the superiority of reading paper books and writing by hand over digital alternatives.
‘The Digital Delusion’ has sold over 5,000 copies monthly and will be republished by Harmony Books in August. As the debate over screen time in schools continues, Horvath’s work remains a pivotal resource for parents and educators seeking to influence educational policy.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
