Title: Using the Design Cycle to Explore Middle School Students’ Perspectives on the Use of Screen-Based Technology at the International School
Stream: Design Thinking
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Mary Kelly, Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences, Ireland
Abstract:
The study uses the Design Cycle and a mixed methods research approach to explore students’ views regarding the use of screen-based technology during break-times at school. An interest in this area emerged due to a reduction in the number of students spending time outside during break times. The context of the study is the first year (Grade 6) of the IB Middle Years Program at the International School of Amsterdam, which implements an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning within a 1:1 cross-platform laptop environment. Ninety-eight international students participated in the study. Empathy interviews were carried out, initially, with individual students, followed by whole group surveys, and classroom-based conversations. The findings indicate that students engage in a variety of screen-based activities during break-times. Students indicated the positive role of laptops in providing stress relief, relaxation, fun, game-playing, distraction from school, learning new skills, and the opportunity to stay in touch with international friends during the day. In addition, students highlighted that several logistical issues, and a lack of outdoor game areas were contributing factors to the time spent on screen, and the majority of the students indicated that an overuse of technology was leading to physical and mental health related issues. From their perspectives, these included a lack of exercise, sporadic eating, addiction, isolation, and a genuine fear-of-the-outside. Students felt unable to overcome these challenges by themselves and they proposed a number of systemic intervention steps that could be taken to help them regain a sense of balance.
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