The city is currently eliminating digital devices and returning to paper-based education – limiting computer use for schoolchildren

This autumn, Riihimäki will start using more traditional paper learning materials than before, when most of the materials in the city’s secondary schools were electronic, and students’ use of computers is also limited.

According to the city’s announcement, all students from 6.–9. will have access to laptops during classes, and physical textbooks have generally been replaced with digital learning materials.

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Students protect their digital devices

A wide-ranging national survey of special circumstances will begin in December 2023 and January 2024. The aim is to address the concerns of teachers and parents about how the use of digital devices for learning in schools affects young people’s academic performance and well-being. A psychologist specialising in neuropsychology is involved in the survey Minna PertopouloAs far as he knows, similar surveys have not been conducted in other cities yet.

There were differences in responses to the survey from guardians, teachers and students. Teachers said that electronic materials were great for providing additional challenges, developing digital skills and assessment. Teachers felt that paper materials could reinforce skills, support concentration and learning the Finnish language.

Senior students believe that electronic learning materials are more suitable for them than materials that teachers consider useful for teaching. In contrast, guardians want their young people to use paper learning materials such as textbooks, exercise books and notebooks in school.

Back to paper, computer limitations

Cultural Director of the Municipality of Riihimaki Jari Rauswaran Based on the survey results, in the future we will think more and more carefully about when it is justified to use electronic solutions.

“The same solution does not fit all subjects or all students. For the teaching of mathematics, English, Swedish and German, we ordered traditional paper learning materials in the first semester. In the following years, the use of books for these subjects will also continue,” said Lauswara in the announcement.

The setup of school-provided computers has also changed, and lessons can be calmed down via smartphones.

“Based on the findings, we decided to restrict secondary school students’ laptops to access only websites and apps used for study and to implement a night curfew. In the future, laptops will be locked between 10pm and 6am,” Lausvaara said.

High school teacher: Human testing is underway

Teaching philosophy and psychology in high school Arnaud Cottereau I have previously stressed the importance of printed books in learning. Interviewed by New FinlandCotero said he has returned to printed books in his teaching. According to him, a human experiment is being conducted through social media.

“We have this attention killer that goes along with this digital technology. It’s one of the reasons why reading ability and learning ability decline,” Cotero said.