Healthy Computing in the Classroom

Healthy Computing in the Classroom

Healthy Computing Poster

Strike a Balance

  • Classwork and homework should reflect a balance of learning techniques, including computer-based and non-computer assignments.
  • Schools and families should work together to ensure that students are involved in a variety of activities.

    Get Moving

  • Include a mix of sedentary and active tasks in each student day and classroom period.
  • Recess should be device-free.

    Maintain Relationships

  • Regular adult feedback is important for children.
  • Schools and families should work together to promote in-person interactions for the development of social skills.  Unstructured, device-free recess is one opportunity for social skill development.
  • The relationship between the teacher, parent, and student is very important to learning; rewards and praise from software should not replace or reduce parent-teacher-student interactions.

    Take Visual Breaks

  • In general, students should take a break from close-work like reading and computer tasks regularly, approximately every 20 minutes.
  • Children should have regular time outdoors to provide opportunities to focus on things that are at a distance.

    Spend Time Unplugged

  • Children under the age of five should have minimal exposure to screen-based experiences, including TV, computers, tablets and phones.
  • Between kindergarten and high school graduation, screen-based learning time will gradually increase but, in general, should not consume more than half of the child’s day by high school graduation.
  • Computers and other digital devices (e.g., telephones and tablets) should not be used in the hour before bedtime.

Make Comfortable Choices

  • Students should be reminded to change positions frequently, ideally before becoming stiff or uncomfortable.
  • Students should be reminded to use good posture.