Carson's experience with technology in the classroom
Hi Friends,
Have you heard that SJUSD switched the elementary iPad math curriculum from Dreambox to iReady? Although teachers seem to prefer iReady, the use of technology with our youngest students continues to concern me.
When I was first getting to know SJUSD, I worked as a substitute math teacher in a middle school for 2 months in 2022. I saw how technology was used to “teach” our students and was disappointed. Students knew how to game the app, figuring out how to pass, when they didn’t actually understand the concepts. Even worse, the tech gave the district and parents bad data since it showed steady progress.
Parents have expressed similar concerns over how technology is being used: one looked at her 3rd grader’s student dashboard only to see she spent an hour stuck on a single concept, suggesting no teacher intervention or support. Another reported seeing children spend their iPad time not looking at the content and some devices not working.
We live in the most innovative and cutting-edge environment in the country, yet we are not being thoughtful about how we are bringing technology to our classrooms. We owe it to our students to be rigorous and deliberate.
If elected to the San Jose Unified School Board, I will advance a thoughtful, evidence-based policy on classroom technology:
TK–2 Screen Reductions: I will advocate for restrictions or bans on 1:1 device usage for our youngest learners (TK through 2nd grade) to ensure teachers can prioritize writing, fine-motor skills, communication, and social skills.
Rigorous Program Audits: We need to establish an evaluation committee to thoroughly audit every software platform the district implements, and our educators need to be part of the decision-making.
A Clear Policy on AI: We must implement a unified district policy regarding generative Artificial Intelligence that protects student and employee privacy, ensures students are meaningfully engaging with content, and prevents technology from ever being leveraged to reduce or substitute crucial classroom staffing.
Our public schools must lead with live instruction, investing heavily in classroom support staff and small group learning. Our teachers must be continually asked what’s best for our kids when it comes to technology. What kinds of technology will help them learn and grow?
This issue is about more than what we do next year. Technology will only continue to develop and we need a strategic plan. I’m confident we can improve SJUSD’s implementation of technology in our classrooms… and I’d like to lead the charge to make it happen.
As I run for Trustee, I aim to represent my constituents. What changes do you think should be made when it comes to technology in SJUSD? Write to me and let me know.