Technology and Learner Wellness: A Teacher Guide

 

(Shrimal 2021)

Initial Thoughts

What is digital wellness? Shrimal (2021) calls digital wellness a pursuit of possessing technology in a manner that it does not detract from the physical or mental health of an individual. I know I use my phone more than I use my gym membership;  point blank terms like that makes me aware I have work to do. 

We are much better at addressing the physical needs of those around us. When one of my twins is ill, we seek out medicine or professional guidance. Am I as tuned in to their mental well-being? Is our digital diet a healthy one? I can control what my 6-year-olds watch and how much screen time they have. But I can't control what my students have access to outside of school hours. 

Tools for Teachers

Digital Wellness in Schools (2022) gives teachers multiple tips and ideas as to how best support the physical and mental wellness of learners in regard to technology usage. To sum up the advice of the International Society for Teaching in Education (ISTE) findings, teachers need to:

• help students identify the correct postures, etc. while accessing technology to avoid a physiological injury. The website has a "Technically Cool Computing (TCC)" tool that teachers can download to implement with students. 
• talk about what wellness looks like and feels like. Create a culture in your space where you talk about how wellness is impacted by various sources. Teachers can use mood/feelings trackers so students have a visual about how online activities and FOMO (fear of missing out) impacts them. 
• reference International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and their work on reaching offline goals and how online time impedes those achievements. 
• provide safe screen time opportunities with parameters in place to prevent risky screen searches and inappropriate pursuits. 

Where to Start?

A video from Above the Noise (2019) is an excellent place to start:

(Above the Noise, 2019)

We can only address the learner that is in front of us. But the school day is a considerable amount of time where teachers can make change. Role model healthy digital habits and talk about personal downfalls. Our learners need us to be on their team with this. Way too much is at stake. 

References:

Above The Noise. (2019, June 26). Screen Time: How Much Is Too Much? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVALeerZpd4

Digital Wellness in Schools. (2022, March 31). LearnSafe. https://learnsafe.com/digital-wellness-in-schools/

Shrimal, S. (2021, October 1). Digital Wellness- Fiction or Reality? Parenting Tips: Modern Parenting Techniques for Digital Kids. https://blog.theparentalcontrol.com/digital-wellness/