The Salesianas Hogar Escuela institution, situated in El Toscal, is set to make a verdict on May 6th about the final direction of the educational digitalization initiative planned to kick off next year. The concept involves substituting textbooks with tablets, specifically iPads, for ESO and Baccalaureate students. This proposal has sparked opposition from over one hundred families associated with the school who have voiced their worries regarding their children’s well-being and educational development under this approach.
The educational director of the said institution, José Javier García, mentioned to DIARIO DE AVISOS that “no final decision has been made yet. Since the project was put forward in March, we have been consistently engaging in discussions with parents, teachers, and staff to determine the most beneficial option for the entire school community.” García emphasized that “Hogar Escuela caters to 800 students across different levels such as Preschool, Primary, ESO, Baccalaureate, and FP. It is natural for there to be disagreements among families concerning such measures, however, there has been open communication throughout, and a recent survey has been conducted to ascertain the prevailing sentiment.”
“We are currently evaluating all the advantages and disadvantages associated with the potential switch from textbooks to iPads. However, if a consensus is not reached, we are open to reverting back to a hybrid system,” Garcia added. In response to objections raised by families unified under the Stop Exclusive Digitalization group regarding the cost of purchasing an iPad (700 euros), García noted that “when comparing this amount to the overall expense on textbooks, approximately 400 euros, it actually presents an advantage, as the tablet remains at home and serves multiple purposes. Additionally, the suggestion was made for 1st year ESO students and above, considering the heavier course load, carrying all their materials on an iPad helps alleviate the burden of school bags packed with books.”
Regarding the issue of screen time, García stated that if the digitalization plan is greenlit, the guidelines of the World Health Organization will also be considered, stipulating that screen time should be limited to two hours a day to prevent health issues such as myopia, sleep disturbances, dependency, and social isolation. With regards to another concern expressed by families pertaining to monitoring their children’s iPad usage, García clarified that “the institution has an MDM computing system in place that filters content, hence preventing access to gaming or explicit material, which we work to deter.”
