The Salesianas Hogar Escuela school, situated in El Toscal, has taken a bold step unlike any other schools in the capital by offering families the option to select the educational approach they prefer for their children. The school’s administration has chosen a balanced decision to resolve the dispute that arose among more than a hundred parents who opposed the initiative to introduce digital learning starting next year in First Year of ESO, which involved replacing textbooks with iPads.
Jose Javier Garcia, the pedagogical director of Hogar Escuela, revealed to DIARIO DE AVISOS that “in a meeting held last Monday, we presented the center’s decision to parents, which was reached after thorough analysis and surveys conducted within the educational community.”
Garcia highlighted that “ultimately, we have empowered parents to decide the teaching approach they prefer for their children, whether it be reverting to traditional textbooks or embracing licensed iPads for instruction, aligning with the digitization initiative that commenced eight years ago.”
The pedagogical director emphasised that “this choice sets a precedent in schools of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as it is typically the institution’s prerogative to determine the curriculum and teaching methods. Yet, in view of the opposition from several families, we opted for diversity and inclusivity, values that are integral to Salesian education.”
The new policy, which has received a positive reception from families connected to the STOP platform, will be implemented next year for First Year ESO students. Meanwhile, students in higher grades will continue with the ongoing One to One project, where iPads replace traditional textbooks.
Nevertheless, Garcia clarified that “there will be adjustments for other ESO and Baccalaureate students as well. While they will continue with the digitization project, their iPad usage will be restricted to two hours per day for specific subjects, in adherence to the World Health Organization’s recommendations to prevent excessive screen time among adolescents and its associated health issues.”
Furthermore, there will be a promotion for tablet loans among students through mobile iPad carts, which consist of 60 licensed screens that will be allocated to students during school hours. Garcia stressed, “These are innovative steps that will necessitate the commitment of all teachers, with the aim of nurturing values and fostering the well-being of the entire school community.”
Meanwhile, the families advocating for a return to traditional textbooks expressed contentment with the school’s decision. Their concerns revolved around the potential lack of control over their children’s iPad usage and the efficacy of learning through this method.
