TechScape- An elite Silicon Valley school tests a tech fast

Blake Montgomery, the new tech news editor at Guardian US, shares insights about a recent initiative at a prestigious Silicon Valley school that implemented a week-long ban on technology. He also discusses the importance of individual choice in opting out of AI training.

“Hello! I’m Blake Montgomery, the new technology news editor here at Guardian US. I’m thrilled to take the reins of TechScape from Alex Hern, focusing on the complex interplay of politics, culture, and technology with you all.

A bit about my journey: I joined the Guardian on the same day that Sam Bankman-Fried began his trial, and coincidentally, my first vacation lined up with the unexpected firing of Sam Altman from OpenAI. One story that I frequently share is my arrest while covering a risky story involving testicular injections.

In TechScape, you can look forward to sharp analysis of the week’s most significant tech news, highlights from the Guardian’s top stories, and thought-provoking looks at niche subjects. I envision this newsletter as a compass for understanding how technology influences our lives and shapes our future.

This week, let’s explore a compelling case: an elite all-girls school in Silicon Valley recently banned technology for an entire week, igniting discussions about the impact of tech on education.

At Castilleja, an all-girls private institution in Palo Alto where tuition runs $62,400 a year, students were instructed to stash away their gadgets—smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and even school-issued laptops—for a week. Laura Zappas, the head of middle school, has taken the lead on this initiative, aiming to encourage students to rethink their reliance on technology.

“The purpose of this ‘Tech-Free Week’ was to provide students with a break from their devices,” Zappas said. During this week, students returned to traditional, paper-based learning, taking notes and documenting their science experiments. Although many felt unusual discomfort writing more than they had all year, the feedback was encouraging: a survey revealed that 42% of students experienced better focus and fewer distractions.

Zappas observed that the digital-first approach adopted during the pandemic increased students’ dependence on devices, which often caused distractions as they juggled multiple screens for messaging or gaming instead of learning. “It became a matter of self-control, with many students opting to open their laptops the moment they entered the classroom, rather than waiting for instructions from their teachers.”

The initiative has sparked important conversations not only about unplugging but also about the essential role technology plays in contemporary education. “What would it mean for us as a community to engage without screens?” Zappas pondered.

Though the tech ban proved successful, Zappas emphasized the necessity of balance rather than a blanket rejection of technology. “We must prepare our students to excel in a tech-saturated world,” she stated. While there’s a growing demand for stricter limits on student device usage, especially highlighted by Jonathan Haidt’s *Anxious Generation*, which argues against early smartphone access, Zappas advocates for a more nuanced strategy: teaching students how to effectively reference and utilize technology instead of merely banning it.

The discussion surrounding screen time isn’t limited to Castilleja. Educators everywhere are recognizing the importance of balancing both screen and non-screen experiences. Initiatives like these are reshaping how technology is integrated into education while addressing the challenges that accompany it.

On a related note, I want to spotlight our ongoing segment called “Opt Out,” which assists you in navigating online privacy and making informed decisions regarding your personal data. As companies seek to leverage your information for AI training, it’s vital to understand how to safeguard your online presence.

I encourage parents to share their experiences and challenges with technology at home. What obstacles do you face, and how do you manage them with your children?

Thank you for joining me in examining these crucial issues at the intersection of technology and education!”