Technology Use

Focusing on Screen Value, Not Screen Time

At Virginia-Highland Elementary, we believe technology is a valuable instructional tool—not the instruction itself. We focus on screen value rather than screen time, ensuring that every use of technology has a clear educational purpose and supports meaningful learning.

We believe:

• Technology should enhance learning, not replace great teaching. Teacher-led instruction, discussion, reading, writing, collaboration, and hands-on experiences remain the foundation of learning in every classroom.
• Every minute spent using technology should have instructional value. Students use digital tools to create, communicate, investigate, practice, collaborate, and demonstrate understanding—not simply to spend time on a device.
• Technology supports deeper thinking. Digital resources help students solve problems, think critically, create original work, and engage in authentic learning experiences aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence.
• Technology expands opportunities for all learners. Purposeful digital tools allow teachers to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress, provide timely feedback, and meet the diverse needs of every learner.
• Students must become responsible digital citizens. We intentionally teach students to use technology safely, ethically, respectfully, and responsibly while developing the digital skills needed for success in school and beyond.
• Learning happens both on and off the screen. Students regularly engage in handwriting, reading printed texts, collaborative conversations, manipulatives, experiments, creative play, movement, and other hands-on learning experiences that support healthy child development.
• Technology is one of many instructional tools. Teachers thoughtfully determine when technology adds value and when traditional instructional strategies provide the greatest learning experience.
• Quality matters more than quantity. We evaluate technology use by asking whether it increases student engagement, strengthens understanding, promotes creativity, encourages collaboration, and helps students achieve clearly defined learning goals.

Our Commitment

At Virginia-Highland Elementary, technology is used intentionally to prepare students for the future while preserving the best practices of elementary education. Every decision about technology begins with one question:

"Does this technology add value to student learning?"

If the answer is yes, we use it with purpose. If not, we choose the instructional approach that best supports student success.

Screen Value & Daily Technology Use

While Virginia-Highland Elementary focuses on the instructional value of technology rather than simply measuring screen time, we also recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between digital learning and hands-on experiences.

As a general guideline, teachers will strive to keep daily instructional screen use within the following ranges whenever appropriate:

Grade Level	Daily Instructional Screen Time Goal
Pre-K	Up to 20 minutes
Kindergarten	Up to 30 minutes
1st Grade	Up to 40 minutes
2nd Grade	Up to 50 minutes
3rd Grade	Up to 60 minutes
4th Grade	Up to 75 minutes
5th Grade	Up to 90 minutes

These guidelines do not include statewide or district assessments, adaptive diagnostic assessments (such as MAP), accommodations required by an IEP, 504 Plan, or English Learner services, or occasional special instructional projects that require additional technology use.

At VHE, students spend much of each day engaged in teacher-led instruction, reading, writing, mathematical thinking, collaborative discussions, science investigations, art, music, physical education, recess, and other hands-on learning experiences. Technology is intentionally integrated only when it enhances learning and helps students meet instructional goals.

Our guiding question remains:

"Does this technology add value to student learning?"

If the answer is yes, we use it purposefully. If not, we choose another instructional strategy that better supports student learning.

This addition reinforces that technology is a tool—not the goal—and that meaningful learning experiences always take priority over time spent on a device.