The answer was preparation. Our C3-4 Learning Designers had to plan teaching methods without their laptops and Apple TVs. The Front Office and other departments were notified that they must communicate face-to-face or send a messenger. Non-tech tasks were planned and materials were printed in advance. We adjusted the learner's schedule to work without devices. Our Student Success Team organized this event as a part of their conversations about the responsible use of technology. 

Device Down Day for C3-4 Students

When did you last put your devices down for a whole day?

I will admit when I heard about Device Down Day, I panicked a little. How will the learners cope? How will the Learning Designers teach? How would I do any work?

The answer was preparation. Our C3-4 Learning Designers had to plan teaching methods without their laptops and Apple TVs. The Front Office and other departments were notified that they must communicate face-to-face or send a messenger. Non-tech tasks were planned and materials were printed in advance. We adjusted the learner's schedule to work without devices. Our Student Success Team organized this event as a part of their conversations about the responsible use of technology. 

Our first Device Down Day on Thursday, 25 March was challenging for students and our team. However, the C3-4 students seemed to enjoy it afterward. Here are some quotes:

• "I thought it was going to be torture, but it was fun. Some parts. The part that was kinda fun was that I got to play sports and I like sports. Can we do this every day?" - Babie
• "It was fun because there were no devices. It turned out to be fun because I got to go to Middle Loop." - Tyler
• "It has been fun so far... we got to do more activities offline, like basketball." - Anya
• "I enjoyed the sports but wished there were more choices, like swimming." - Tonpai

All of the C3-4 learners reflected before and after the day. The Student Success Team will share more of these reflections next week. 

This was a good reminder to all of us to re-examine our relationships with our devices! I encourage you to try this at home with your family!

By Mihoko Chida