Our approach to technology
At the United School of Tokyo, we take pride in our unique approach to technology integration that is carefully balanced to ensure that students gain essential digital skills while also honing traditional academic skills foundational for overall academic success and cognitive development.
Emphasizing a low-tech approach and avoiding the use of iPads in the classroom for young students offers a range of benefits that align with UST’s child-centric, holistic educational philosophy:
Emphasizing a low-tech approach and avoiding the use of iPads in the classroom for young students offers a range of benefits that align with UST’s child-centric, holistic educational philosophy:
Cognitive Development
Research suggests that handwriting activates areas of the brain associated with language, memory, and critical thinking. The act of forming letters and words by hand helps children better understand and retain information, fostering deeper cognitive connections
Fine Motor Skills Development
When children engage in activities such as handwriting, drawing, and manipulating physical objects like pencils and paper, they develop and strengthen their fine motor skills. These skills are crucial for tasks like gripping a pencil correctly, buttoning clothes, and later, typing on keyboards.
Creativity and Imagination
Traditional classroom activities such as drawing, sketching, and hands-on crafts encourage creativity and imagination in young learners. These activities allow students to express themselves freely and explore their ideas without the constraints of digital tools.
Social Interaction
Hands-on learning experiences often involve collaboration, communication, and social interaction among students. These interpersonal skills are essential for building strong relationships, teamwork, and effective communication both inside and outside the classroom.
Mindfulness and Focus
Engaging in activities that require physical interaction and focus, such as writing or drawing by hand, can promote mindfulness and concentration. Students learn to pay attention to details, stay focused on tasks, and develop a deeper appreciation for the learning process.
Reduced Screen Time
Limiting screen time for young children is important for their overall well-being. Excessive screen time has been linked to issues such as eye strain, sleep disturbances, and attention problems. By focusing on low-tech activities, we promote a healthy balance between digital and offline experiences.
In our early childhood and early elementary programs, we purposefully maintain a low-tech environment. We emphasize hands-on learning experiences that promote cognitive development and fine motor skills. By focusing on activities such as penmanship and handwriting, we help children develop important neural pathways that support overall brain development.
We introduce iPads to students in Grade 3, primarily for research, typing practice, and developing presentation skills. However, even as technology becomes more prevalent, we continue to prioritize handwriting and manual note-taking. We believe that these skills are fundamental for critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication.
As students progress into middle school, they gradually incorporate more technology into their learning experiences. They use computers for research, writing assignments, creating presentations, coding, and exploring various creative applications for Music, Art&Design. Nevertheless, we maintain a strong emphasis on the importance of handwritten notes and drafts, especially when developing essays and organizing ideas.
By prioritizing hands-on learning, penmanship, and limited screen time for young students, we create a supportive environment that nurtures holistic development, creativity, and critical thinking skills essential for lifelong learning and success.
We introduce iPads to students in Grade 3, primarily for research, typing practice, and developing presentation skills. However, even as technology becomes more prevalent, we continue to prioritize handwriting and manual note-taking. We believe that these skills are fundamental for critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication.
As students progress into middle school, they gradually incorporate more technology into their learning experiences. They use computers for research, writing assignments, creating presentations, coding, and exploring various creative applications for Music, Art&Design. Nevertheless, we maintain a strong emphasis on the importance of handwritten notes and drafts, especially when developing essays and organizing ideas.
By prioritizing hands-on learning, penmanship, and limited screen time for young students, we create a supportive environment that nurtures holistic development, creativity, and critical thinking skills essential for lifelong learning and success.
