NYSUT: "We've gone too far" with technology in schools, now proposing restrictions – WRGB

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by Tom Eschen
WRGB Studios-Schenectady, NY — School is winding down for the year, but the New York State teachers union is making a statement, saying they want limits on screen time and artificial intelligence in schools.
In an unanimous resolution by New York State United Teachers, several proposals made where they believe where technology needs to be drawn back, and more controlled in a school environment.
As stated in their release, their proposals are as follows:

-No one-to-one screen/device use for students (including online assessments) in prekindergarten through second grade except to support students with documented needs such as translation or special education services;
-Requiring paper-and-pencil assessment/testing options be provided for all students as called for by NYSUT’s More Teaching, Less Testing report;
-No student-facing AI for pre-kindergarten through second grade students;
-No non-educationally based AI for students in grades three through eight;
-Requiring that the use of AI in any grade must be supervised, educator-led and designed to promote critical thinking, digital literacy, and civic readiness, rather than replace human instruction, creativity or judgment; and
-No so-called “social companion” chatbots — computer programs that simulate human relationships, for children under 16; and be it further

"We're not looking to have a bonfire of the Chromebooks, that is not at all what we're suggesting," Melinda Person, NYSUT President, told CBS6 on Thursday. "What we're saying is we've gone too far, and it's time to rethink where we've gone, and you know the assumption I talked about at the beginning of more is better, more tech is better, more screens, every kid needs a Chromebook, every kid needs a this. We need to rethink that assumption, and instead start thinking about what is the best way to support students in learning, and start with that premise. It's not anti technology, it's pro child, and that is the distinction I would make, distinguishing us from other countries."
Stay tuned for the full conversation with Melinda Person on Friday.
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