Tech TimeOut: We survived!
Students enjoy “Storytime with Chuck” during a tech-free lunch hour.
Well, it wasn’t easy, but Rockway has made it through our three day Tech Timeout Challenge.
During the Timeout, we powered down our computer labs, turned off the WIFI and brought out the board games for lunch hour! The contrast was noticeable – the halls were filled with chatter and no one had their head buried in their device.
All students went tech-free during the day, and most of our school community also pledged to give up their technology at home. In addition, forty-five brave Rockway parents and families committed to the challenge, alongside our Board of Directors.
Media Coverage of Tech Timeout – from coast to coast!
Grade 10 ComTech student Ben Schwartzentruber being interviewed about the Timeout.
The media was very interested in covering this event. We were featured in The Record, CTV news, the Kitchener Post and the Canadian Mennonite. We also had a number of radio stations request interviews, including a live in-studio interview at CBC KW. The story seemed to strike a chord with people, and to our surprise CBC Toronto asked if we would be willing to discuss the challenge on afternoon radio shows across the country. By the end of the week, our spokesperson, Sara Wahl, had done eight additional live radio interviews including Cape Breton, Windsor, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Whitehorse, Calgary, Kelowna, and Victoria!
Debrief and Follow-Up
Some students chose to send their device to the “spa” for some rest and relaxation during the challenge.
A key part of this experience was the reflection and discussion it generated. Students spent time debriefing in class, and were also asked to complete a short survey to capture their impressions. Parents who were part of this initiative will be sent an online feedback form by email. Results of these surveys will be published in a follow-up article.
Thank you to all who were brave enough to try the challenge! Whether you chose to participate or not, the experience has generated a great deal of healthy conversation both at school and beyond.
