Supporting Student Learning Through Balanced Technology Use

September 2, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians,

At the Near North District School Board, we are committed to providing learning experiences that support student achievement, well-being, and long-term success. As part of this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure that technology is used purposefully and in balance with other effective instructional practices.

While technology remains an important tool in our classrooms, research shows that students benefit  from a variety of learning experiences, including direct instruction, discussion, collaboration, hands-on activities, reading from printed materials and writing by hand. These approaches help strengthen critical thinking, communication skills, comprehension, memory retention and overall engagement in learning.

Beginning this school year, schools will continue to provide access to digital tools when they enhance learning, support accessibility needs, or enable learning experiences that could not otherwise occur. At the same time, educators will place greater emphasis on instructional strategies that do not require continuous individual device use.

Students can expect to experience:

• More opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
• Increased use of paper-and-pencil activities, including notetaking, writing, and mathematical problem solving.
• More reading from printed materials when deep comprehension and sustained attention are important.
• Purposeful use of technology when it clearly supports learning outcomes or accessibility needs.
• A healthy balance of digital and non-digital learning experiences throughout the school day.

To help support student well-being and engagement, NNDSB has established age-appropriate guidelines for routine 1:1 student device use during the school day:

• Kindergarten (JK/SK): No routine individual screen time
• Grades 1-3: Up to 30 minutes per day.
• Grades 4-8: Up to 60 minutes per day, with individual sessions generally limited to 30 minutes.
• Grades 9-12: Up to 60 minutes per day, with individual sessions generally limited to 30 minutes, recognizing that some courses and specialized programs may occasionally require additional time.

These guidelines are intended to support healthy, engaging and effective learning environments while ensuring students continue to develop important digital skills. Technology will remain available in our schools and will continue to be used when it adds value to the learning experience.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning and well-being.