Abstract Book of the 2nd World Conference on Teaching, Learning, and Education
Year: 2025
[PDF]
Middle School Students’ Experiences of The Informal Use of Digital Technology in An IB International School Environment: A Cautionary Tale
Dr. Mary Kelly
ABSTRACT:
This exploration of middle school students’ perceptions on the use of technology was carried out within an IB international school environment in the Netherlands. The school is a well-resourced private school with open and unmonitored access to digital technology outside of regular class time during the school day. Interest in the study arose following emerging concern regarding the potential overuse of technology during recess. The initial phase of the study involved whole group surveys and discussions with five classes of middle school students. This second phase focusses on a follow-up exploration of the perceptions and experiences of six students and their teachers. Using semi-structured empathy interviews the students shared their individual views, which generated a number of themes centred on the social and emotional, environmental. and systemic issues associated with the increase in the use of digital technology. These themes were explored further by the students through the application of design-based problem-solving approaches. Overall, this study highlights the difficulties experienced by middle schoolers in relation to their capacity to regulate the informal use of digital technology by themselves during the school day. In addition, the study highlights the value of student involvement and student agency in addressing issues arising from the use of digital technology in education.
Keywords: digital technology, technology addiction, student voice, wellbeing, international school, middle school