Conversation over ChatGPT

Waldorf is known to be a play-based school that only really starts to weave cyber literacy into the classroom at Grade 6. This is done with intent and there are alot of reasons why.

As an age-and-stage measure, Waldorf excludes screen-based media in early childhood and elementary grades to foster hands-on learning, imaginative play, and social development. By middle school, technology is integrated as a tool for learning, focusing on developing critical thinking and responsible digital citizenship through programs like Cyber Civics.

At its best, we see technology as a useful tool, but it can be a double edged sword. At its worst it distracts students by offering constant, compelling, communication through social media and apps, appealing to a brain wired for instant gratification and dopamine rewards that can spark anxiety.

A recent Book Review in the Guardian speaks to these concerns, sharing research that shows how technology is re-wiring kids: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

At Waldorf, the role of technology is to enhance, not replace, the human-centered pedagogy, supporting students in becoming well-rounded individuals prepared for the world and also to help shape the world we want. As the article points out, at Waldorf we want to help keep Childhood “play-based”, over “phone-based”.

And for those sceptics who wonder if the Waldorf approach to screens puts their child at a disadvantage into the future, researchers are finding that if the Future Is AI, Waldorf Students Are Ready.

While low tech, Waldorf classrooms are preparing students for a world that will be deeply influenced by technology and artificial intelligence. With the rise of new technologies, researchers say that critical thinking, complex problem solving, creativity, and social-emotional learning will become key skills in a world where artificial intelligence takes on more tasks.