UNESCO calls for global ban on smartphones in schools

A new UN report raised concerns on Wednesday about the excessive use of smartphones, calling for them to be banned in schools worldwide. According to the UN's education, science and culture agency UNESCO, the over-use of mobile phones impacts learning.

<https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/07/1139122>

UNESCO Urges World Governments to Ban Smartphones in Schools

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has issued a major report on the role of technology in education. Among the report’s many findings and recommendations, the UN is now urging governments worldwide to ban smartphones in schools due to their detrimental effect on learning.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/unesco-urges-world-governments-to-ban-smartphones-in-schools>

‘Put learners first’: Unesco calls for global ban on smartphones in schools

Smartphones should be banned from schools to tackle classroom disruption, improve learning and help protect children from cyberbullying, a UN report has recommended.

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/26/put-learners-first-unesco-calls-for-global-ban-on-smartphones-in-schools>

Teachers: share your experiences of students using smartphones in school

We would like to hear from teachers worldwide about their experiences of how smartphones affect school life. Are smartphones permitted among students at your school? Do you have any concerns?

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/25/teachers-share-your-experiences-of-students-using-smartphones-in-school>

Digital Equity Isn't Just About Devices and Internet Access

A tech leader breaks down the four components of equitable access to digital technology.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/digital-equity-isnt-just-about-devices-and-internet-access/2023/07>

How to Use STEM Teaching Tools in Your Classroom

You’re probably familiar with the perks that come with getting students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes. It’s no secret that STEM careers are budding. Therefore, furnishing students with the much-needed experience through effective activities and tools can help foster interest in these lucrative and in-demand professions.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/use-stem-teaching-tools-classroom/>

Coding for Kids: How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?

Well…it is not going to be overnight, but it's going to be a fun journey! That being said, it also does not have to take years – your kid does not have to have graduated college to code at least something!

<https://stemeducationguide.com/coding-for-kids/>

What Is Computer Science For Kids? How to Get Kids Started Coding

Computer science is an exciting, ever-changing field with a lot to offer. It is no surprise that people of all ages are interested in how to find out more about it, especially children.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/what-is-computer-science-for-kids/>

Meet education’s future thought leaders

Nine aspiring school leaders will now have the chance to share their groundbreaking work in education on a greater level after being selected as the recipients of Education Perfect’s (EP) inaugural Fellowship program.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/meet-educations-future-thought-leaders/282791>

With STEM You Can: unlocking the code to tech entrepreneurship

A background in international relations and politics helped Tash understand complex systems and how they impact people, which led to a successful STEM career.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2023/July/STEM-Tash-Jamieson>

RoboRebels are riding high

Narooma High School’s RoboRebels team are riding high after recent trips to Sydney and the US.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/roborebels-are-riding-high>

Simple Ideas for Introducing AI Into Your Teaching

Teachers can use emerging generative AI tools both to augment their teaching and to assist with behind-the-scenes tasks.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/3-simple-ideas-for-introducing-ai-into-your-teaching/2023/06>

PISA’s new focus on computational thinking and coding

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, how we educate students should evolve accordingly — including making computer science a core subject. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recognizes the importance of computational thinking and computer science and, in a groundbreaking move, plans to adapt its triennial Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluates education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of a sampling of 15-year-old students. In 2025, PISA will add computational thinking and block-based coding to the list of skills it evaluates.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/pisas-new-focus-on-computational-thinking-and-coding-fbe90e456c5f>