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EdTech and Your Child: Active Learning in a Digital World

The Verona Area School District (VASD) is taking intentional steps to ensure technology serves a clear purpose: supporting student learning, connection, safety, and well-being. As part of this work, we are approaching screen time and cell phone use through the lens of purpose-driven technology, recognizing that the conversation must extend beyond how much technology students use to when, why, and how they use it.

Our approach is guided by a simple idea. Technology can be a powerful tool for learning, but not every use of technology adds value to a student's school experience. We want students to have the opportunity to use technology when it helps them create, collaborate, communicate, access learning, or develop important skills, and we want to reduce uses that distract from learning or do not serve a clear educational purpose.

This philosophy is reflected in several changes and practices families and students will experience starting in the 2026-27 school year. Below, you'll find what is changing, why we're making these decisions, and what they mean for your student.

Active vs. Passive Screen Time

We differentiate between screen time that builds skills and screen time that is purely consumptive to ensure students remain engaged.

Active screen time involves critical thinking, participation, and imagination through activities such as media production and coding. (Transformative and Supportive)

Passive screen time involves consuming media without accompanying reflection, such as mindless scrolling or using devices as a reward.(Restrictive and Disruptive)

Building Healthy Digital Habits


We are committed to teaching students ethical and responsible use of technology. This includes helping them make informed, safe, and balanced choices that promote emotional well-being and healthy habits through our digital citizenship lessons that will span grades K-12.

Multiple edtech device on a colorful background

What This Means for Students

The EdTech Triangle

EverySchool.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping schools and families navigate technology use with intention and balance. Their mission is to provide research-backed resources that empower communities to prioritize meaningful, human-centered learning. By focusing on a balanced approach, they help educators harness the benefits of technology while mitigating its potential harms. One of their resources, cited in the American Academy of Pediatrics' screen time resource, is the EdTech Triangle. We use the EdTech Triangle framework to ensure technology use is purposeful and growth-oriented.

Inverted Triangle for edtech (see description below picture)

Educational Technology Integration Levels

  • Transformative (Top Tier - Green): Produces a unique outcome or develops a high-level skill.
  • Supportive (Second Tier - Yellow): Supports learning in helpful ways; use in moderation.
  • Restrictive (Third Tier - Peach): Restricts learning outcomes; use sparingly.
  • Disruptive (Bottom Tier - Orange/Red): Disrupts learning and/or breeds habitual use; avoid using.