Disconnect to connect

The Challenge Begins

When our principal announced an upcoming "unplugged" day at school, I admit my first thought was panic. How would I display instructions on the classroom screen? What about my carefully planned digital activities? As teachers in a one-to-one classroom, technology has become so deeply embedded in our daily routine that the prospect of teaching without it seemed daunting.
But what transpired that day surprised me – and taught me valuable lessons about teaching, learning, and connection in our digital age.

1. ​Setting the Ground Rules

The rules were simple: No devices were allowed, except for secretaries who needed them to run the building—no tablets for students, laptops or phones for teachers, or interactive panels or projectors. Even our communication had to go old school! Instead of our usual quick texts to colleagues, we used classroom phones and walkie-talkies.

The students' reaction was the first surprise. Rather than the expected groans and complaints, they were genuinely excited about this novel experience. They even became enthusiastic enforcers of the rules. They immediately called me out when they spotted my laptop open first thing in the morning (I was quickly printing materials before the official start): "It's unplugged day! Close that computer!"

2. Discovering New Pathways

As the day unfolded, we discovered something remarkable: the absence of technology did not hinder learning – it opened up new pathways for connection and engagement. Instead of what would typically be "digital time," I brought out puzzles for center rotations. Watching students collaborate to complete these puzzles revealed valuable soft skills that often go unnoticed in our tech-focused environment. The natural communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that emerged reminded me of the power of simple, hands-on activities.

3. Reflecting on Tech Dependence

The experience made me reflect on how far we swing toward technology dependence in education. When our school first became one-to-one, we followed the SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition), deliberately redesigning our lessons to require technology. We were proud of this transformation, but our unplugged day showed us that sometimes less really can be more.

What struck me most was how seamlessly the students adapted. When technology was not an option – no quick escapes to reading apps or math games – they fully engaged with the alternative activities we had planned. They were not just tolerating the change; they were thriving in it. By the end of the day, I overheard multiple students commenting on how much fun they were having.

---

4. Finding Balance

​Technology does have its place. Digital tools offer incredible opportunities for learning and creativity. But, our unplugged experiment reminded me of the importance of balance and the value of diverse learning pathways. Sometimes, disconnecting from one thing allows us to connect more deeply with others – whether through our peers, creativity, or different learning pathways.

5. Rethinking Teaching Strategies

The experience also challenged me to think differently about my teaching strategies. When you cannot rely on your usual digital tools, you are forced to be more creative. Instead of pulling up a YouTube video to fill a spare five minutes, Meg brought out the Play-Doh and turned it into an impromptu lesson about holiday shapes and 3D objects. Rather than displaying timer countdowns on the screen, good old-fashioned clock-watching and verbal cues took over.

---

Looking Forward

Perhaps most importantly, this day reminded me as educators, we need to reflect continuously on our practices. Are we using technology because it truly enhances learning or just because it has become a habit? Are we providing our students with enough variety in their learning experiences? Are we giving them opportunities to discover all the different ways they might learn best?

As we move forward in an increasingly digital world, these moments of intentional disconnection become even more valuable. While technology is a powerful tool, it is just one of many in the teaching toolkit. Sometimes, the simple act of unplugging can create space for new connections, different perspectives, and unexpected learning opportunities.

Would I want every day to be unplugged? No. But I do want to maintain this newfound awareness of balance. I want to remember that it's okay – and sometimes beneficial – to step away from our screens and engage with learning in more traditional ways. Most importantly, I want to keep challenging myself to think differently about how to teach, always asking whether there might be another pathway to help students connect with the content and with each other.

After all, what is teaching is really about? It is not about the tools we use but the connections we help our students make—with the material, each other, and their own capacity to learn and grow. After all, technology is just one pathway to learning. Sometimes, stepping away from the screen helps us see the bigger picture.

​Let's Think Different Together, 
​Meg and Kara

---