Why Screen Time in Early Grades Is Raising Questions

During the pandemic, schools quickly turned to technology to allow students to continue learning from home. Even though classrooms have returned to in-person learning, many of those digital tools have stayed.

As a result, tablets and videos are sometimes used throughout the school day, something that has surprised many families. A recent article from explores how some parents are pushing back on the amount of screen time young students experience in school.

Students may use devices in class for things like:

• Practising math or reading on apps
• Watching instructional videos
• Completing assignments online
• Participating in interactive learning activities

While these tools can be helpful, some parents and educators worry that excessive screen time may take away from important learning experiences, such as interacting with classmates, practising handwriting, or solving problems with physical materials.

Young Learners Benefit from Hands-On Learning

For many elementary students, learning happens best when it’s active, social, and engaging.

Hands-on learning helps children understand concepts more deeply. Activities like these can make a big difference:

• Solving math problems using visual tools
• Reading printed books and talking about the story
• Writing, drawing, and practicing fine motor skills
• Working with friends to solve problems or play learning games

This kind of hands-on learning helps children strengthen their attention span, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills, all of which are important for long-term academic success.

Finding the Right Balance with Technology

Technology itself isn’t the problem. Technology can be a powerful learning tool when it’s used intentionally.

Many of us agree that the key is balance. Technology should support learning, not replace the meaningful social and hands-on activities that help young students grow.

A balanced approach might include:

• Using screens for specific learning activities
• Limiting passive screentime 
• Encouraging discussion and interactive lessons
• Making sure children still spend plenty of time learning away from screens

When used thoughtfully, technology can complement learning.

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home

If you’re unsure how much screen time your child is getting during the school day, there are simple ways to create balance at home.

Some screen-free activities that support learning include:

• Reading physical books together
• Playing math or logic games
• Writing stories or keeping a journal
• Working on puzzles and problem-solving activities
• Talking about what your child learned at school

These activities help to reinforce important academic skills while also giving children a healthy break from screens.

Discover some fantastic tips on how to help your child with healthy social media and screen time habits here.

Extra Academic Support Can Make a Difference

For some students, additional academic support can also make a big difference. Personalized tutoring gives children the opportunity to ask questions, practice skills, and learn through more hands-on instruction.

Working with a tutor can help students strengthen key academic skills while building confidence in their abilities.

Support Your Child’s Learning Beyond the Screen

Personalized tutoring helps students stay engaged with hands-on learning, build strong academic skills, and gain confidence in reading, writing, and math.

Find a location near you to learn how we can help your child succeed.

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Why Social Media Can Affect Student Learning

For many students, social media is designed to capture attention for extended periods. Notifications, likes, and endless scrolling make it easy to lose track of time and difficult to focus on tasks like homework or studying.

Common academic challenges linked to excessive social media use include:

• Difficulty concentrating on homework or reading
• Procrastination and poor time management
• Interrupted study sessions due to phone notifications
• Reduced sleep from late-night screen use
• Increased stress and comparison with others online

When students spend hours online, they often have less time for studying, physical exercise, and in-person social interaction, all of which support healthy development and academic success.

1. Teach Digital Literacy Skills

One of the best ways to help students create healthier technology habits is through Digital literacy teaches students how to understand and use technology. It goes beyond basic computer skills and helps students critically think about how social media influences behaviour.

Important digital literacy topics include:

• Responsible social media use
• Online safety and privacy
• Managing screen time and distractions
• Understanding how algorithms influence content
• Being a respectful and responsible digital citizen

When students understand how social media platforms are trying to keep their attention, they are more likely to develop better self-control when using them.

Tutoring programs can reinforce these skills by helping students create focused, distraction-free study routines.

2. Encourage Students to Reflect on Their Social Media Habits

Many students rarely think about how social media affects their mood or productivity. Encouraging reflection can help them build stronger self-awareness and better self-regulation.

Parents and educators can start conversations by asking questions like:

• Why do you enjoy using social media?
• How do you feel after spending a lot of time online?
• Do certain apps make you feel more stressed or distracted?
• What other activities do you enjoy that don’t involve screens?

These discussions help students understand that moderation is key. They may also rediscover activities they enjoy, such as sports, reading, art, or spending time with friends in person.

3. Work With Families to Set Healthy Technology Boundaries

Helping students manage social media use works best when schools and families work together.

Parents can support healthy digital habits by:

• Setting clear screen-time expectations
• Encouraging phone-free homework time
• Creating device-free times during the evening
• Showing balanced technology use themselves

When students receive consistent messages about responsible technology use at home and at school, they are more likely to adopt long-term habits that support learning.

4. Create a Positive and Supportive School Environment

For some students, social media provides a sense of connection or belonging. Because of this, schools must also focus on building supportive learning environments where students feel valued and included offline.

Schools can help by:

• Encouraging positive classroom communities
• Addressing cyberbullying quickly and effectively
• Providing trusted adults students can talk to about online concerns
• Promoting activities that strengthen real-world friendships

When students feel supported at school, they are less likely to rely on social media for social validation.

5. Involve Students in Technology Policies

Students are more likely to respect rules when they feel their opinions are taken into account.

Schools can improve technology policies by inviting student input when discussing:

• Phone use during the school day
• Managing technology distractions in class
• Creating balanced digital expectations

Including students in these conversations helps them take ownership of their technology habits, making policies more effective and realistic.

Helping Students Balance Technology and Learning

Whether we like it or not, social media will continue to be part of students’ lives. The goal is not to eliminate it, but to help students build the skills needed to manage it effectively.

We often see how reducing distractions and building better study routines can significantly improve focus, confidence, and academic performance. 

When students learn to balance technology with their learning responsibilities, they are better prepared to succeed both in school and beyond.

Looking for a focused, phone-free learning environment where students can build strong study habits?

Our tutors help students improve concentration, confidence, and academic performance.

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5 Future-Ready Study Skills for the AI Age

1. Understanding Beats Memorization

In a world where AI can recall every fact in seconds, the value of simple memorization is fading.

Students who focus on understanding concepts instead of just memorizing them build stronger mental connections and are better equipped to apply what they learn in new and meaningful ways.

Encourage your child to ask “why” and “how” questions. 

When studying science, for instance, go beyond definitions: explore what causes reactions or how principles connect to the real world. When students learn in this way, they develop deeper comprehension and stronger problem-solving skills, skills that no AI can replicate.

2. Focus on Problem-Solving, Not Perfection

The future will reward creative thinkers, not just those who excel at taking tests.

Encourage your child to see mistakes as opportunities to learn. When a math problem doesn’t make sense, guide them to try a new method or explain their reasoning out loud.

Strong problem-solvers are flexible thinkers; they can examine challenges from various angles and persist until they find effective solutions. These skills prepare students not only for higher education but also for a rapidly changing job market, where adaptability is essential. 

3. Use AI Wisely—As a Learning Partner, Not a Shortcut

Artificial intelligence isn’t something to avoid. It’s something to understand.

AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and adaptive learning apps can be powerful study aids when used responsibly. Encourage your child to use these tools to review concepts, practise writing, or test their understanding, but never as a replacement for their own thinking.

The key is using these tools with a critical eye. 

Ask your child, “Does this answer make sense?” or “How could we verify this information?” This helps them develop discernment, digital literacy, and confidence, enabling them to navigate technology with purpose and integrity.

Is ChatGPT hurting your child’s thinking skills? Here’s what you need to know. 

4. Build Meta-Learning Skills: Learning How to Learn

The most successful students aren’t the ones who know the most; they’re the ones who know how to learn.

Cognitive learning is a style of learning that encourages students to use their brains more effectively. This approach to learning encourages students to fully engage in the learning process, making learning, thinking, and remembering easier over time.

Encourage your child to reflect on their study habits:

• When does learning occur most effectively, in the morning or at night?
• What methods help them remember information: visual notes, practice tests, or teaching others?

When students understand themselves as learners, they can adapt to new tools, subjects, and challenges with confidence, future-ready study skills that will serve them for life!

5. Develop Human-Centred Skills AI Can’t Replace

No matter how advanced AI becomes, it will never replicate empathy, teamwork, or emotional intelligence.

Encourage your child to practise communication and collaboration by explaining their thinking, listening to others, and working in teams. These skills are essential for the modern workplace, where success depends on how well people connect, lead, and understand one another.

Emphasize both academic growth and vital human skills.

At 91°µÍř, our programs help students learn how to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve problems independently, all while staying curious and confident in an AI-driven world.

Preparing Students for a Future AI Can’t Replace

AI may change the world, but it can’t replace the human mind or heart.

By helping your child build adaptable, thoughtful study habits now, you’re setting them up for a future filled with opportunity. The students who will thrive in the years ahead are those who can combine technology with creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking.

How We Can Help Study Habits for the AI Age

We help students develop study habits and learning strategies that extend beyond test scores, so they’re prepared not just for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s world.

Because the best way to prepare your child for the AI age isn’t to compete with technology, it’s to help them develop the independent thinking skills that make them human.

Ready to get future-ready study skills for your child? 

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This shift has both benefits and risks, which only re-emphasize the importance of building thinking and learning skills without relying on AI.

Is AI Replacing the Textbook?

No, but it’s changing the way students study.

For many decades, textbooks were the cornerstone of learning. Students read, highlighted, and worked through problems step-by-step, reinforcing both knowledge and critical thinking. Later, the internet made it easier for students to research information and access learning resources instantly, and in various formats and media types.

Now, AI tools can:

• Summarize chapters in seconds
• Solve math problems instantly
• Suggest essay outlines and even write them fully

The Trade-Off

While these tools can save time, they often bypass the reasoning process that helps students retain information. Without that process, knowledge can fade quickly. Several have even shown cognitive decline in students who heavily rely on LLM/AI. Read more about it here.

At 91°µÍř, we focus on rebuilding that process, guiding students through problems using the power of their minds, so they understand why an answer is correct, not just what the answer is.

How Are Teachers Responding to AI in the Classroom?

Teachers are adjusting their strategies to ensure grades reflect genuine work and learning.

Common changes that teachers have made include:

• AI detection tools to flag potential misuse
• In-class assignments that require step-by-step work
• Open-ended questions that can’t be solved with a quick AI answer
• Oral explanations where students defend their reasoning

The shift shows that education is moving toward assessing process over product. That’s why tutoring is vital in helping students master the process that schools now prioritize.

Is Using AI for Schoolwork Ethical?

It depends on how it’s used.

AI can be a legitimate help if students use it for clarification, brainstorming, or practicing skills. However, submitting AI-generated work as their own is considered plagiarism. AI tools are known for mass plagiarism and providing improper sources for the information they provide. 

Risks of overreliance on AI in learning include:

• Loss of independent thinking skills
• Weaker problem-solving abilities
• Reduced long-term memory retention
• Poor preparation for exams and higher education, where AI use may be restricted

Students learn best when they build knowledge themselves. AI should never be a substitute for effort, practice, and critical thinking.

Why Is Tutoring More Important Than Ever in the AI Era?

Because no technology can replace the value of human connection, guidance, and personalized teaching.

Tutors can:

• Break down concepts in ways AI can’t fully personalize
• Encourage persistence through challenging problems
• Identify learning gaps that a computer program might miss
• Hold students accountable for doing their own work

In today’s learning environment, tutoring isn’t just about improving grades. It’s about protecting the integrity of a student’s education.

AI vs. Textbook in a Nutshell

• AI tools like ChatGPT offer speed but risk undermining deeper learning skills.
• Teachers are adapting assignments to test real understanding.
• Ethical concerns make overreliance risky for students.
• Tutoring builds skills, confidence, and independence that no AI can replace.

Want to learn more about how tutoring can benefit your child? Contact a location near you to see how tutoring can positively impact your child’s life.

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Students turn to AI to help them brainstorm, build out projects, finish assignments, and draft essays. Students love the simplicity of AI, but getting solutions easily is not always for the better. A new study from shows that when students rely too much on AI, their thinking skills decline, their writing suffers, and their brains become less engaged, leading to cognitive decline.

According to the study, students who used ChatGPT or other LLMs (Large Language Models) while completing SAT-style essays showed the lowest levels of brain activity. Furthermore, their writing became increasingly formulaic, forgettable, and lacking original thought. Over time, students became increasingly passive and disengaged. Many couldn’t recall what they’d written or revise their work without AI support, proof that they weren’t truly learning.

In a world of immediate responses and instant information, finding the value in taking the slower route may not be the most popular option. However, it’s important to remember that true learning draws on cognitive skills that don’t require any technology at all: deep thinking.

This study is a reminder that real learning is an active process—not passive—and it requires students to think for themselves.

What the MIT Study Found

The , conducted by cognitive scientists at MIT’s Media Lab, divided 54 students into three groups. Each group was tasked with writing multiple SAT-style essays under different conditions:

• One group used ChatGPT
• One group used Google Search (ChatGPT and other LLM prohibited) 
• One group used no tools at all

While students wrote, researchers monitored their brain activity using EEG sensors to detect engagement levels, attention, and cognitive processing across 32 regions of the brain.

Here’s what happened:

The ChatGPT group had the lowest brain activity. They were less engaged and focused, and demonstrated weaker memory and executive function. Their essays became increasingly similar to one another. Teachers who evaluated the work described it as “soulless,” filled with repetitive phrasing and shallow arguments.

These students retained little of what they wrote. When asked to revise an earlier essay without the help of ChatGPT, many couldn’t remember what they had written. Over time, they relied more heavily on AI. By the third essay, many students weren’t even pretending to do the work themselves; they were simply copying and pasting AI responses with minimal changes/edits.

In contrast, the “brain-only” group, those who wrote their essays with no digital tools, showed:

• Higher engagement and stronger brain activity, especially in regions linked to memory, creativity, and problem-solving
• Better memory recall and greater satisfaction with their work
• More original and thoughtful writing

Even the Google Search group fared better than the AI group, showing more active engagement in researching and constructing ideas rather than passively accepting pre-written content.

Why Passive Learning Is a Problem

Relying on AI for schoolwork might feel productive in the short term, but it skips the mental processes that lead to long-term learning. When students simply prompt ChatGPT or other LLMs and paste the result, they’re not analyzing, synthesizing, or reflecting. They’re just consuming.

That kind of passive learning:

• Weakens neural connections
• Reduces memory retention
• Limits the development of critical thinking and creativity
• Encourages intellectual laziness

As one of the researchers put it: “The task was executed, but nothing was integrated into the brain’s memory networks.”

This is especially concerning for children and teens, whose brains are still developing. Cognitive habits formed during school years carry into adulthood, so if students learn to outsource thinking now, they may struggle with deeper learning later in life.

The consequences are clear: when students don’t think for themselves, their brains don’t grow.

The 91°µÍř Difference: Teaching Students How to Learn

At 91°µÍř, we don’t just help students get the right answers. We help them develop the skills and strategies they need to arrive at those answers independently.

This is what sets 91°µÍř apart from AI tools and standard tutoring methods. Our approach is rooted in cognitive development and metacognition, in other words, teaching students to think about their thinking.

Through personalized tutoring and our Dynamic Assessment, we help students:

• Understand how they learn best
• Build stronger memory and retention strategies
• Practise active learning techniques
• Strengthen executive functioning skills like focus, organization, and self-monitoring
• Gain confidence through intellectual ownership of their work

Our tutors encourage curiosity, guide problem-solving, and provide feedback that helps students grow, not just perform.

AI Is a Tool, Not a Teacher

AI tools like ChatGPT are not inherently bad.

In fact, the MIT study found that when students used AI after doing the work themselves, their brain activity actually increased. They were able to use the tool more effectively because they understood the content and had developed a solid foundation first.

This proves an important point that AI can support learning, but not replace it.

91°µÍř helps students build that foundation first. By developing real-world thinking skills, students become better equipped to use technology in smart, productive, and balanced ways. They become active learners who don’t just passively consume information; they question, apply, and retain it.

From Brainpower to Lifelong Learning

What happens in the classroom doesn’t stay in the classroom. The skills students develop today shape how they think, work, and solve problems for the rest of their lives.

The reality is that the learning process should be a bit challenging. It should take effort, motivation, and drive. Figuring something out and thinking about a problem on their own is how real cognitive development happens for students. It’s how they build self-esteem and confidence in their lives.

True learning simply does not happen as a response to a prompt input into a screen.

91°µÍř’s programs are designed to help students:

• Stay curious and engaged
• Take ownership of their learning
• Strengthen core academic abilities
• Build confidence in their own thinking

These are skills no AI can provide and no future technology can replace.

Want to Future-Proof Your Child’s Learning?

Don’t let convenience come at the cost of your child’s cognitive development. With 91°µÍř, students build the skills they need to succeed today, tomorrow, and long after school is done.

Learn more about our cognitive-based approach by helping your child become a confident, critical thinker—no matter how technology evolves.

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The Norwegian Insight

Abrahamsson’s study, which spans recent decades and focuses on 2010 to 2018, presents compelling evidence supporting school cellphone bans. The research shows that such policies boost academic achievement and reduce bullying incidents and the need for counselling among students.

Academic Empowerment for Females

One of the study’s most notable findings is that female students experience significant advantages. Females saw a remarkable decrease in psychological consultations and bullying incidents, accompanied by tangible improvements in GPA and academic track attendance. The stricter the smartphone policy, the more obvious these improvements were, particularly among females from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A Movement Across Canada

While Norway’s experience is a compelling case study, similar initiatives are gaining momentum worldwide. In Canada, various provinces and school districts are embracing cellphone restrictions, recognizing the benefits for academic engagement and student well-being.

In Ontario, the government has taken significant steps to restrict cellphone use in schools. Since 2019, Ontario has banned the use of cellphones during instructional time in all public schools. This policy aims to enhance student focus and participation in classroom activities.

Similarly, other provinces, such as Quebec and British Columbia, have introduced measures to limit cellphone use during school hours. These policies have garnered support from educators and parents who observe positive student behaviour and academic performance changes.

Learn more about having a conversation with your teen about their screen time here.

Navigating the Transition

Educators in Canada have noted similar outcomes to those reported in the Norwegian study. For instance, teachers have observed increased student engagement and a more collaborative classroom environment following the implementation of cellphone restrictions. Parents, initially skeptical, have gradually come to appreciate the benefits of reduced distractions and improved academic focus.

Striking a Balance

The evidence from Norway and the growing momentum of cellphone bans in schools across Canada underscores the positive impact of such policies on academic performance, mental health, and overall student well-being. 

Schools can empower students to thrive academically and socially by prioritizing a distraction-free learning environment. As we embrace the digital age, we must strike a balance that prioritizes learning while mitigating the potential pitfalls of excessive technology use.

Tech-Free Tutoring

91°µÍř can help! Our programs help students develop strong learning skills using traditional methods, building a solid foundation for their school success. Want to learn more? Find a location near you for more details. 

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Technology has made many exciting advances in learning that can simplify students’ learning experience and make it. AI, ChatGPT, learning apps, and voice-to-text notetakers are just some of the tools readily available to students of all ages.

But does using technology lead to better learning?

Many believe that technology is the education tool of the future, simplifying how students access information, collaborate with other students, and store information. Undoubtedly, knowing how to use technology properly is vital for students of all ages.

However, research shows that using technology to learn can be more of a hindrance than a help, especially when building basic learning skills.

Offline Learning Vs Online Technology Learning

When it comes to building basic learning skills in the three Rs, what impact does tech have?

READING

When reading for school, is it better to read from screens vs reading from paper? What we know is that the brain processes digital reading differently than it does when reading from paper. Online screens are never still. There are always links present, waiting to distract and bring our attention elsewhere.

Studies examined the connection between how thewhen reading from a screen vs reading off paper. The research showed that reading and writing on paper helps students encode information more effectively and thus store it or retrieve it from their memories more effectively. 

Reading online leads to shallower processing and less memory retention, whereas reading on paper leads to deep reading. On paper, the text itself provides a “landscape” as we read, which helps the memory centre become more active. Paper reading activates multiple senses, including touch and sound, activating more brain areas. Information is processed more effectively when students use multiple senses simultaneously. On the other hand, online reading can lead to shallow reading that isn’t encoded effectively.

WRITING

Much like reading from paper, writing by hand activates more brain areas than typing on a keyboard. When we write by hand, we have to think about the formation of each letter and the words we are writing, which requires more mental effort than typing.  suggests that handwriting can help with memory retention and creativity.

Writing notes in class involves several processes:

• Listening to what the teacher says.
• Deciding what to write down and emphasize.
• Connecting that information to prior knowledge.

This is known as the “process function” of note-taking, meaning students must process what they are writing. When students take notes with a laptop or a note-taking app, they get the “product function.” In other words, they get great notes they don’t have to think about.

, handwritten class notes are also better for capturing concepts and ideas.

ARITHMETIC

The goal of learning math is to develop an understanding of how numbers work and to be able to perform mental math without the help of a calculator. Relying on technology to solve formulas or practice key skills doesn’t help students build a true understanding of math principles and can even lead to .

Building the basics of math requires numeracy—aka math literacy—often built with hands-on practice and learning exercises to build speed, accuracy, and mastery. A strong understanding of math’s basic concepts is needed before moving on.

Hands-On Math Learning
Math understanding requires deep thinking about numbers, noticing patterns in how numbers work together, and making connections. Manipulatives allow students to group, arrange, connect, integrate, and build a . When young children use manipulatives, aka physical objects like blocks, to represent math facts, they engage with math concepts physically, using more senses and building a deeper understanding.

Other Tech Issues to Consider

Health & Well-Being

Whether for learning or leisure, too much screen time can be linked to many challenges for children, such as interfering with sleep habits, decreasing attention, and even reducing memory. It can also affect students’ mental well-being.

Increased screen time can also lead to brain changes in young children: higher screen use negatively affects up to 56% of the brain areas dealing with language, literacy, imagination, and executive function, such as self-regulation.

Traditional Learning with 91°µÍř

Technology has many benefits in learning, such as accessing information, collaboration, and engagement. Online learning tools are always available and accessible and meet students’ needs at the surface level. Today’s children are digital natives, which means that computers have always been part of their daily lives, and screen time is part of both their education and recreation; it’s natural to think that learning that doesn’t use technology seems old-fashioned. However, the opposite is true.

The more students use technology to learn, the more important and necessary the in-person, one-on-one connection-based instruction model becomes.

91°µÍř classes focus on delivering a personalized learning experience, building connections with students, and helping them understand that they can achieve their goals. Classes end with high fives and smiles, and that is something that no app, tech, or AI will ever be able to deliver.

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studied Canadian parents and teachers to understand current perspectives, priorities, obstacles, and possibilities for learning for the present generation of children better.

So, what does the report indicate about education in Canada?

Understanding the Changing Educational Landscape

How we approach education in Canada is rapidly evolving due to new technologies, shifts in student preferences, and broader societal needs. Classrooms have transformed with the introduction of online learning platforms. These online platforms offer students flexibility and are customizable for diverse learners. This shift has led educators to embrace new teaching approaches by integrating digital tools and tailoring instruction to suit individual learning styles.

Additionally, education now emphasizes holistic development alongside academic success, prioritizing skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. As Canadian education continues to progress, it is crucial for everyone, including parents, to adapt and ensure that students acquire the necessary skills for future success.

Key Insights from the Report

1. Demand for enhanced support: The report shows that two-thirds of teachers and nearly half of parents believe students need more involvement in their education and development than in previous years.
2. Importance of discovering unique skills: Both parents and teachers stressed the significance of students exploring and developing unique skills outside of formal education settings to foster holistic learning and personal growth.
3. Addressing learning gaps with hobbies: Remote learning during the pandemic posed challenges, with many students needing to catch up. Teachers highlighted the importance of encouraging students to explore skills and hobbies to bridge these gaps.
4. Challenges faced by parents: A significant finding was that many parents feel they lack sufficient time and resources to contribute more actively to their student’s education, calling for accessible support systems.
5. Rise of trade skills and entrepreneurial spirit: The report noted a growing emphasis on practical skills like trades and entrepreneurial abilities, reflecting a broader educational objective beyond traditional academics.
6. Focus and attention as core challenges: Both parents and teachers identified issues related to focus and attention as primary challenges students face today, with technology playing a significant role in shaping these behaviours.

The report also highlighted the increasing reliance on technology in education, with students turning to tools like ChatGPT for homework and assignments. However, a significant portion of this usage might lead to shortcuts rather than genuine learning enhancement.

Download the Future of Learning report .

Looking Ahead with 91°µÍř

91°µÍř understands how important adapting to changing educational needs is. Our personalized tutoring programs are designed to enhance classroom learning, offering personalized support that addresses individual challenges and cultivates a love for learning. 

Whether boosting focus and attention, exploring unique interests, or helping to bridge learning gaps, our experienced tutors are here to help students reach their full potential.

As we maneuver the future of learning in Canada, it’s important to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed. Find a tutoring centre near you to see how we can help your student reach their full potential. 

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Whether you’re a student tackling textbooks or a professional drowning in reports, traditional reading methods may not always do the trick. That’s where bionic reading comes in, changing how readers engage with text.

What Is Bionic Reading?

Bionic Reading, developed by a Swiss developer named , aims to make reading easier by guiding the eyes through artificial fixation points. But what does that mean exactly?

Imagine you’re looking at the word “Bionic”. Notice how the first three letters are in bold. Now, take a look at “Reading,” with the first four letters in bold. This is how all words are presented in Bionic Reading. It’s different from regular text.

The creators of this tool say the eyes focus on the bolded part of the word, and the brain fills in the rest. Since the brain processes words faster than the eyes can read individual letters, focusing on fewer letters at a time allows the reader to process faster while still grasping the full meaning.

At first glance, it seems like a fancy font. But it’s actually much more than that. Unlike a simple font, Bionic Reading can selectively bold parts of words. Developers can even tweak settings like how many letters are bolded and the contrast between bold and regular text using the Bionic Reading API, making it a customizable option for text in apps.

Bionic Reading

Select the Right Tool

Numerous apps and software platforms offer bionic reading. If you are interested in trying this tool, try experimenting with different options to find the one that best suits your needs.

Here are some tools worth trying:

Supplement with Traditional Reading

While bionic reading may offer benefits, it’s essential to supplement it with traditional reading methods. Incorporate diverse reading strategies to develop a well-rounded approach to information consumption.

Should You Try Bionic Reading?

When thinking about trying this reading technique, consider factors such as reading habits, learning goals, and personal preferences:

Pros: (According to developers)

Faster reading: This reading technique can let readers read faster, covering more material in less time.

Better focus: Developers purport this tool to boost concentration by cutting distractions and focusing on one word at a time. Plus, people with ADHD or dyslexia have found that this technique improves their reading comprehension.

Improved understanding: Bionic reading may improve understanding by reducing mental strain and helping you remember information better.

Note: many claims of bionic reading effectiveness have not been proven scientifically.

Cons: 

Learning curve: Getting used to it might take some time and practice, especially if you’re used to traditional methods.

Limited use: While Bionic Reading works well for certain kinds of content, it might not be great for complex or nuanced texts that need deeper analysis.

Eye strain risk: Reading this way for a long time can strain the eyes. It’s important to take breaks and care for your eyes properly.

Not proven scientifically. Research shows no evidence that using this method leads to faster processing, and claims

In sum, Bionic reading is a modern tool that might help some readers consume information online faster and more effectively, and it could be fun to try. However, it is essentially only a fun tool to read with rather than a way to develop reading skills.

Build Reading Basics with 91°µÍř

While knowing the latest tech trends that make learning easier helps parents, students, and educators stay current with the latest tools, it does not mean that using them gives students an advantage. In fact, research shows that when it comes to developing reading skills, the simplest approach is best.

It’s fun to know about and even experiment with the latest tools, but technology does not always help in the classroom.

Using a phonetic-based language approach, 91°µÍř’s reading expertise, trained tutors, and personalized approach can help students unlock their full reading potential and achieve their academic goals.

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NB: 91°µÍř programs do not use Bionic Reading or assistive reading software in their programming. This article does not indicate an endorsement of bionic reading and is provided for informational purposes only.

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AI: Beyond Intelligence, an Information Collector

Despite its name, AI isn’t as “” as it might suggest.

Rather, consider AI as a sophisticated information gatherer. Lacking consciousness and self-awareness, AI is a tool to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions based on existing information. Essentially, it is a smart assistant that enhances human abilities without possessing a mind of its own.

Contrary to popular belief, AI doesn’t generate original content. Its outputs are rooted in the data it’s trained on, devoid of the creativity and intuition that humans bring to the table.

The ideal relationship between humans and AI should be one of collaboration, where AI supports and augments our abilities rather than replacing fundamental skills like reading, writing, and critical thinking.

AI in Education is a Balancing Act

AI is making significant strides in the field of education. However, foundational skills remain at the core of learning, and AI should serve as a complement rather than a replacement.

While AI can undoubtedly enhance education, it’s not a shortcut. Reading, writing, and critical thinking remain vital for a well-rounded education. AI should be thoughtfully integrated to support and amplify these skills.

Over-reliance on AI in education may prove counterproductive, potentially impeding the cognitive processes crucial for intellectual and creative development. In education, the goal isn’t simply to accumulate information but to develop analytical, synthesizing, and application skills.

Learn more about how to help kids navigate the world of AI in education here.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine Learning plays a key role in the expansive landscape of artificial intelligence, leading to many of today’s technological advancements. It fuels algorithms that power chatbots, predictive text and enhances language translation apps.

Think of the personalized recommendations on streaming services like Netflix or the content that appears on your social media feeds—all thanks to Machine Learning. Its impact extends to the development of autonomous vehicles in the automotive industry, helping them navigate and adapt to changing environments. 

In education, Machine Learning is becoming more powerful with an increasing number of ML-powered eLearning apps and available online to children worldwide.

The Intersection of AI, ML, and Education

There is tremendous potential in the connection between AI, machine learning, and education.

ML-powered adaptive learning platforms can tailor educational content to individual learning styles, offering personalized learning experiences. This collaboration has the potential to transform education, making it more adaptable and accessible to the diverse needs of learners.

Responsible integration is crucial. 

The goal isn’t to replace humans in education but to enhance it. With AI-driven tools, teachers and tutors can offer more personalized guidance, addressing each student’s strengths and weaknesses. Striking a careful balance is the challenge—using technology to boost human capabilities without diminishing the importance of essential human elements in education.

Embracing the Future Responsibly

Understanding AI and Machine Learning requires critical thinking skills and a sense of responsibility. While AI and ML are undeniably powerful and transformative, this technology isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every challenge.

As we advance and explore the potential of technology, let’s not forget the timeless importance of human traits like education, critical thinking, and creativity.

The future envisions a harmonious coexistence where humans and AI collaborate, each contributing unique strengths to enhance society. Balancing innovation with responsibility is the key to navigating this exciting future.

91°µÍř is Here To Help 

91°µÍř is committed to guiding and supporting learners on their educational journey. 

AI and ML aren’t replacements for fundamental skills. 

91°µÍř offers personalized tutoring to ensure students have the essential skills for a bright future.

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