Granville County Schools to emphasize 'skills before screens' as device distribution changes next year

Michael Spradlin, director of technology for Granville County Schools, said the district will roll out a "skills before screens" initiative and alter how it distributes technology to students starting next school year.

"I'm here to share some information about our new skills before screens initiative," Spradlin said, framing the change as a shift toward more intentional use of educational technology.

Spradlin emphasized the district is not anti‑technology and noted the role devices will play in students' futures. "Whether our students pursue higher education, employment, or enlistment after school, technology will be a part of their professional and personal lives," he said, adding that the initiative focuses on preparing students with foundational skills before relying on screens.

By focusing on skills before screens and using technology with intentionality, he said, the district aims to create learning environments that help students grow and prepare for success. Spradlin listed several programs the district plans to emphasize as part of that effort, including podcasting, digital media and 3D printing, saying such activities let students share learning, demonstrate creativity and collaborate with peers.

Spradlin did not provide specifics on how device distribution will change or a detailed timeline; those operational details were not specified in the briefing. The remarks were a brief overview of the initiative and priorities rather than a technical rollout plan.