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Parent urges board to re-examine 1-to-1 iPad use in elementary grades
Summary
A parent during public comment urged the Osseo school board to limit or reconsider 1-to-1 device use in elementary classrooms, citing concerns about attention, deep learning, student privacy with EdTech vendors, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Diana Petre, who identified herself as a parent and professional musician living in the district, used the boardpublic comment period to ask officials to "re-examine the role of 1-to-1 devices in elementary schools." She said she was grateful for her childkindergarten teacher, who has intentionally refrained from using iPads, and described worries that tablets can distract young children and undermine hands-on learning.
"Our children will have a lifetime to use these devices, but they will only have 1 childhood. Let's protect it," Petre said, urging the board to place students' well-being and authentic learning at the center of decisions about devices.
Petre raised specific concerns about student and data privacy, saying information is being shared with EdTech companies, and noted instances of elementary students accessing inappropriate YouTube videos. She recommended the board carefully review district practice and consider changes for early grades.
Board members thanked Petre for her perspective; no policy change or vote occurred in response during the meeting, though the topic was framed as one the district can address through staff follow-up and policy review.
