Screen Time That Counts: Helping Students Think for Themselves

International Internet Day highlights how structured routines and responsible technology use can build confidence, independence and sound judgement.

Effective online education requires more than internet access. Ross Scott, Head of Senior High School at IVA Online School, highlights the teachers, relationships and daily habits that turn internet access into purposeful learning.

Teachers bring learning to life

An internet connection opens the door to information. Teachers help students make sense of it.

At IVA, live lessons follow a structured daily timetable. Students contribute opinions, ask questions and participate in group activities, while teachers use quizzes, tests and projects to assess understanding.

“Students are taught by a live teacher who has their camera on and engages with them throughout the lesson,” says Scott. “We have assemblies, we have a break, we have community.”

Teachers also build relationships that help them identify when additional support may be needed. Absences, declining marks or changes in participation can prompt conversations with students and parents.

“Make learning an enjoyable experience. Make it personal,” Scott advises.

Real-world examples help students connect classroom concepts to everyday experiences, giving them opportunities to discuss and apply their knowledge.

Structure supports independence

Online learning requires clear expectations and consistent routines. A predictable timetable helps students prepare for lessons, manage assignments and take responsibility for their progress.

Parents considering online education should ask about communication, planning documents and opportunities to meet teachers or grade and phase heads. These conversations establish how the school monitors progress and respond to difficulties.

At home, a suitable workspace, reliable equipment and agreed study times support participation. Parents can remain involved while encouraging children to organise their work and ask for help independently.

Constructive feedback is equally important.

“Feedback is required to learn from mistakes,” says Scott.

He encourages students to revisit marked assignments and assessment rubrics, identify where they fell short and apply teachers’ guidance to future tasks.

Research requires more than searching

Finding information quickly is different from understanding it. Students need to consider who created a source, what evidence supports its claims and whether other credible sources offer similar findings.

Parents can encourage thoughtful research through simple questions: “Why do you trust this source?” and “Can you explain what you discovered in your own words?”

These conversations help students move beyond copying answers towards developing their own understanding.

IVA encourages responsible use of artificial intelligence among students and staff. Additional explanations and practice resources can support learning, while teachers continue to check that students understand and can apply the material.

Make online time purposeful

Families can help students recognise which digital activities support learning and which interrupt concentration. Agreed study periods without social media or entertainment can protect focus. A daily cut-off time creates space to disconnect.

Scott also highlights gatherings, school camps, assemblies and celebrations of achievements as opportunities to build friendships and strengthen belonging.

Parents can look beyond the hours their children spend online and ask what they understood, contributed or questioned. The value of online education emerges when students use technology to engage with others, develop sound judgement and think for themselves.