No Tech November: FAQs
What is No Tech November?
1
No Tech November is an intentional pause from using technology for teaching and learning.
It is built on the radical idea that people have been teaching and learning from each other for centuries without using screens. The purpose of No Tech November is to bring teachers’ and students’ attention to what is gained and what is lost when technology is embedded in the classroom.
The No Tech intention is meant for classroom instruction, staff meetings, professional development… anywhere school people are connecting under a school roof!
Why November?
2
By November, students and teachers have had enough time to get to know each other and establish classroom routines. There is grace enough for safe risk-taking.
The Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. makes November a “short month” in the school year.
Alliteration!
Why No Tech?
3
Brilliant people have been teaching and learning from each other for centuries without using screens. The purpose of No Tech November is to bring teachers’ and students’ attention to what is gained and what is lost when technology is embedded in the classroom.
5
What about accommodations?
4
But emails! And attendance!
Do no harm. Where technology makes learning accessible for students with neurological differences, keep it in place. Take attendance online if that’s how your school works.
Add a line to your signature explaining that you will be checking emails 1-3 times per day (choose a minimum number that is reasonable for you). Set your time for checking emails and stick to it. No more, no less.
Let people know how to contact you for urgent matters (e.g. classroom phone or room number).
Take attendance in the way your school system requires, even if it is online.