Balancing Technology in Primary Education: Our Approach at South Loop

By Daniel Quinn

As a Technology Leader at the British International School of Chicago, I often find myself at the center of a lively debate: How much technology is too much? Parents and educators alike wrestle with questions about screen time, digital tools, and whether we’re striking the right balance. At our school, this is not a conversation we take lightly. Technology is a powerful tool, but it must be used thoughtfully, with student safety and well-being at the forefront.

That’s why our very first technology unit is always eSafety. Before students dive into coding or creative projects, they learn how to be responsible digital citizens. Understanding privacy, security, and respectful online behavior is the foundation for everything else we teach.

Our approach is skills-based and hands-on. We believe technology education should empower students to create, not just consume. From the earliest years, students engage with tools that spark curiosity and innovation. In Early Years, they start programming simple machines. By Year 1, they’re exploring digital art and photography. Fast forward to Year 6, and they’re building fully functional Mars rovers—phenomenal achievements that showcase how far their skills have come.

We also celebrate creativity through our annual Film Festival every February, where students share their projects with the school community. It’s a highlight of the year and a testament to the incredible talent and effort our learners put into their work.

Technology at BISCSL is not about endless screen time; it’s about balance and purpose. We’re preparing students for careers that don’t even exist yet, and that means teaching adaptability, problem-solving, and creativity. Artificial Intelligence is a great example. Rather than rushing in, we’re introducing AI in a safe, controlled way. One tool we’ve adopted is Spark AI, which helps students improve reading and comprehension while creating personalized stories based on their interests. It’s a perfect blend of innovation and education.

To stay at the cutting edge, we follow guidance from global leaders like Apple, LEGO, and MIT. Recently, we were proud to achieve Apple Distinguished School status, a recognition of the incredible work our students and staff have done to raise technology attainment across the school.

For me, technology education is about more than devices and apps—it’s about equipping students with the confidence and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. At BISCSL, we’re not just teaching technology; we’re shaping the digital citizens and innovators of tomorrow.