Digital Minimalism

Cultivating Focus and Deep Learning in a Distracted World

In a digitalized world, education represents both great opportunity and formidable challenge. Technology connects us to a vast world of knowledge but also threatens to undermine the focus and depth that education demands. As in all areas of life, technology forces educators to decide how we will engage with it.

What's the Problem?

Studies show that while digital devices offer some conveniences, they often introduce distractions that detract from students' ability to engage deeply with their studies. Research has highlighted several concerns associated with constant digital access in the classroom:

Impaired Focus: Digital devices inherently invite multitasking, which fragments attention and prevents students from giving full attention to any single idea or task. Studies by Carter, Greenberg, and Walker (2016) found that students who regularly use laptops or smartphones during lectures retained less information and performed more poorly on assessments than those who took notes by hand. Their research concluded that technology, while helpful in some contexts, often acts as a distraction rather than an aid in focused learning.
Shallow Learning: True understanding requires sustained focus and a willingness to wrestle with difficult ideas. The constant pull of notifications, social media, and on-demand entertainment seriously inhibits the development of the skills necessary for understanding, leading students to shallow learning that prioritizes information retrieval over real comprehension and analysis. Research has shown that the surface-level interaction with content that is typical of digital settings is ineffective at producing comprehension and retention compared to deeper, more sustained engagement with material (Carr, 2010).
Increased Anxiety and Reduced Well-being: Numerous studies indicate that excessive screen time can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety (Twenge, 2019). In the classroom, this mental strain can detract from a student’s ability to engage and find joy in the learning process. By reducing screen time, we aim to create a healthier, more peaceful environment that nurtures well-being and intellectual curiosity. (See also Jonathan Haidt’s (2024) book, The Anxious Generation).

The ALCA Approach

Our practice of digital minimalism involves a few key principles and strategies:

Selective Integration of Technology: We recognize that certain digital tools have a legitimate role in enhancing education. In subjects where visualization, simulation, or interactive engagement benefits learning, we employ technology in measured doses. However, in areas where hands-on, direct interaction with material is more effective, we emphasize traditional methods that foster focus and self-discipline. Research shows that when technology is used sparingly and with a clear purpose, it can support learning; however, indiscriminate use can lead to reduced comprehension and retention (Mueller & Oppenheimer, 2014).
Personal Device-Free Classrooms: Our default classroom setting is unplugged. While we may integrate technology in a group setting, students do not use personal devices like phones, tablets, or laptops. This device-free time allows them to engage in meaningful face-to-face interaction, encouraging the development of social and communication skills that technology cannot replace. Research supports the value of device-free zones in promoting interpersonal skills and reducing digital dependency (Turkle, 2015).
Emphasis on Physical Resources: By using physical books, notebooks, and tangible learning materials, we reinforce the value of direct and sustained interaction with content. Physical materials provide a different cognitive experience than screens, supporting memory and comprehension. Studies show that students often retain information better when engaging with physical texts due to the tactile and spatial memory benefits (Mangen et al., 2013).
Cultivation of Reflection and Mindfulness: Digital minimalism isn’t about restriction but making room for depth. By clearing away distractions, we create an environment in which students can reflect on what they learn, make connections, and develop habits of critical thought. Research suggests that reducing digital interruptions helps students develop sustained focus and mental clarity, which are crucial for higher-order thinking (Rosen, Carrier, & Cheever, 2013).

Practically speaking, this adds up to a mostly tech-free experience for our students. Most students go most days without looking at screens, often a refreshing experience (though one that sometimes takes time to adjust to!) The use of technology in the classroom is limited to shared experiences, such as when a teacher supplements a lesson on history with photographs displayed via projector.

The Benefits of Digital Minimalism

The benefits of our digital minimalist approach are both practical and philosophical, aimed at nurturing the whole person:

Enhanced Attention and Academic Performance: Reducing distractions allows students to engage fully with their studies, which leads to a deeper understanding of the material and improved academic performance.
Development of Interpersonal Skills: The face-to-face interactions that occur in our device-free classrooms foster empathy, communication, and collaboration, which are critical for a successful and fulfilling life.
Improved Mental Health: By minimizing screen exposure, students experience a reduction in digital fatigue and stress, fostering a more positive and conducive learning environment.

Cultivating Healthy Habits with Lifelong Impact

Our commitment to digital minimalism is not a rejection of technology, but an embrace of its proper role in a well-rounded, intentional life. We believe that by curating students' digital experiences, we empower them to cultivate habits of focus, resilience, and reflection—qualities essential for lifelong learning and meaningful contribution to the world.

Our hope is that by practicing digital minimalism, students will come to see that true learning is not a sprint but a journey – one that requires patience, attention, and even love. Digital minimalism is part of our effort to know truth, love wisdom, and embrace service.

We encourage parents to extend the digital minimalist approach beyond the classroom, thoughtfully considering when and how technology is used at home, by children and by parents. Technology makes a good servant, but a terrible master. The more we think carefully about how we use it, the better we make sure that digital technology is a tool that serves us, rather than it ruling over us.