Teacher Warns Smartwatches and Certain Supplies Hinder Learning
A Moscow elementary school teacher and university lecturer, Marina Yenjevskaya, warned that certain school supplies such as smartwatches, erasable pens, and scented stationery can hinder learning by causing distractions, reducing focus, and undermining the development of critical thinking and self-reflection.
Consensus
- Marina Yenjevskaya is a Moscow elementary school teacher and associate professor at the Moscow State Pedagogical University.
- Smartwatches with cameras, messengers, and games are considered a major distraction during class.
- Erasing mistakes with special pens prevents children from analyzing errors and learning from them.
- Tetrad (notebook) with hints and rulers with built-in help interfere with memory training.
- Large pencil cases with many compartments lead to disorganization and wasted time searching for items.
- Multicolored pens and scented stationery are distracting and can overload the sense of smell.
- Electric sharpeners, erasers, and other gadgets become toys and disrupt classroom silence.
- Heavy backpacks with frames cause physical and psychological strain on children.
- Children should be allowed to make safe mistakes to develop independence and self-confidence.
Points of divergence
- The teacher specifically mentioned that the use of electric sharpeners and erasers as gadgets leads to play and disrupts silence in class. — riamo
- The teacher stated that the use of 'smart' watches can cause a loss of concentration for 10–15 minutes after a single signal. — vesti
- The teacher described 'smart' watches as an 'absolute enemy' of the learning process due to their multiple functions and temptation for constant information access. — vesti
- The teacher emphasized that the use of erasable pens creates an illusion of perfection, which kills reflection. — riamo
- The teacher stated that children should learn to correct mistakes by crossing them out and writing the correct version above, which develops attention and self-esteem. — vesti
- The teacher cited a doctor's recommendation that a backpack should not exceed 10% of a child's body weight. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Teacher explained why smartwatches and rubber bands can interfere with studies — РИАМО
- Teacher told what 'smart' watches and large pencil cases can harm — Вести