Catholic school stepping away from technology  

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Step into Saint Joseph Academy and the only technology you’ll find are a few computers in the teachers’ lounge. That’s because the newly opened Catholic school is choosing to go as tech-free as possible.

“It’s also very cool to see their natural curiosities when they don’t have a screen in front of them and to hear the questions that they have about real life,” Saint Joseph Academy teacher Libby Kunzmann said.

There are no smartboards or tablets either.

“When my son learned to place value at the age of four, he actually has a thousand and then a hundred and then a ten and then a one. So you’re laying it out. It’s very tactile as they get older. Our math curriculum is very similar. They use an abacus, so they’re manipulating the things that they’re learning. So you’re experiencing it.,” Head of School Sara Hofflander said

Hofflander said teachers also keep their computer use to a minimum.

“We live in the modern world where we need to send an email to parents or file things online. That’s part of reality. But within our classrooms, we’re basically limited to a CD player, so they’ll listen to the great composers,” Hofflander said. “We listen to songs like songs to sing through the different events and history songs too, just like a lot of memory work.”

Less tech also means the academy can use its finances for other things.

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“We’re not having to finance a bunch of computer labs. On a philosophical level with a lot of technology, you’re having to just keep up with the latest. Everything gets outdated super fast but because we’re classical, we actually prioritize wisdom from the past,” Hofflander said.

Hofflander said it’s taken four years to get the school to where it is today. Many parents chose Saint Joseph because of its no-technology approach and students are liking it too.

“Sometimes a screen divides your attention from everything else, starts building a wall for you in the real world. Usually, you want to be on one side of the wall, not the other. And that is the side that is technology-free,” Saint Joseph Academy student Thomas Mogle said.

Mogle added technology in the classroom can be a distraction to learning. He said he enjoys being present with what is happening around him.

“When you when you think about technology, you stop thinking about the great things that are already around you, like your family and obviously books, nature, just everything,” Mogle said.

While school is only beginning, staff at Saint Joseph Academy are looking forward to staying away from a technology-driven classroom and offering students the chance to experience learning from a different angle.