Kanahwa County to reduce use of technology in classroom for upcoming school year

August 13, 2026 - 06:53

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. - As students get ready to head back to class, Kanawha County is making a notable shift in how teachers run their lessons. The district will cut back on the use of classroom technology and the online learning platform Schoolology starting this fall.

Officials say the move comes after feedback from parents and teachers who felt that too much screen time was hurting student focus and basic skills like handwriting and face-to-face discussion. Instead of relying on digital tools for daily assignments, quizzes, and grade tracking, schools will return to more traditional methods like paper worksheets, printed textbooks, and in-person instruction.

The change does not mean a total ban on computers or tablets. Teachers can still use projectors for presentations and allow students to work on research projects online. But the days of logging into Schoolology for every homework assignment or class note are over for now.

District leaders hope this will help students build better study habits and reduce distractions. They also want to make sure that technology is used only when it truly adds value, not just for convenience.

Parents have mixed reactions. Some are relieved, saying their kids spent too many evenings staring at screens. Others worry that students will fall behind in digital skills needed for college and modern jobs. The district says it will review the policy after the first semester and adjust if needed.