Rethinking Homework in the Digital Age

In a surprising move, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) has issued a directive restricting the use of social media for assigning homework – all in the name of reducing students’ screen time. However, this decision has sparked widespread criticism among the society. 

With over a decade of experience as a teacher, I have come to realise that platforms such as WeChat, Telegram, and WhatsApp are not just convenient – they are the only tools available for our teachers. Unlike other countries that have invested in Learning Management Systems (LMS) or dedicated educational apps, our teachers have no official alternatives. 

Instead of providing proper platforms, the ministry has simply imposed restrictions, leaving teachers stranded.

This contradiction is baffling. On one hand, schools are pushing for smart classrooms, digital literacy, and tech-driven learning. On the other, teachers are now being directed to limit homework on social media to reduce student screen time.

What a paradox! While the world embraces technology as the future of education, we still seem to be treating technology as a threat.

If social media is not the right tool, then what is? The Ministry should have introduced proper alternatives before enforcing such a policy. Otherwise, this move is not a solution – it is a crisis in the making.

 

Source: giphy.com

Does Limiting Homework on Social Media Really Reduce Screen Time?

· Will the decision to restrict teachers from assigning homework via social media reduce students’ screen time?  

·    But will it really achieve that goal? 

·   Will learning without screens even realistic in today’s technological era?

·  Even if teachers stop using social media to assign homework, will students spend less time on screens? 

So many questions to be answered.

 

At the end, students will scroll social media anyway. They will use YouTube, gaming apps, or online chats, you name it. 

This policy may limit teachers but may not limit student screen time.

 

Can We Really Avoid Screens in Learning These Days?

We live in a technology-driven world. Avoiding screens in education is almost impossible. Even limiting to its use is a challenge. 

Screens are essential for learning today to access: 

·  E-books & Digital Resources: Textbooks are increasingly available online. 

· Virtual Labs & Simulations: Science and math use interactive tools for deeper understanding. 

· Online Research & Learning Apps: Students need Google, Wikipedia, and apps for assignments. 

·  Coding, AI, and Digital Skills: Many future jobs require digital literacy, making screen-based learning essential.

 

It is not about screens; it is about how screens are used. Passive screen time (social media scrolling) is harmful, while active screen time (learning, coding, researching) could be more beneficial. 

 

A Balanced Approach? 

Instead of banning social media-based homework, we could: 

·      Invest on providing official educational platforms for assignments. 

·      Educate students on healthy screen habits instead of assuming screens are bad. 

·      Introduce hybrid learning – mixing digital and offline assignments. 

·      Teach metacognition or self-regulation, so students learn to balance screen use.

 

We cannot eliminate screen-based learning in a tech-driven world – but we can guide students on using screens wisely.

 

So, does banning social media homework reduce screen time? Not really. It will only limit teachers, not students. A better approach would be to promote healthy and productive screen use. 

A Need for a Better Homework System? 

The answer is Yes. 

Without a structured platform:

· Teachers struggle to distribute and track assignments.

· Parents remain uninformed about their children’s tasks.

·   Students miss out on organized feedback.

 

While limiting screen time is important, it should not come at the cost of academic efficiency. Instead of eliminating online homework platforms, the Education Ministry or the relevant stakeholders in particular needs better alternatives.

 

Alternative Solutions for Assigning Homework

 

Here are some alternative solutions that may be worth exploring: 

 

1.    Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Homework

Teachers can use free LMS platforms that allow assignment distribution, submission tracking, and grading:

· Google Classroom– Assign tasks, provide feedback, and organize student work. 

· Microsoft Teams for Education – Assignments and collaborative learning. 

· MoodleCloud – Free cloud-based LMS for teachers.

These platforms reduce social media dependence while keeping homework organised.

 

Free Online Tools for Assignments

For teachers who need simple ways to distribute tasks, the following tools help:

· Google Docs & Google Drive – Share worksheets and essays easily.

·  Padlet – Create interactive bulletin boards for assignments.

· Wakelet – Curate and share educational resources.

Students can access these assignments without needing social media accounts.

 

Homework Submission Apps

For tracking homework without social media, teachers can use:

·  Seesaw – Allows students to submit work digitally.  

·   Showbie – Digital feedback and submission platform.

 

These apps act as virtual diaries, where students and parents can track assigned tasks.

 

Offline Homework Distribution Methods

For schools with limited internet access, teachers can continue using printed worksheets or written homework logs. While this may sound more of a traditional approach, it works and helps to document student works. 

But sadly, most of the time, our schools lack a functional printing facility, enough stationaries, or budget to get one. ☹️

 

What Can Ministry of Education Do? 

The Ministry should invest in:

·  Developing a national homework portal like those used in other countries.  

·  Providing training to teachers on using global education tools.

If development is still costly and lacks technological experts, the Ministry may subscribe to other affordable apps. 

Rather than banning social media-based homework outright, it is wiser to focus on providing alternatives. Teachers need support, not restrictions. At least not academic restrictions, please. Period. 

By adopting free platforms or exploring offline methods, our schools may maintain academic quality while respecting the Ministry’s concerns about screen time.

The circular from the Minister