What About Computers?
While computers are essential tools in our modern era and we recognize their importance, Waldorf theory holds that premature exposure to computers, computer games, and television is responsible for many of the attention, learning and behavioral issues afflicting so many children of our modern era.
So while we expect our students to fully engage computers later in their academic careers and lives, we establish a deeper and stronger foundation for critical thinking through emphasis on person-to-person oral teaching, writing and reading in the lower elementary school.
Dr. Koetzsche again points out that “almost all Waldorf high schools have computer labs and students from the ninth grade on are taught the basics of computer science and learn to use the latest technologies. Many Waldorf graduates have gone on to successful careers in the computer industry.”
Waldorf and Television
Television is discouraged because its hypnotic influence leaves children sitting passively when they would otherwise be moving and actively creating their own play, closing down the creative pathways and processes within the child that Waldorf education nurtures.
The School does ask families to refrain from television, video watching, and computer activities in general, and from listening to the radio during the car ride to and from school.
