The recent implementation of a cellphone ban in New York City schools has revealed a surprising gap in students’ fundamental skills: many cannot read analog clocks. As students increasingly rely on mobile devices and smartwatches for timekeeping, educators are facing a growing challenge in teaching this essential skill.
High school English teacher Madi Mornhinweg noted the issue when her students frequently asked, “Miss, what time is it?” During class, she found herself reverting to the basics, asking, “Where’s the big hand and where’s the little hand?” The reliance on technology has led many children to neglect their ability to read traditional clocks, raising concerns among educators about the long-term implications of this trend.
The situation at Midwood High School in Brooklyn highlights a broader issue. With students expressing frustration over their inability to tell time without their phones, Mornhinweg’s experience reflects a common theme. One student shared, “They just forgot that skill because they never used it, because they always pulled out their phone.”
This phenomenon extends beyond New York City. Discussions on teacher-centric platforms like Reddit reveal that many students across various regions are not familiar with analog clocks, as they have not needed to learn this skill. Teachers argue that understanding how to read an analog clock remains crucial, even in a digital age. One educator commented, “If you know how to read an analog clock, you will have a significantly easier time learning geometry, mathematics, and most science.”
The New York City Department of Education recognizes the importance of this issue. According to spokesperson Isla Gething, “At NYCPS, we recognize how essential it is for our students to tell the time on both analog and digital clocks. As our young people are growing up in an increasingly digital world, no traditional time-reading skills should be left behind.”
As technology continues to evolve, educators face the challenge of ensuring that students retain essential life skills. The decline in proficiency with analog clocks serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing digital convenience with traditional knowledge. Schools are now tasked with reinforcing these time-telling skills, emphasizing their relevance in daily life and education.
The conversation surrounding the teaching of timekeeping skills is likely to continue as educators adapt to the changing landscape of technology and student needs.
