The Waldorf School

At The Waldorf School in Los Altos California, they run their classrooms very different than most schools in today’s day. The teachers at this school solely base their teaching philosophy on physical activity and hands-on learning. This means, that no students at The Waldorf School, have ever learned from any method of technology. The article by Matt Richtel states that this method of teaching and learning is one hundred years old, however to me that does not justify the method as “good”. In today's day, the technological changes and changes to society should be what establishes time. I understand the attempt the school is making to lesson the role of technology in children’s lives, but it seems too extreme to me. 
As an aspiring teacher, I want students to have balance. I do strongly agree with The Waldorf School in that children brought up in this day, rely too much on technology way too early. My Mom teaches a pre-pre-school, and some of her four year olds have ipads or cell phones. That is terrifying to me. Students need to learn with hands on tactics, and experiments or team work. These are essential, not only to successful learning, but to developing life skills. Without working on small group projects at the elementary age, kids are more likely to lack the team-working and communication skills needed to succeed as adults. Kids feel accomplished when they complete a project they worked so hard on building and gluing together. However, the technology in schools is slowly taking that ability away from them. 
On the contrary, I do believe students need some technology. I do not agree with the approach The Waldorf School is taking. In today’s world, a basic foundation of technology is vital for survival. There needs to be a safe balance between hands on learning, and learning through a computer. For the elementary level, such as The Waldorf School, I think it is acceptable to have one hour of technology two or three times a week. I had something similar to that when I was in school and it made me well rounded. Going too far one way or the other is dangerous. Too much technology in classrooms, or not enough, could be risky for the future generations. We do not want children brought up as robots glued to their screens, but we cannot deny the changing society. 
The Waldorf School is sweeping change under the rug. The students who attend there will be behind kids their own age when they leave, and that could cause issues for them as the years progress. Right now, the education field is struggling with what is too little exposure, and when that exposure becomes a problem. The methods of The Waldorf School are dangerously outdated, but their concern is valid. In my opinion, they need to establish a realistic balance that fits the time period, and the needs of their students.