Purposeful screen use and the protection of student data
Parents, school councils, trustees and ministries rightly ask how much time students spend on digital devices and how their personal information is handled. This page sets out Knowledgehook's approach to both questions and the evidence on which it rests.
The purpose of screen use matters more than its duration
Results from PISA 2022 show that moderate use of digital devices for learning at school is associated with higher mathematics performance, while distraction by digital devices is associated with lower performance. Knowledgehook is designed to support the former and to avoid the latter.
"It is the overuse and/or misuse of digital devices that is negatively associated with performance."OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Volume II
Access to devices alone has limited effects; structured mathematics practice with feedback shows the strongest evidence
Experimental studies distinguish between the provision of devices, which shows mixed results, and computer-assisted learning in mathematics, where the evidence is most consistent. A randomized trial of brief online mathematics work with feedback to teachers, the model closest to a Short Learning Cycle, found a positive effect on Grade 7 achievement.
Most of the cycle takes place away from the screen
The device is used to identify gaps in understanding. Addressing them takes place at the desk, through printable intervention resources, manipulatives and small-group instruction led by the teacher.
Consistency with Ontario's policy on personal mobile devices
Policy/Program Memorandum 128 requires personal mobile devices to be stored out of view during instructional time and restricts access to social media, while permitting use "for educational purposes, as directed by an educator". A Short Learning Cycle is initiated by the teacher, contains no social features and does not allow communication between students.
Read PPM 128 →"Dynamic software and quality apps and games can increase proficiency and reduce learning gaps in mathematics."
"Prioritize screen activities that are educational, active, or social over those that are passive or unsocial."
Knowledgehook assessed against the four criteria proposed by UNESCO
The 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report recommends that digital technology "complement face-to-face interaction with teachers" and proposes that governments assess education technology against four criteria. Knowledgehook's response to each is set out below.
Each check is short, aligned to the Ontario expectation being taught, and started by the teacher during mathematics class. Closing the gap happens with paper, manipulatives and the teacher.
Where the evidence identifies risks, the design responds to them
References: screen use and learning (9)
Student data is held on behalf of students, families and school boards
Knowledgehook collects only the information required to support instruction, uses it solely for educational purposes and extends to all students the protections that apply to children under 13.
Commitments on the use of student data
Figure 5. The lifecycle of a student record
Supporting school boards' notice obligations
Regulations under the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024, in force since 1 July 2026, require school boards to provide plain-language notice when they share a student's information with a software application. Knowledgehook provides the information each notice requires.
Developments in student privacy relevant to Canadian school systems
Safeguards for students
Documentation for school boards
Documentation to support privacy impact assessments and approval by school boards.
Briefings for privacy officers and trustees
Knowledgehook's team can brief school boards on data practices, the design of screen use and the documentation required for approval.