Gadgets on a school trip are unavoidable nowadays as students are far more tech-savvy than we are; and often know more tricks on their gadgets than we can imagine. However, these devices can easily interfere with learning during study trips by pulling students from an active, observant mindset into a reactive, distracted one.
So how do we encourage effective gadget control during study or excursion trips abroad?
1. Establish a Routine
Depending on the destination, we encourage students to connect with their parents either before or after the day’s excursions—usually in the morning or evening.
This routine allows students to remain fully engaged during the day, when gadgets are safely kept away and the focus is on learning, observing, and participating.
2. Integrate Purposeful Tasks and Assignments
We include structured activities in the itinerary that require the use of gadgets for learning.
Examples include identifying plants, birds, or architectural features, taking photos or short videos of key learning moments and presenting to the group what they observed
This transforms gadgets into tools for documentation and discovery, rather than distraction.
3. Reward Positive Behaviour
Unsupervised access often leads students straight into games and social media, reducing concentration.
To encourage discipline, we reward students who have the least unnecessary phone interactions throughout the trip.
Small gifts, such as chocolates or simple privileges work well in reinforcing positive habits.
Gadgets are part of our time, and when managed well, they can enrich a study trip rather than take away from it. With the right structure, they become powerful tools for capturing learning, enhancing observation, and creating timeless memories.
