About
Head of School Welcome
Locked Phones, Open Conversations
What a roller coaster line did to reinforce my thoughts on mobile devices, learning, and being human
I love technology.
I believe in it.
I advocate for it.
I use, share, and teach with it.
And I want every student to grow up fluent in the tools that will shape their future.
Now, on a recent trip to Cedar Point with our students, I saw something that reminded me of an important truth.
On one of the newest, fastest, and most advanced coasters, riders must lock their belongings, including phones, before entering the line.
No phones.
No scrolling.
No “quick check.”
And then something fascinating happened.
The lines... 20, 40, even 90 minutes long were filled with noise, laughter, conversation, and real connection.
Groups talking.
Friends joking.
Strangers bonding over shared anticipation and nerves.
Nobody complained.
Nobody begged for their phone back.
Nobody seemed anxious.
Instead, they did something we often worry students won’t do without devices:
They interacted.
They waited.
They existed together.
It is why I don't believe in banning, but assisting with controls. Not having the devices out in places like our dining hall has increased the greatest gift we have at AOA, the human connection.
When we say... “Phones away. You will have time later.”
We are not punishing.
We are teaching presence.
We are giving space for curiosity, attention, and community.
And trust me, they adapt... often faster and better than we think.
Technology should empower learning.
But intentional pauses build discipline, patience, and human connection.
Some amusement parks may understand something we forget, even if it was done for safety reasons. You can love innovation and still protect moments that belong to people, not screens.
At Andrews Osborne Academy, that balance matters.
We design learning environments where students:
• Think
• Build
• Collaborate
• Question
• Create
• Grow as humans, not just users
The future belongs to those who can do both, and do it well.
Master advanced tools and look someone in the eye, listen, laugh, and share the moment.
Let’s not choose between innovation and humanity.
Let’s teach both.
What’s one moment when you saw people reconnect without devices?
I’d love to hear it.
Back
I love technology.
I believe in it.
I advocate for it.
I use, share, and teach with it.
And I want every student to grow up fluent in the tools that will shape their future.
Now, on a recent trip to Cedar Point with our students, I saw something that reminded me of an important truth.
On one of the newest, fastest, and most advanced coasters, riders must lock their belongings, including phones, before entering the line.
No phones.
No scrolling.
No “quick check.”
And then something fascinating happened.
The lines... 20, 40, even 90 minutes long were filled with noise, laughter, conversation, and real connection.
Groups talking.
Friends joking.
Strangers bonding over shared anticipation and nerves.
Nobody complained.
Nobody begged for their phone back.
Nobody seemed anxious.
Instead, they did something we often worry students won’t do without devices:
They interacted.
They waited.
They existed together.
It is why I don't believe in banning, but assisting with controls. Not having the devices out in places like our dining hall has increased the greatest gift we have at AOA, the human connection.
When we say... “Phones away. You will have time later.”
We are not punishing.
We are teaching presence.
We are giving space for curiosity, attention, and community.
And trust me, they adapt... often faster and better than we think.
Technology should empower learning.
But intentional pauses build discipline, patience, and human connection.
Some amusement parks may understand something we forget, even if it was done for safety reasons. You can love innovation and still protect moments that belong to people, not screens.
At Andrews Osborne Academy, that balance matters.
We design learning environments where students:
• Think
• Build
• Collaborate
• Question
• Create
• Grow as humans, not just users
The future belongs to those who can do both, and do it well.
Master advanced tools and look someone in the eye, listen, laugh, and share the moment.
Let’s not choose between innovation and humanity.
Let’s teach both.
What’s one moment when you saw people reconnect without devices?
I’d love to hear it.
Andrews Osborne Academy
38588 Mentor Avenue
Willoughby, Ohio 44094
Grades Preschool - 12, PG
P. (440) 942-3600
F. (440) 942-3660
Affiliations
Located In Willoughby, OH, Andrews Osborne Academy is a Private Co-ed Day & Boarding College Preparatory School For Grades Preschool - 12, PG. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.