Is education technology actually helping students learn?
Mar 6, 2025
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Katie Akerage, a dedicated English teacher passionate about enhancing classic texts with tech, joins Antero Garcia, a Stanford professor advocating effective technology use in education, and Adam Fial, an expert in tech implementation in schools. Together, they explore whether the significant financial investments in educational technology truly enhance learning. They tackle the balance between digital tools and engaging teaching, the impact of post-pandemic tech shifts, and the disparities in access that affect student success.
Despite substantial investments in educational technology, stagnant literacy and math scores highlight an effectiveness gap needing urgent attention.
Teachers must balance traditional learning methods with technology to enhance student engagement while avoiding distractions in digital environments.
Deep dives
Financial Investment in EdTech
American schools allocate between $26 to $41 billion annually on educational technology, a number projected to grow significantly, with the e-learning market reaching an expected $170 billion by 2030. While technology aims to alleviate administrative burdens and enhance learning experiences, concerns linger regarding its actual effectiveness. With student literacy and math scores remaining stagnant despite increased tech investment, the fundamental question arises: how can technology be leveraged to genuinely enhance education rather than merely fill budgets? The current state indicates potential misalignment between edtech promises and real educational outcomes.
The Dual Nature of Technology in the Classroom
Katie Akerage, a high school English teacher, expresses a mixed perspective on technology's role in her classroom, describing it as a double-edged sword. While tech such as communication apps and Chromebooks has made education more accessible and equitable, there are concerns regarding the balance of traditional versus digital learning. Akerage emphasizes that technology should serve as a supplement to core texts rather than a replacement, as classic literature like the 'Odyssey' offers richness that digital alternatives may lack. Striking the right balance is crucial to ensure that students remain engaged without losing the depth of learning.
Challenges with Student Engagement and Distraction
Teachers face significant hurdles with students using technology for non-educational purposes during class, often leading to distraction. Issues arise when students utilize Chromebooks to access social media or streaming platforms, which can undermine focus and engagement in learning materials. Furthermore, the introduction of AI writing tools presents new challenges, making it increasingly difficult for educators to ensure authentic student work. Effective classroom management strategies are essential in addressing these tech-related distractions, yet many teachers find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of keeping students engaged amidst a myriad of digital temptations.
The Need for a Paradigm Shift in EdTech Implementation
To successfully integrate educational technology, educators and administrators must prioritize supportive infrastructure over mere technology adoption. Meaningful implementation requires tailored criteria for assessing effectiveness, focusing on engagement and learning outcomes rather than just tracking progress on standardized tests. Successful examples demonstrate how tech can enhance the learning experience by allowing students to explore their interests and facilitate meaningful dialogue across diverse perspectives. Ultimately, investment in teachers and educational practices is essential to harness technology's potential as a tool for empowerment and genuine engagement in learning.
From laptops to learning software, schools invest billions of dollars each year on education technology. But what do we really know about how effective that tech is in the classroom?
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