benefits of technology in school essay

Embracing the Future: Why Should Technology Be Used in the Modern Classroom

I love using technology in my classroom! ☺️💖 pic.twitter.com/DsMCAwak8o — Brenda Valenzuela (@miss_vteach) November 27, 2023

Perspectives on Technology in the Classroom: Insights from Teachers and Experts

The sentiment among educators regarding the use of technology in the classroom is largely positive, with a growing recognition of its benefits in enhancing the educational experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics ( NCES ), a considerable number of US teachers – 12% and 32% respectively – acknowledge that smartphones can be very or somewhat useful for school assignments. This recognition marks a shift in perception, viewing these devices as tools for learning rather than mere distractions.

“Learning in a connected, technology-rich environment enables young people to undertake meaningful experiences as they engage with peers, celebrities, relatives, and experts worldwide. They are able to connect with both formal and informal learning communities to communicate the results of their work — be it new proposals, new knowledge or solutions, persuasive advocacy (in a variety of interactive media formats), or creative ideas and expression — in ways that previous generations could only imagine. The educational opportunities that technology gives to students are not only amazing, they are transformative!” — Donald G. Knezek, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

“The key is to think about how technology improves the learning culture. How does it offer individuals the opportunity to take more responsibility for contributing? How does it make them be better consumers? How can technology increase their commitment by making audiences or experiences more real? Technology can help us increase the potential of all those things.” — Angela Maiers , award-winning educator, speaker, consultant, and social-media evangelist

“Real work for real purposes for real audiences — that’s the opportunity our children have today if they have technology in hand and access to the Internet. That’s not to say my 11- and 13-year-old children can’t do meaningful, important work without a device. But as lots of 11- and 13-year-olds are already showing, any child can now do world-changing work in ways that just weren’t possible even 10 years ago. The key is the audience, the connections that they can make with others who want to share in that work. These are the action networks, learning networks that my kids will be swimming in online all of their lives. And we need to teach them how to flourish in these spaces.” — Will Richardson, former teacher, cofounder of Powerful Learning Practice

“Find those in your building that have a natural interest in technology, and invest in those folks. But you really have to be strategic with that — you need to select teachers who are master teachers. That doesn’t mean veteran teacher. It means that a teacher who is well respected by their peers, who can ignite the fire of excitement with other teachers. And then once it begins to grow, your job as a principal is to provide what it is that they’re asking for, because before you know it, you have a school full of instructional leaders, and your instructional leaders have to be those folks that are in the classroom, knowing what kind of tools they need to do the job that they do everyday.” — Kappy Cannon Steck, principal of Forest Lake Elementary School in Columbia, South Carolina

11 Reasons Why Technology Should Be Used in the Classroom

1. enhances student engagement and learning.

Incorporating technology in the classroom not only aligns with the digital habits of today’s students but also significantly enhances their engagement and learning. The International Society for Technology in Education’s research underscores this, revealing a noticeable increase in student motivation and engagement when technology is a part of their learning process. This is largely attributed to the interactive and dynamic nature of technology, which resonates with students accustomed to digital environments.

2. Facilitates Personalized Learning

In today’s diverse classrooms, where each student has a distinct learning style, the use of technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating personalized learning experiences. Digital tools like educational apps and online resources provide multiple approaches to grasp a single concept, allowing educators to tailor instruction to suit different learning styles and paces.

3. Prepares Students for the Future

Integrating technology into education is not just about keeping pace with the digital age; it’s about equipping students with the skills they need for a technology-dominated future. A Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education report highlights how students acquire essential 21st-century skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital literacy through technology in the classroom. These are not just academic skills; they are the tools for success in the modern workplace.

By preparing students in these areas, technology in the classroom is not just an educational tool; it’s a vital bridge to their future careers, ensuring they are ready to navigate and contribute to a rapidly evolving digital world.

4. Increases Collaboration and Communication

5. expands educational resources.

In the digital age, technology significantly expands educational resources , transforming how students access and engage with information. The internet, a vast repository of knowledge, offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, transcending the limitations of physical textbooks and traditional classrooms.

By integrating these technological resources, educators can provide a richer, more diverse educational experience. They enable students to delve deeper into subjects, broaden their horizons, and engage with learning materials that are current, interactive, and tailored to their individual learning styles. The use of technology in education, therefore, is not just about convenience; it’s about expanding the boundaries of learning and opening new avenues for exploration and discovery.

6. Enables Efficient Assessment and Feedback

The integration of technology in classrooms has revolutionized the way educators assess student performance and provide feedback. It introduces efficiency and precision into the evaluation process, enabling educators to track and respond to student needs more effectively.

7. Overcomes Geographical Limitations

8. supports diverse learning environments.

Technology in education is no longer just an auxiliary tool but a fundamental component in creating and supporting diverse and inclusive learning environments. It has proven its worth as an enabler of continuous learning, regardless of external circumstances, and is essential in preparing students for the ever-evolving global landscape.

9. Reduces Environmental Impact

The integration of technology in classrooms significantly contributes to reducing the environmental impact of traditional educational practices. As we strive for more sustainable solutions, technology offers effective alternatives that minimize the ecological footprint of teaching and learning activities.

Digital Textbooks and Resources: The shift from physical textbooks to digital ones is a major step in reducing paper usage. E-books and online resources not only save trees but also decrease the energy and resources expended in printing, transporting, and disposing of physical books.

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Online learning and virtual classrooms can diminish the need for commuting to educational institutions, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation . This is particularly relevant in higher education and adult learning environments, where students often travel significant distances.

Key environmental benefits of using technology in education include:

10. Educates Students on Digital Citizenship

Here’s how technology in classrooms contributes to this important aspect of education:

11. Advances Careers with Technology Expertise

In the ever-evolving educational landscape, the mastery of classroom technology not only enhances teaching methodologies but also opens new career avenues for educators. Modern educational institutions are increasingly valuing teachers who are adept at integrating technology into their teaching practices. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) doesn’t provide specific growth projections for the edtech sector, it anticipates a significant expansion in the broader computing and IT industry. This field is expected to experience growth at a rate “much faster than average,” about 11 percent, potentially introducing over half a million new jobs between 2019 and 2029.

The rise of EdTech has created a plethora of new roles within the education field, catering to various aspects of technology-enhanced learning. These roles range from operational to strategic positions, including:

Gaining expertise in EdTech not only positions educators at the forefront of instructional innovation but also significantly broadens their career prospects. Pursuing higher education, such as a Master of Education in Educational Technology & Innovation can be a strategic move. Such advanced degrees equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to access leadership roles in the EdTech field, marking a significant step in career progression and professional development.

Addressing Opposing Views on Technology in the Classroom

1. technology is a distraction.

Critics argue that technology in classrooms can be a significant distraction, leading students to focus on non-educational activities, such as social media and games.

2. Overreliance on Technology Reduces Critical Thinking

Critics argue that easy access to information reduces students’ ability to think critically or solve problems independently.

3. Loss of Traditional Learning Skills

There’s a fear that reliance on technology in the classroom leads to the erosion of traditional learning skills, such as handwriting and basic arithmetic.

‘Educators need to take a step back and ask not ‘how can I replicate what I do in the classroom’, but ‘how can I redesign this learning experience to take advantage of a whole wealth of technology that can deliver a full learning experience’ https://t.co/9co0lzqQ6Y — Neil Mosley (@neilmosley5) May 18, 2020

Technology should be seen as a supplement to, not a replacement for, traditional learning methods. It’s about finding the right balance. For instance, while students might use tablets for research or creating presentations, they can still engage in handwriting exercises or mental math problems in other parts of their curriculum.

4. Health Concerns

While the concerns surrounding technology use in education are not unfounded, they are not insurmountable. With careful planning, structured implementation, and a balanced approach, the potential drawbacks can be effectively managed, allowing students and educators to reap the substantial benefits of technology in the classroom.

Check out this video for practical exercises designed to alleviate eye fatigue, perfect for incorporating into your classroom routine.

5 Ideas for Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Integrating technology into the classroom can enhance learning experiences and engage students in innovative ways. Here are some ideas for effectively utilizing technology in educational settings:

1. Interactive Whiteboards

2. educational apps and games, 3. virtual field trips.

Utilize virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) to take students on virtual field trips to historical sites, museums, or even outer space. For instance, a geology professor can virtually guide students through the Grand Canyon, offering an immersive learning experience that would be impossible within the four walls of a traditional classroom.

4. Coding and Robotics

5. online assessments and quizzes, useful resources.

Integrating technology in the classroom is pivotal for modern education. It not only enhances engagement and personalized learning but also prepares students for a technology-driven future. By bridging geographical divides and promoting digital citizenship, technology in education empowers students to thrive in a globally connected world, making it an indispensable tool for educators and learners alike.

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How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students

Many of today’s high-demand jobs were created in the last decade, according to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). As advances in technology drive globalization and digital transformation, teachers can help students acquire the necessary skills to succeed in the careers of the future.

How important is technology in education? The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly demonstrating why online education should be a vital part of teaching and learning. By integrating technology into existing curricula, as opposed to using it solely as a crisis-management tool, teachers can harness online learning as a powerful educational tool.

The effective use of digital learning tools in classrooms can increase student engagement, help teachers improve their lesson plans, and facilitate personalized learning. It also helps students build essential 21st-century skills.

Virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technology tools can not only make class more lively, they can also create more inclusive learning environments that foster collaboration and inquisitiveness and enable teachers to collect data on student performance.

Still, it’s important to note that technology is a tool used in education and not an end in itself. The promise of educational technology lies in what educators do with it and how it is used to best support their students’ needs.

Educational Technology Challenges

BuiltIn reports that 92 percent of teachers understand the impact of technology in education. According to Project Tomorrow, 59 percent of middle school students say digital educational tools have helped them with their grades and test scores. These tools have become so popular that the educational technology market is projected to expand to $342 billion by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum.

However, educational technology has its challenges, particularly when it comes to implementation and use. For example, despite growing interest in the use of AR, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technology, less than 10 percent of schools report having these tools in their classrooms, according to Project Tomorrow. Additional concerns include excessive screen time, the effectiveness of teachers using the technology, and worries about technology equity.

Prominently rising from the COVID-19 crisis is the issue of content. Educators need to be able to develop and weigh in on online educational content, especially to encourage students to consider a topic from different perspectives. The urgent actions taken during this crisis did not provide sufficient time for this. Access is an added concern — for example, not every school district has resources to provide students with a laptop, and internet connectivity can be unreliable in homes.

Additionally, while some students thrive in online education settings, others lag for various factors, including support resources. For example, a student who already struggled in face-to-face environments may struggle even more in the current situation. These students may have relied on resources that they no longer have in their homes.

Still, most students typically demonstrate confidence in using online education when they have the resources, as studies have suggested. However, online education may pose challenges for teachers, especially in places where it has not been the norm.

Despite the challenges and concerns, it’s important to note the benefits of technology in education, including increased collaboration and communication, improved quality of education, and engaging lessons that help spark imagination and a search for knowledge in students.

The Benefits of Technology in Education

Teachers want to improve student performance, and technology can help them accomplish this aim. To mitigate the challenges, administrators should help teachers gain the competencies needed to enhance learning for students through technology. Additionally, technology in the classroom should make teachers’ jobs easier without adding extra time to their day.

Technology provides students with easy-to-access information, accelerated learning, and fun opportunities to practice what they learn. It enables students to explore new subjects and deepen their understanding of difficult concepts, particularly in STEM. Through the use of technology inside and outside the classroom, students can gain 21st-century technical skills necessary for future occupations.

Still, children learn more effectively with direction. The World Economic Forum reports that while technology can help young students learn and acquire knowledge through play, for example, evidence suggests that learning is more effective through guidance from an adult, such as a teacher.

Leaders and administrators should take stock of where their faculty are in terms of their understanding of online spaces. From lessons learned during this disruptive time, they can implement solutions now for the future. For example, administrators could give teachers a week or two to think carefully about how to teach courses not previously online. In addition to an exploration of solutions, flexibility during these trying times is of paramount importance.

Below are examples of how important technology is in education and the benefits it offers to students and teachers.

Increased Collaboration and Communication

Educational technology can foster collaboration. Not only can teachers engage with students during lessons, but students can also communicate with each other. Through online lessons and learning games, students get to work together to solve problems. In collaborative activities, students can share their thoughts and ideas and support each other. At the same time, technology enables one-on-one interaction with teachers. Students can ask classroom-related questions and seek additional help on difficult-to-understand subject matter. At home, students can upload their homework, and teachers can access and view completed assignments using their laptops.

Personalized Learning Opportunities

Technology allows 24/7 access to educational resources. Classes can take place entirely online via the use of a laptop or mobile device. Hybrid versions of learning combine the use of technology from anywhere with regular in-person classroom sessions. In both scenarios, the use of technology to tailor learning plans for each student is possible. Teachers can create lessons based on student interests and strengths. An added benefit is that students can learn at their own pace. When they need to review class material to get a better understanding of essential concepts, students can review videos in the lesson plan. The data generated through these online activities enable teachers to see which students struggled with certain subjects and offer additional assistance and support.

Curiosity Driven by Engaging Content

Through engaging and educational content, teachers can spark inquisitiveness in children and boost their curiosity, which research says has ties to academic success. Curiosity helps students get a better understanding of math and reading concepts. Creating engaging content can involve the use of AR, videos, or podcasts. For example, when submitting assignments, students can include videos or interact with students from across the globe.

Improved Teacher Productivity and Efficiency

Teachers can leverage technology to achieve new levels of productivity, implement useful digital tools to expand learning opportunities for students, and increase student support and engagement. It also enables teachers to improve their instruction methods and personalize learning. Schools can benefit from technology by reducing the costs of physical instructional materials, enhancing educational program efficiency, and making the best use of teacher time.

Become a Leader in Enriching Classrooms through Technology

Educators unfamiliar with some of the technology used in education may not have been exposed to the tools as they prepared for their careers or as part of their professional development. Teachers looking to make the transition and acquire the skills to incorporate technology in education can take advantage of learning opportunities to advance their competencies. For individuals looking to help transform the education system through technology, American University’s School of Education online offers a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership to prepare educators with essential tools to become leaders. Courses such as Education Program and Policy Implementation and Teaching Science in Elementary School equip graduate students with critical competencies to incorporate technology into educational settings effectively.

Learn more about American University’s School of Education online and its master’s degree programs.

Virtual Reality in Education: Benefits, Tools, and Resources

Data-Driven Decision Making in Education: 11 Tips for Teachers & Administration

Helping Girls Succeed in STEM

BuiltIn, “Edtech 101”

EdTech, “Teaching Teachers to Put Tech Tools to Work”

International Society for Technology in Education, “Preparing Students for Jobs That Don’t Exist”

The Journal, “How Teachers Use Technology to Enrich Learning Experiences”

Pediatric Research, “Early Childhood Curiosity and Kindergarten Reading and Math Academic Achievement”

Project Tomorrow, “Digital Learning: Peril or Promise for Our K-12 Students”

World Economic Forum, “The Future of Jobs Report 2018”

World Economic Forum, “Learning through Play: How Schools Can Educate Students through Technology”

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New advances in technology are upending education, from the recent debut of new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots like ChatGPT to the growing accessibility of virtual-reality tools that expand the boundaries of the classroom. For educators, at the heart of it all is the hope that every learner gets an equal chance to develop the skills they need to succeed. But that promise is not without its pitfalls.

“Technology is a game-changer for education – it offers the prospect of universal access to high-quality learning experiences, and it creates fundamentally new ways of teaching,” said Dan Schwartz, dean of Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), who is also a professor of educational technology at the GSE and faculty director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning . “But there are a lot of ways we teach that aren’t great, and a big fear with AI in particular is that we just get more efficient at teaching badly. This is a moment to pay attention, to do things differently.”

For K-12 schools, this year also marks the end of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding program, which has provided pandemic recovery funds that many districts used to invest in educational software and systems. With these funds running out in September 2024, schools are trying to determine their best use of technology as they face the prospect of diminishing resources.

Here, Schwartz and other Stanford education scholars weigh in on some of the technology trends taking center stage in the classroom this year.

AI in the classroom

In 2023, the big story in technology and education was generative AI, following the introduction of ChatGPT and other chatbots that produce text seemingly written by a human in response to a question or prompt. Educators immediately worried that students would use the chatbot to cheat by trying to pass its writing off as their own. As schools move to adopt policies around students’ use of the tool, many are also beginning to explore potential opportunities – for example, to generate reading assignments or coach students during the writing process.

AI can also help automate tasks like grading and lesson planning, freeing teachers to do the human work that drew them into the profession in the first place, said Victor Lee, an associate professor at the GSE and faculty lead for the AI + Education initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. “I’m heartened to see some movement toward creating AI tools that make teachers’ lives better – not to replace them, but to give them the time to do the work that only teachers are able to do,” he said. “I hope to see more on that front.”

He also emphasized the need to teach students now to begin questioning and critiquing the development and use of AI. “AI is not going away,” said Lee, who is also director of CRAFT (Classroom-Ready Resources about AI for Teaching), which provides free resources to help teach AI literacy to high school students across subject areas. “We need to teach students how to understand and think critically about this technology.”

Immersive environments

The use of immersive technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality is also expected to surge in the classroom, especially as new high-profile devices integrating these realities hit the marketplace in 2024.

The educational possibilities now go beyond putting on a headset and experiencing life in a distant location. With new technologies, students can create their own local interactive 360-degree scenarios, using just a cell phone or inexpensive camera and simple online tools.

“This is an area that’s really going to explode over the next couple of years,” said Kristen Pilner Blair, director of research for the Digital Learning initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, which runs a program exploring the use of virtual field trips to promote learning. “Students can learn about the effects of climate change, say, by virtually experiencing the impact on a particular environment. But they can also become creators, documenting and sharing immersive media that shows the effects where they live.”

Integrating AI into virtual simulations could also soon take the experience to another level, Schwartz said. “If your VR experience brings me to a redwood tree, you could have a window pop up that allows me to ask questions about the tree, and AI can deliver the answers.”

Gamification

Another trend expected to intensify this year is the gamification of learning activities, often featuring dynamic videos with interactive elements to engage and hold students’ attention.

“Gamification is a good motivator, because one key aspect is reward, which is very powerful,” said Schwartz. The downside? Rewards are specific to the activity at hand, which may not extend to learning more generally. “If I get rewarded for doing math in a space-age video game, it doesn’t mean I’m going to be motivated to do math anywhere else.”

Gamification sometimes tries to make “chocolate-covered broccoli,” Schwartz said, by adding art and rewards to make speeded response tasks involving single-answer, factual questions more fun. He hopes to see more creative play patterns that give students points for rethinking an approach or adapting their strategy, rather than only rewarding them for quickly producing a correct response.

Data-gathering and analysis

The growing use of technology in schools is producing massive amounts of data on students’ activities in the classroom and online. “We’re now able to capture moment-to-moment data, every keystroke a kid makes,” said Schwartz – data that can reveal areas of struggle and different learning opportunities, from solving a math problem to approaching a writing assignment.

But outside of research settings, he said, that type of granular data – now owned by tech companies – is more likely used to refine the design of the software than to provide teachers with actionable information.

The promise of personalized learning is being able to generate content aligned with students’ interests and skill levels, and making lessons more accessible for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Realizing that promise requires that educators can make sense of the data that’s being collected, said Schwartz – and while advances in AI are making it easier to identify patterns and findings, the data also needs to be in a system and form educators can access and analyze for decision-making. Developing a usable infrastructure for that data, Schwartz said, is an important next step.

With the accumulation of student data comes privacy concerns: How is the data being collected? Are there regulations or guidelines around its use in decision-making? What steps are being taken to prevent unauthorized access? In 2023 K-12 schools experienced a rise in cyberattacks, underscoring the need to implement strong systems to safeguard student data.

Technology is “requiring people to check their assumptions about education,” said Schwartz, noting that AI in particular is very efficient at replicating biases and automating the way things have been done in the past, including poor models of instruction. “But it’s also opening up new possibilities for students producing material, and for being able to identify children who are not average so we can customize toward them. It’s an opportunity to think of entirely new ways of teaching – this is the path I hope to see.”

Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Technology in Education — The Importance of Technology in Education

The Importance of Technology in Education: Benefits for Students and Educators

• Categories: Impact of Technology Technology in Education

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Published: May 24, 2022

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Table of contents

Introduction, importance of technology in education (essay).

• Himmelsbach, V. (2019). How Does Technology Impact Student Learning? Retrieved November 26, 2020, from https:tophat.combloghow-does-technology-impact-student-learningDikusar, A. (2018).
• How Important is Technology in Education? Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https:xbsoftware.combloghow-important-is-technology-in-educationCox, J. (2019).
• Benefits of Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved November 4, 2020, from https:www.teachhub.comtechnology-in-the-classroom201911benefits-of-technology-in-the-classroom

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Is technology good or bad for learning?

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, saro mohammed, ph.d. smp saro mohammed, ph.d. partner - the learning accelerator.

May 8, 2019

I’ll bet you’ve read something about technology and learning recently. You may have read that device use enhances learning outcomes . Or perhaps you’ve read that screen time is not good for kids . Maybe you’ve read that there’s no link between adolescents’ screen time and their well-being . Or that college students’ learning declines the more devices are present in their classrooms .

If ever there were a case to be made that more research can cloud rather than clarify an issue, technology use and learning seems to fit the bill. This piece covers what the research actually says, some outstanding questions, and how to approach the use of technology in learning environments to maximize opportunities for learning and minimize the risk of doing harm to students.

In my recent posts , I have frequently cited the mixed evidence about blended learning, which strategically integrates in-person learning with technology to enable real-time data use, personalized instruction, and mastery-based progression. One thing that this nascent evidence base does show is that technology can be linked to improved learning . When technology is integrated into lessons in ways that are aligned with good in-person teaching pedagogy, learning can be better than without technology.

A 2018 meta-analysis of dozens of rigorous studies of ed tech , along with the executive summary of a forthcoming update (126 rigorous experiments), indicated that when education technology is used to individualize students’ pace of learning, the results overall show “ enormous promise .” In other words, ed tech can improve learning when used to personalize instruction to each student’s pace.

Further, this same meta-analysis, along with other large but correlational studies (e.g., OECD 2015 ), also found that increased access to technology in school was associated with improved proficiency with, and increased use of, technology overall. This is important in light of the fact that access to technology outside of learning environments is still very unevenly distributed across ethnic, socio-economic, and geographic lines. Technology for learning, when deployed to all students, ensures that no student experiences a “21st-century skills and opportunity” gap.

More practically, technology has been shown to scale and sustain instructional practices that would be too resource-intensive to work in exclusively in-person learning environments, especially those with the highest needs. In multiple , large-scale studies where technology has been incorporated into the learning experiences of hundreds of students across multiple schools and school systems, they have been associated with better academic outcomes than comparable classrooms that did not include technology. Added to these larger bodies of research are dozens, if not hundreds, of smaller , more localized examples of technology being used successfully to improve students’ learning experiences. Further, meta-analyses and syntheses of the research show that blended learning can produce greater learning than exclusively in-person learning.

All of the above suggest that technology, used well, can drive equity in learning opportunities. We are seeing that students and families from privileged backgrounds are able to make choices about technology use that maximize its benefits and minimize its risks , while students and families from marginalized backgrounds do not have opportunities to make the same informed choices. Intentional, thoughtful inclusion of technology in public learning environments can ensure that all students, regardless of their ethnicity, socioeconomic status, language status, special education status, or other characteristics, have the opportunity to experience learning and develop skills that allow them to fully realize their potential.

On the other hand, the evidence is decidedly mixed on the neurological impact of technology use. In November 2016, the American Association of Pediatrics updated their screen time guidelines for parents, generally relaxing restrictions and increasing the recommended maximum amount of time that children in different age groups spend interacting with screens. These guidelines were revised not because of any new research, but for two far more practical reasons. First, the nuance of the existing evidence–especially the ways in which recommendations change as children get older–was not adequately captured in the previous guidelines. Second, the proliferation of technology in our lives had made the previous guidelines almost impossible to follow.

The truth is that infants, in particular, learn by interacting with our physical world and with other humans, and it is likely that very early (passive) interactions with devices–rather than humans–can disrupt or misinform neural development . As we grow older, time spent on devices often replaces time spent engaging in physical activity or socially with other people, and it can even become a substitute for emotional regulation, which is detrimental to physical, social, and emotional development.

In adolescence and young adulthood, the presence of technology in learning environments has also been associated with (but has not been shown to be the cause of) negative variables such as attention deficits or hyperactivity , feeling lonely , and lower grades . Multitasking is not something our brains can do while learning , and technology often represents not just one more “task” to have to attend to in a learning environment, but multiple additional tasks due to the variety of apps and programs installed on and producing notifications through a single device.

The pragmatic

The current takeaway from the research is that there are potential benefits and risks to deploying technology in learning environments. While we can’t wrap this topic up with a bow just yet–there are still more questions than answers–there is evidence that technology can amplify effective teaching and learning when in the hands of good teachers. The best we can do today is understand how technology can be a valuable tool for educators to do the complex, human work that is teaching by capitalizing on the benefits while remaining fully mindful of the risks as we currently understand them.

We must continue to build our understanding of both the risks and benefits as we proceed. With that in mind, here are some “Dos” and “Don’ts” for using technology in learning environments:

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Governance Studies

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Brahima Sangafowa Coulibaly, Landry Signé, George Ingram, Priya Vora, Rebecca Winthrop, Caren Grown, Belinda Archibong, Brad Olsen, Jennifer L. O’Donoghue, Sweta Shah, Ghulam Omar Qargha

September 19, 2024

Spelman College, Atlanta Georgia

7:00 pm - 12:30 pm EDT

Nicol Turner Lee

August 8, 2024

Why Do We Need Technology Integration?

The myriad benefits of integrating technology into the classroom.

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Technology is a ubiquitous part of children's lives. It is transparent. Most homes have connected computers or Internet-enabled devices. As prices of technology drop, computers and digital devices may replace television as we know it. When pioneering educational technology advocate Jan Hawkins wrote an essay for Edutopia in 1997, " The World at Your Fingertips: Education Technology Opens Doors ," about how technology brings the tools of empowerment into the hands and minds of those who use them, she couldn't have known her words would be even more relevant today.

Now, walk into a classroom. Are there computers and if so, how are they being used? Are they being used at all? Technology has revolutionized the way we think, work, and play. Technology, when integrated into the curriculum, revolutionizes the learning process. More and more studies show that technology integration in the curriculum improves students' learning processes and outcomes. Teachers who recognize computers as problem-solving tools change the way they teach. They move from a behavioral approach to a more constructivist approach. Technology and interactive multimedia are more conducive to project-based learning. Students are engaged in their learning using these powerful tools, and can become creators and critics instead of just consumers.

Another reason for technology integration is the necessity of today's students to have 21st century skills.

These 21st century skills include

• personal and social responsibility
• planning, critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity
• strong communication skills, both for interpersonal and presentation needs
• cross-cultural understanding
• visualizing and decision making
• knowing how and when to use technology and choosing the most appropriate tool for the task

A great starting point for more information about 21st century skills is the Partnership for 21st Century Skills website .

The Edutopia article "Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many" offers this summary: "Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts."

Technology helps change the student/teacher roles and relationships: students take responsibility for their learning outcomes, while teachers become guides and facilitators. Technology lends itself as the multidimensional tool that assists that process. For economically disadvantaged students, the school may be the only place where they will have the opportunity to use a computer and integrate technology into their learning (for more about equity, access, and digital inclusion, check out our Digital Divide Resource Roundup .)

There is a growing body of evidence that technology integration positively affects student achievement and academic performance. The Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) found that, when used in collaborative learning methods and leadership that is aimed at improving the school through technology planning, technology impacts achievement in content area learning, promotes higher-order thinking and problem solving skills, and prepares students for the workforce. Look at the research findings on student learning in CARET's Questions & Answers for the question: "How can technology influence student academic performance?"

You will find more links to research and resources in the Resources for Tech Integration section of this guide.

Continue to the next section of the guide, What Is Tech Integration?

This guide is organized into six sections:

• Introduction
• Why Integrate Technology?
• What Is Tech Integration?
• How to Integrate Technology
• Workshop Activities
• Resources for Tech Integration

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Exploring the Benefits of Technology in Education

One of the most important aspects of technology in education is its ability to level the field of opportunity for students John King , Jr., U.S. Secretary of Education 2016–2017

From the printing press to the virtual classroom, technology has long been vital for simplifying and empowering teachers and learners. Technology in education enhances learning opportunities for students, improves engagement, and facilitates efficient teaching and classroom management—but only when it is properly implemented.

Today, technology benefits learners by preparing them for the digital age and promoting 21st-century skills. Here’s what educators need to know about maximizing the benefits of technology in education, the most popular technology tools to consider, and how to best use technology within the classroom.

Benefits of Technology in Education

Technology is a versatile tool, one that can affect all aspects of education—from assisting with the creation of curricula to facilitating communication, automating evaluations, and empowering learners to be more active in their own learning. When properly employed, educational technology can result in the following benefits:

• Increased engagement and motivation: One of the greatest impacts of modern technology is how it can make learning more interactive and engaging for all learners. Multimedia instruction that uses audio, video, animation, or software applications can help learners visualize and understand complex concepts. The gamification of learning through educational apps and other software presents novel ways to capture learners’ attention and encourage active participation.

Kids coming out of our SmartLab are thinkers. They don’t just do school, they’re engaged in school. They question things. They wonder about things. They do not simply complete a task. This sounds silly, but our kids are not absent on the days they know they’re coming to the SmartLab. Paige Kraus, Facilitator, Encompass Heights Elementary | Public |Colorado Springs, CO

• Differentiated and personalized instruction: Technology’s capability to differentiate instruction is a powerful tool for meeting the diverse needs of learners. With adaptive software and online tools, teachers can tailor their instruction, resources, and activities to accommodate the different abilities of individual learners. Providing various resources through technology allows learners to make meaning of content using multiple senses, helping them learn at their own pace and level. Instructors can optimize the presentation of content depending on the needs of the classroom. For example, to teach the impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech on the Civil Rights Movement, it may be valuable to review audio and video recordings of the speech alongside the written text so students can see how King’s emphasis on certain phrases, words, and imagery augment his message.
• Greater accessibility: Assistive technologies and software can provide support for learners who require special accommodations, such as those with learning or physical disabilities. By making education more accessible to all, technology can be transformational and empowering for students with and without special needs. For example, the Universal Design for Learning guidelines recommend implementing multiple ways of making meaning through auditory, visual, and textual information. By providing multiple ways for learners to compose and communicate their ideas and navigate and organize content, you reduce barriers and maximize learning opportunities. In effect, learning that works for those with accessibility requirements works for everyone.

We purposely paired [our students with dyslexia] with SmartLab because [they] struggle with literacy. But research shows us they are highly, highly creative… They come to SmartLab, they don’t have to have those literacy skills. They thrive. They know they can use their creativity and their problem solving and they’re going to be successful. Paige Kraus

• Increased and easier access to information: Digital technology and the Internet provide both students and teachers with greater access to information and educational resources. For learners, this means more ways to conduct research, exposure to global news, and the ability to collaborate with other classrooms anywhere in the world. For instructors, this can offer more ways to collaborate with other education professionals, additional resources for professional development, and a more comprehensive overview of student performance.
• Enhanced collaboration and communication: Digital and online technology offers learners the ability to communicate with their teachers and peers—even across geographical boundaries. Online programs can support teamwork and collaboration skills, giving learners the means to draw and write together on projects even if they’re on opposite sides of the country. Other communication tools, such as video conferencing and learning management systems, offer learners more opportunities for one-on-one meetings with instructors and more options for completing assignments while at home or away from the classroom.

I think that collaboration and teamwork really is built in a space like a SmartLab to encourage ideas of how [students] can perform in a future job… Having some foundational skills of collaboration and communication and teamwork are super important. If [students] have a partner, they want to pull them in, and they’re more than happy to communicate with their partners. Kay Boldrjack, Facilitator, Charles Hay World School | Public | Englewood, CO.

• More tools for providing immediate feedback: Not only can technology make it more convenient for an instructor to provide feedback; but automated programs can also provide instant feedback on assignments, allowing learners to identify and address their mistakes promptly. More advanced programs can even provide differentiated and scaffolded adaptive feedback, which can help students move beyond making simple corrections and guide them in creating more effective revisions. Technology also presents the opportunity for instructors to receive more direct feedback from learners. The use of student response systems, such as smartphones or other mobile devices, can provide a quick and immediate way for instructors to survey a class to see if instruction is clear or if more explanation is required.
• Increased efficiency and organization: For both instructors and learners, technology can help save time and effort when completing tasks. Different platforms can make it easier for instructors to manage administrative tasks such as lesson planning, grading, and taking attendance. Students can benefit from instant access to project resources, assignment instructions, and their grades.
• Long-term cost savings: Although there is an initial cost for investing in new technology, over time digital resources and online materials can reduce the costs associated with replacing traditional textbooks and printed materials. Making the shift to Open Educational Resources (OER) can provide additional cost savings and increase access to content.
• Relevant to real-world technological skills: As technology is increasingly an integral part of modern life and the workforce, technology in the classroom plays a key role in helping students develop digital skills. Beyond preparing for future jobs, educational technology can help students learn how to be responsible in today’s digital world.

By moving beyond textbooks and theory, investing in SmartLab technology gives students a chance to succeed in an ever-changing, fast moving environment while fostering essential skills such as communication, flexibility, creativity, and collaboration. We’re equipping students with the tools, resources, and confidence to adapt to new technologies and ideas that push the world forward. Travis Brantingham, Head of School, The Principia School | St. Louis, MO.

Popular Educational Technology Tools and Programs

There are hundreds of educational tools, software, platforms, and other technological resources available—so finding the right one that fits your school’s needs and budget can be a challenge. Here’s a list of some of the most popular and useful tools to help point you in the right direction.

Online learning

• Khan Academy — Free virtual learning classroom featuring videos and quizzes for students ages 5+.
• Explain Everything — Interactive whiteboard for teaching, creating interactive lessons, and collaborating in real-time.
• ThingLink — Multimedia editor for creating interactive images, videos, and virtual tours with additional information and links.

Student creation

• Code.org — Nonprofit platform that provides resources for students of all ages to code.
• Animationish — Web-based animation creation program, designed primarily for elementary students.
• Canva for Education — Widely-used photo and video editing program that provides access to thousands of templates that can help students start creating quickly.

Virtual meetings

• Zoom — Online video conferencing platform for virtual instruction, meetings, webinars, and live chat.
• Google Meet — Online video conferencing platform available to anyone with a Google account.
• Flip — Free web and mobile app that enables learners and instructors to record, edit, and share video assignments.

Flipped learning

• Animoto — Simple video maker program used to create instructional videos or enable learners to create their own content.
• EdPuzzle — Easy-to-use media creation tool that combines text, video, and audio annotations to deepen learner comprehension and retention
• Knowmia — Video creation program with assessment and analytics tools to track student engagement.

Classroom management

• LANschool — Classroom management software to provide online one-on-one learning experiences and collaboration through connected classrooms.
• Hāpara — Comprehensive learning environment software that can be integrated directly into Chromebook management.
• Class Dojo — Free classroom management system designed for primary school learners.

Gamification

• Prodigy — Adaptive learning platform that provides students with personalized and gamified learning for math.
• Nearpod — Platform to create interactive slides, videos, and gamified activities to engage students.
• Quizizz — Platform to create gamified assessments and interactive lessons for all content areas and grade levels.

Looking for additional lists of educational tools and resources for STEM classes? See our companion blog post on STEM Education Companies & Organizations .

8 Tips for Implementing Educational Technology in the Classroom

While technology offers numerous benefits, its integration into the classroom requires intentional planning, training, and support. Whatever the tools or applications your school will use, remember to stay true to the overall goals of improving learner access, engagement, and communication.

• Always evaluate technology to determine how it will support intended learning outcomes. In what ways will it enable students to achieve the objectives of a lesson or project? Are there ways to gamify certain assignments and topics? Be willing to take risks and explore new technology tools.
• Consider how the technology will fit into your classroom and existing lesson plans. What resources will you have access to? For example, will learners share a pod of computers? Will they need to schedule time to access a computer lab? Or will students have 1:1 laptops or Chromebooks? The resources available both in the classroom and at home will determine how you can enhance student learning.
• Be sure to support students with clear instructions and guidance. Aside from understanding the goals of a project or assignment, learners will need to be confident in using the technology and accessing all of the resources. Consider offering training sessions or setting up a tech support system to help students who are struggling. Don’t worry if you aren’t a technology expert yourself; you should be able to make use of your school’s IT support services (see #7) or review online tutorials to build your own proficiency with technology tools.
• You’ll want to monitor and assess student progress to make sure they’re not struggling with the technology and that they’re using it appropriately. Use available analytics features to gather data, track student progress, and provide immediate feedback when needed. This can help you identify areas where students need additional support and will inform how you can adjust your teaching strategies accordingly. Consider employing polls or survey platforms to gather student feedback about what they like about using the technology and where they feel they need assistance.
• Developing readers at the elementary level can use technology to create graphical representations of stories using simple “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWYG) tools.
• Middle school learners can enhance the effectiveness of their presentations and projects by using online tools for research and simulating complex science phenomena.
• High school learners can leverage more advanced technology tools to understand, model, simulate, and create with increased sophistication, as well as share their achievements online to reach wider audiences.
• Always have a non-technology backup plan. Machines break, software can have bugs, and the internet can go out. In the case of a minor issue, you can consider troubleshooting the problem with the students for an impromptu learning exercise. And, of course, always know who to call for help.
• Make use of your school’s IT staff and tech support. Beyond solving problems, you should find ways to collaborate with them to thoroughly vet the privacyand safety standards of any new technology before rolling it out in the classroom. Forming strong relationships with tech support personnel can make it easier to request timely support and integration of tools. You can also find new avenues for integration through their suggestions.
• Remember that technology can never fully replace the human relationships essential to effective teaching and learning. When developing your curriculum, consider how to balance educational technology with established best practices in teaching to provide well-rounded experiences for your students. Technology works best when it supplements existing best practices in the classroom to provide new opportunities for students. For example, when Danbury Local School District saw that standardized test scores had plateaued for their gifted students, they started looking for a way to challenge their gifted learners beyond simply assigning more complex worksheets or projects. Read the full case study to see how the incorporation of technology into the classroom helped them achieve an increase in standardized testing scores and improvement in overall student behavior.

How does technology in education benefit students?

Educational technology enhances the learning experience, providing greater accessibility to content, allowing for more personalized instruction, fostering communication and collaboration, and preparing them for the challenges of the modern world.

How does technology in education benefit instructors?

Educational technology supports teachers both in instruction and professional development. Edtech can automate tasks, enable instant feedback, and provide access to learning analytics and additional resources. It also provides instructors with more tools for professional collaboration and opportunities to attend meetings, training sessions, webinars, and more.

How can I get the most out of using tech in the classroom?

Instructors should start by ensuring the use of technology in the classroom aligns with established learning objectives and standards. From there, talk with IT and tech support to discuss how technology can be incorporated and supported. Over time, evaluate the effectiveness of the technology and how learners are using the available tools, being open to feedback and making adjustments where necessary. 

How can we support students to use technology appropriately in the classroom?

Instruction, direction, and oversight are important to ensure that learners are using technology appropriately and safely. Learners should have clear directions and expectations about how to use tools and software. Instructors will need to provide guidance to students—either directly within the classroom or by reviewing their progress online. 

How can we protect student privacy when using technology?

It’s important to have a designated expert identify and vet all websites and applications for use. That person should verify that the terms of service and privacy policy are clear in how they collect user data. Once that designated expert creates a list of approved technology, learners and instructors should only use applications and software from that list. Parental consent should be required for any disclosure of personal data.

How can technology support learning outside of the classroom?

Technology can support learning outside of the classroom by providing opportunities for independent study, personalized learning, and continued skill development. Students can access multimedia resources such as eBooks, digital textbooks, videos, and interactive programs to supplement their in-class instruction. Technology can also allow for flipped classrooms, where students watch videos of lectures while at home, and then come into the classroom to participate in activities related to that instruction.

Phil Mayhoffer

Phil Mayhoffer loves to explore how creativity, curiosity, and play interact throughout the process of learning. As a middle school teacher for four years, he dove into design thinking and project-based learning to make his classroom a place to foster and support innovation in his students. He believes that one of the primary purposes of our existence is to learn how to create and thereby contribute to the beauty of the world around us. Phil strives to weave that purpose into the work he does by setting the stage for rich learning experiences that harness the power of play and empower learners to make a difference.

Looking for ways to choose educational technology for your own classroom?

Download our free eBook for the best practices so you can enhance student learning in amazing ways.

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