Not All Tech Is Created Equal: Transforming Classrooms with Purposeful Technology

• By Shawn Young
• 03/20/25

In education, there's a constant hum about the future of classrooms and how technology will change everything. But as much as our world evolves, the foundational needs of education remain the same. Classrooms will always be places where kids learn to be part of something larger than themselves. They're environments where students build relationships, develop critical thinking skills, and grow into who they're going to be as adults and citizens. If there's anything we've learned, it's that technology should be a tool to support these goals — not a replacement for what makes learning, at its core, a human experience.

Today's classrooms are equipped with more tools than ever to support educators in making a difference. But just because technology is present doesn't mean it's always impactful. Real innovation in ed tech needs to align with educational goals, and there's still room for improvement. Let's lean into "good" technology and leverage it to serve the needs of every student.

Why the Right Technology Matters More than Ever

Think about the range of diverse students being taught every day. Each student enters the classroom with unique needs, interests, and goals. Ideally, the technology we bring into schools should help us meet each student where they are, giving teachers the support they need to make every lesson engaging and impactful.

But tech can be a double-edged sword. Well-designed tools, created with pedagogy in mind, can help teachers foster deeper learning and meaningful engagement. On the other hand, we're also seeing more tools that engage students on a surface level, without really moving the needle on learning outcomes.

This is what I call the "bait and switch" of ed tech. It's tempting to use high-engagement tools that capture students' attention but ultimately don't serve an educational purpose. For example, quiz-based apps can be a fantastic tool for reviewing material, but if students are using them 20 times a week in lieu of more in-depth learning, it becomes just another form of rote practice and memorization. Similarly, many students use online word processors to work on writing assignments, but as a general-purpose tool, they lack the tailored features that truly help develop stronger writing skills.

This brings us to the ongoing debate about screen time and its impact on students. The conversation often misses a key point: Not all screen time is equal. One hour spent consuming social media videos is vastly different from an hour spent solving math problems or working through a challenging text. Quality of engagement matters far more than quantity of time spent in front of a screen.

As educators, it's essential to distinguish between screen time that supports growth and screen time that distracts. Research shows that passive screen use — content consumption without meaningful interaction — offers little benefit to learning and can actually hamper cognitive development. Contrast this with active screen use, where students are asked to engage with material, collaborate with peers, and think critically; this is the type of screen time that should be prioritized in the classroom.

Designing Technology for the Whole Student

To be meaningful, educational technology needs to go beyond support for academic growth and also foster social and emotional development. This is one area where I see the potential for real change. There's something powerful about technology that brings students together rather than isolating them. Students learn just by being in social situations — working through a math problem with a classmate, debating a novel's themes, or simply collaborating on a group project. When technology creates spaces for students to connect, it becomes an ally for school to become meaningful and motivating.

Educators at the Helm of Ed Tech

As we consider the role of technology in classrooms, remember that teachers are the ultimate drivers of student success. Technology is a powerful ally, but it's only as effective as the teacher wielding it. The most effective ed tech solutions don't attempt to replace educators; they support and amplify their impact. That's why I believe so strongly in designing technology that's intuitive, flexible, and adaptable to different teaching styles and classroom needs.

With the right tools and intentional use, technology can help us create learning environments that are engaging, equitable, and forward-thinking. But it requires a clear vision and a commitment to using tech in a way that truly benefits students.

The conversation around ed tech often focuses on what new tools, solutions, or trends will shape the future. But I'd argue that the most meaningful transformation comes from understanding how technology can serve the present needs of our classrooms. When we choose tech thoughtfully, focusing on quality of engagement and alignment with educational goals, we build classrooms that are equipped for whatever the future holds.