As a middle years teacher, I don’t think my opinion on this topic will change anytime soon. I believe the use of technology in the classroom is both important and relevant, especially given the expectations placed on us by the division. Like I mentioned during the debate, it’s not just about using tech, it’s about how, why, and when we use it. I don’t think technology needs to be used every day or in every scenario, but it does open up a lot of possibilities for teaching and learning.

In my initial post, I mentioned tools like IXL, EDSBY, Word, OneNote, Teams, PowerPoint, Canva, Sway, and others. These can be used meaningfully in day-to-day teaching. Tech helps speed up lessons (when Wi-Fi is working) and often makes things more efficient than traditional pencil-and-paper tasks.

That said, I also see the flip side. Some teachers lean too heavily on technology, using it more to keep students occupied than for true learning. I get it, teaching today comes with big challenges: larger class sizes, mixed grades, and a wider range of student needs. Technology is convenient because it allows students to work at their own pace and keeps them engaged. The following images taken from the pro side of the debate’s article list just goes to show why teachers try and utilize technology as much as possible.

But I do wonder about fairness and consistency. Some students have ROAs that require the use of technology all the time, which helps them access the curriculum, but is it also holding them back from developing basic skills like printing, drawing, or writing by hand?

Sure, those things can now be done digitally too, but will students still develop the fine motor skills they may need later in life? Or is that no longer as relevant in today’s world?

From a parent’s perspective, I’ve seen the impact both ways. My child once had a teacher who didn’t “believe in” using computers, so even though his ROA required it, he rarely got the access he needed. That year was a real struggle. Tools like Word, the calculator app, and Google Translate made a huge difference in helping him learn and stay engaged. Without access to those, he was lost. In previous years, having access to a computer when needed helped him stay on track and fully engage, especially as he was learning a second language.

Still, one of the strongest points from the opposing side was about how distracting technology can be, and I totally agree. I see it every day. Even with close monitoring, it’s nearly impossible to catch everything. Students can be off-task so quickly playing games, chatting on Teams, or browsing off-topic sites. Yes, I can check in and monitor their activity, but let’s be honest, who has the time to do that constantly with 30+ students? The author of this article states that students “need to learn more effective self-control techniques to keep them focused on the learning at hand.” I agree with the point, but it’s just one more thing teachers are expected to teach even though there’s already not enough time in the day as it is.

At the end of the day, I believe technology really does enhance learning, but it has to be used alongside traditional tools like paper and pen. Too much of anything isn’t good. Like most things in education, it comes down to balance. Moderation, flexibility, and thoughtful planning are key to making tech work with us, not against us.

‘Blended learning’ brings computers into classrooms

Have a great evening everyone!

The debate on “School is ruining childhood” really got me thinking. Before the debate, I was convinced that it was ruining childhood and that kids weren’t using it the way it was intended. But after hearing both sides, I found myself rethinking that stance. In fact, I probably should’ve been arguing against that idea myself as my own son uses technology in so many positive ways to stay engaged and socialize. Apps like Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, TikTok, YouTube, and Roblox have helped him stay connected, especially with his social anxiety. When looking at the article the against side shared titled “Social Media Benefits”, the points made were well-supported, and I could relate to many of them based on what I’ve experienced with my son too.

That said, the issue isn’t the technology itself, it’s the amount of time spent on it and the addictive nature of constant screen use. One point the pro team made was that social media isolates kids more than it connects them. I can see that in some cases, but for my son, it’s actually helped him build and maintain relationships. The flip side is that it can also reinforce his anxiety about face-to-face interactions, since there’s no pressure to go out when you can connect with people from your room 24/7.

I really appreciated the point the against team made about how the idea of a “perfect childhood” is always changing. It made me think of that meme where our parents thought we were vs. where we actually were. Haha.

Good old days : r/Memes_Of_The_Dank

We all (or maybe just me) did things we weren’t proud of, and bad people were around back then too, but they didn’t have the same level of access to kids. There were no phones to take pictures and videos of behaviours etc. I remember using online chatrooms as a joke with friends, but looking back now, it’s scary to think about who we were actually talking to.

As a parent, I feel like it’s our responsibility to monitor and guide our kids online. It’s tempting to say, “just don’t let them have phones or tablets,” but would that actually help them in the long run? Tech isn’t going away and teaching them how to navigate it safely seems more realistic and helpful. Like the against team said, every generation of parents has had something to fear, rock music, video games, now social media. Sure, we all made questionable choices growing up, but maybe those experiences made us more aware today.

In the end, I don’t think social media is ruining childhood. If anything, it’s the lack of boundaries and guidance from us as adults that plays a bigger role. The article with Becky’s Parenting Tips that the pro side shared with us would agree. Finding that balance is the real challenge.

Have a great day!