“Technology in the classroom enhances learning” was the debate topic and I was quiet confused in which side I should go with! I took the position of disagreement. While many believe that digital tools improve student engagement and academic outcomes, I firmly believe (till the debate ends) that the negative effects often outweigh the benefits—especially for young learners. Drawing from my experience as a teacher and as a mother, I have seen how technology can become more of a distraction than a support. From overstimulation to reduced attention spans, tech in the classroom poses real challenges. My perspective is grounded in both professional observations and personal experiences with my own child.

After the open discussion, by my classmates, it came up that technology in the classroom enhances learning by making lessons more interactive, personalized, and accessible. It supports diverse learning styles, provides instant access to information, and prepares students for a digital future. With proper guidance, technology can be a powerful tool to boost student engagement and achievement. In this video, I enjoyed how kids really focus on school and re-enjoy school because of the inclusion of technology.

🏫 As a former Social Science teacher…

Back home, I often incorporated multimedia into lessons. I vividly recall the day I played storm and tornado sounds during a unit on natural disasters. I aimed to spark engagement through immersive audio. A handful of students were enthralled, but others sat frozen, visibly frightened—some even covered their ears. What started as a creative approach became a moment of realization: sensory boosts can backfire.

In that moment, I understood that emotional safety matters more than novelty. Not all children can handle intense audio stimuli. When students pull back out of fear, the technology serves as an educational asset to an obstacle.

In Bangladesh today, many teachers are successfully using multimedia to bring lessons to life, especially in subjects like science and social studies. As shown in the Edutopia video, technology supports diverse learning styles, increases student motivation, and prepares children for a digital future. Instead of avoiding sensory tools, teachers are being trained to use them with care, ensuring emotional safety while still fostering engagement and deeper understanding through interactive methods.

👶🏼 As an early‑childhood educator in Canada today…

I’ve seen firsthand how access to gadgets—even in pre‑K—can fragment attention. For example, during a shared reading time, tablets with an interactive story sometimes prompt bursts of giggles and excitement. But the instant a notification distracts the teacher.

According to the 2022 PISA survey, nearly two‑thirds of students admitted using devices in class disrupted their learning—and those distracted scored  15 points lower in math edweek.org on average. . Similarly, research highlights the impact of media multitasking: students juggling devices take longer to switch tasks and often recall less from Wikipedia.

As highlighted in a CT Insider article, platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become a growing concern in schools, where students are increasingly drawn into mindless scrolling and off-topic content, making it harder for educators to maintain a focused learning environment.

While it’s true that technology can sometimes cause distractions, when used intentionally and with proper guidance, it can actually enhance focus and deepen engagement, even in early learning settings. Interactive stories on tablets can bring characters and events to life, helping young learners connect more emotionally with the content. Instead of replacing traditional reading, technology can complement it by offering dynamic visuals, sounds, and interactive questions that reinforce comprehension. Teachers can control settings to minimize notifications and distractions. Many classrooms now report improved participation and enthusiasm when tech is integrated into storytelling and literacy activities in a structured way.

🤱🏼 As a mother to a 7‑year‑old son…

Technology’s influence on my boy is deeply personal. He’s naturally curious and energetic.

• Online games: I once gifted him a puzzle app. Within days, bedtime became a struggle. He’d insist “just five more minutes,” but that quickly turned into a half‑hour, making him cranky the next morning.

• Turmoil in transitions: One morning I reminded him to pack his bag after breakfast, but he was watching a video and insisted on finishing it first. When I gently took the device, he became upset, refused to cooperate, and we ended up running late. This kind of resistance has become a common struggle, showing how difficult it can be for young children to shift their attention away from screens once they are deeply engaged, even during important daily routines. At the end of the debate, some issues came to my mind, reminding me of my experience in Bangladesh and here in Canada. Firstly, Tech tools create curiosity and long-lasting impressions. Technology allows educators to adapt content for different learning needs. In Bangladesh, teachers are using multimedia in both rural and urban settings to reach auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners, helping weaker students grasp key ideas in new ways. Some may be sensitive, but others thrive with sensory input.In today’s tech-driven global landscape, digital literacy is crucial. Many schools in Bangladesh have started smart classrooms where students actively interact with digital maps, timelines, and virtual experiments, building future-ready skills. Avoiding technology due to fear of overstimulation may limit students’ readiness for modern education and employment.

References:

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/digital-distractions-in-class-linked-to-lower-academic-performance/2023/12?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.ctinsider.com/opinion/article/tiktok-youtube-lamont-schools-fire-20351545.php?utm_source=chatgpt.

My ideas and experiences in Bangladesh and Canada have been stated here accordingly. However, some statements have been generated from ChatGPT and have been modified and updated according to my viewpoint.