As we approached this past week’s debate regarding the impact of technology in the classroom, I maintain that despite certain challenges, technology can be effectively leveraged to support and improve learning outcomes. Technology plays a vital role in fostering digital literacy essential for workforce readiness, enhancing critical thinking skills, providing access to information and education globally, and accommodating diverse learning styles. While acknowledging the valid concerns raised by the opposing side—such as limited access to technology, potential distractions, and challenges relating to cost and time in both classroom and workplace settings—I maintain that the advantages of technology ultimately outweigh these disadvantages in this debate.
The article by Kessler, 8 Ways Technology is Improving Education, discusses how technology enables learners to study languages with native 
speakers, which can provide certain advantages. The accessibility of expertise in specialized fields represents a significant benefit offered by modern technology. My son, who is twelve, and a French immersion student, enjoys learning language. However, in his school French is the only additional language they offer. Through the benefit of technology, he has been utilizing the platform Duolingo to teach himself German. The accessibility of information and education provided by technology has enabled me to pursue my Master’s degree. Residing in a rural area where in-person graduate programs are unavailable, I have greatly benefited from the opportunities that technology provides. Balancing family commitments and a career, relocation for further studies was not feasible. Online education has made advanced learning possible for me.
Technology provides diverse options in both K-12 and higher education, enabling multiple modes of learning that engage all the senses and foster inclusivity. Recognizing that not all students excel in written assessments, offering opportunities to demonstrate their understanding through technology-based projects promotes a more equitable evaluation of student learning. Engaging multi-senses when learning is helpful for students. Platforms that offer text-to-speech and e-books, such as Speechify and Bookshelf, allow for students with diverse learning needs to tailor their educational experiences. While, as Kessler mentions, the full potential of e-books may not yet have been achieved, they offer numerous advantages. For example, users can conveniently access word definitions or enhance their understanding of concepts with a simple click. Not everyone likes using technology, but it is a reality we must adapt to and learn to use effectively. If technology enables people to learn by accessing information in ways that suit them, that is valuable. Another way technology may enhanced learning in education is by enabling individuals to learn at their own pace and learn about topics that interest th
It is essential to acknowledge certain disadvantages associated with the use of technology in the classroom, as no tool is entirely positive or negative. Technology should be used intentionally in education, serving as a tool to support learning rather than replacing teachers in the classroom, especially with at-risks students. As mentioned in the debate and in the article, Technology can close achievement gaps, improve learning, it is apparent that the lack of access to technology is a challenge not only for schools but at home. Also, there could be some learning disadvantages as discussed in the article Attention, Students: Put Your Laptops Away. They argued that handwritten note taking may be more beneficial for learning and conceptual application than when typing notes.
The blog 7 Proven Ways Classroom Technology Improves Student Learning Outcomes discusses some concepts that become very important when moving students from the classroom to the workplace. It is important for employees to know how to use technology in the workplace, as well as to be able to adapt to changes. The blog also discusses how technology is essential for collaboration and communication. In my workplace, platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom play a crucial role in daily operations. As a multi-location organization, it is essential that our staff effectively utilizes these tools to facilitate communication and collaboration. From a Human Resources perspective, technology allows us to be more efficient and effective with our tasks. Tasks like interviewing candidates and maintaining electronic personnel files become much more efficient when utilizing technology. The ability to search for a document electronically within an employee’s file significantly increases productivity compared to manually sorting through papers. Technology enables remote work, provides office-based personalized training, and accommodates diverse staff needs.
Hi Jenna,
Thank you for your thoughtful post. I appreciated how you acknowledged both the benefits and the challenges of technology while also acknowledging why you believe that, ultimately, its benefits outweigh its drawbacks. I loved your personal examples, especially your son using Duolingo and your own experience being able to access graduate studies in a rural location, because these are both experiences I can relate to. I have a certificate in French as a second language and keeping up with it, especially in a community with no French speakers, has been difficult. Duolingo has also been my means of ensuring I do not lose a year’s worth of language study. I, too, am working on my master’s online from a rural location because I have a permanent contract in my school division, and leaving to complete my program and jeopardizing my position when I return was not an option for me, so I am very grateful for technology allowing me to do so. I also appreciate how the “taboo” of online schooling has seemed to decline since COVID. My dad completed his masters online when I was a kid and I remember hearing from a few people that an online education or degree was somehow inferior to those obtained in person.
I agree that technology is something that should be implemented intentionally; this was a theme I touched on in my post as well. It should not be a replacement for a strong teaching practice, but rather a tool used to support our classroom. You raised some good points. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can ensure that students are developing critical digital literacy and not just tech proficiency?
As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, critical thinking skills will become increasingly important. Children and adults alike will need to be able to critically evaluate all information presented to them to determine its authenticity. It should be an automatic, first question we ask ourselves whenever we engage with technology and social media. While I am not an educator, so cannot speak to what is currently being taught in the classroom, I believe that any curriculum that emphasizes and reinforces the importance of critical thinking would be beneficial.
Jenna,
I really connected with your points, especially about how technology helps learners with different needs. In my classroom, I’ve seen how some students feel more confident using tools like text-to-speech or visual learning apps. It gives them new ways to express what they know, which is so important.
I also agree with you about learning at your own pace. Some students need extra time, while others are ready to explore more. Technology makes that possible in ways that traditional methods can’t always support.
Your workplace example reminded me how important it is to teach students real-world tech skills early. Platforms like Teams and Zoom are everywhere now, so helping students feel comfortable with them is a great step toward preparing them for the future.
Thanks for sharing your experiences—your post really highlights the balance and potential of tech in both school and work.
Kritika
Thanks for this thoughtful post, Jenna! I appreciate how you highlight both the benefits and challenges of technology in learning and work. I also agree that tech isn’t a cure-all—distractions and equity issues remain, and sometimes old-school methods like handwritten notes still matter. Your point about using technology intentionally to support, not replace, great teaching really resonates. Plus, platforms like Teams and Zoom have become essential for collaboration in my work too. Overall, your balanced view is a great reminder that tech’s value depends on thoughtful integration. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jenna,
Thank you for sharing your insights about technology in schools and in the workplace. Using technology as a tool to enhance learning can offer so many benefits, and when it is used intentionally—to support learning rather than replace teachers—it is truly amazing how much more engaging and dynamic the learning environment becomes. Your point about technology being essential for communication and collaboration is spot on. In the past, if someone missed a class or meeting, they had to rely on a classmate for notes. Today, absence (or distance) does not mean exclusion—technology has made learning more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Like you, I would not have been able to pursue my master’s if this program was not offered online. Thankfully, the evolution of technology has made it possible for me to continue my education in a way that fits my life.
Thank you for sharing!
I agree! I would never have been able to do my grad degree without the benefits of technology. Between online classes and programs like Listening.com to help me get through all the reading, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.