“Technology will never replace great teachers, but in the hands of great teachers, it’s transformational.“- George Couros
So, what were my Initial Thoughts!!!
When I first saw this topic of debate, the answer was obvious to me: Of course technology does enhance learning! I have been a teacher for a long time and I have seen students getting super excited when using interactive apps, and I have used videos and online games to explain topics that textbooks just could not bring to life. Teaching Gravity to Grade 9 students was never this easy and technology did bring better results for me. Also, I remember when I was teaching photosynthesis to Grade 8 students, I used the Phet Interactive Simulations website. The interactive animations helped students visualize what happens inside a leaf. It was the most satisfactory class for my students back then. Even I was at ease of teaching that way.
Nevertheless, today’s debate by the two groups and reading through recommended articles etc, I am being a little more thoughtful on its real significance in the classroom learning.
So, if I first put a critical eye on the arguments given by Team Agree, then Yes, It Enhances Learning
I must say the team supporting technology did a great job explaining how tools like AI, apps, and digital platforms can actually save teachers time and help students in different ways.
Even applauds 
to the articles they brought in to strengthen their debate. One resource I found interesting was this article from McKinsey: How AI can help teachers save time
As I read through this, I could easily relate as to how teachers spend too much time on admin work, and tech could give them back hours each week to focus on students. That really stood out to me—because I know how busy teachers already are!
Even 7 ways technology helps students learn better talks about how technology can improve learning by:
-
Giving quick feedback
-
Supporting different learning styles
-
Making learning fun and interactive
-
Helping build digital skills
I liked how the teams brought up two frameworks that help teachers use technology in smart ways:
-
TPACK: Connecting technology, content, and teaching strategies.
-
SAMR: A model that shows how technology can transform learning (not just replace a worksheet with a Google Doc).
Well, well well… here you can find two short videos that explain the two said models…. see I am using technology to help you understand technology!
– SAMR & TPACK
I also came across article from Edutopia titled “Technology Integration: A Short History“, which was quite insightful. It shows how technology has slowly evolved in classrooms- from overhead projectors to Chromebooks and emphasizes that the real impact happens when technology is used with clear educational goals. Yes ofcourse, it is not just adding gadgets but about integrating them with purpose.
Now let’s review the other side of the coin presented by Team Disagree- No, It’s Not Always Helpful
I must say as I looked through the viewpoints of the opposite team, they made some very strong points too. Ofcourse, they are so true that not all tech use is good. Sometimes, it distracts more than it helps.
All that glitters in not always gold and yes, they are right too.
I skimmed through the research they shared from John Hattie and Adrienne Hamilton who looked at thousands of studies and found that technology often makes no real difference unless it is used the right way. In some cases, it actually hurts learning when it is overused or used just for the sake of it.
Another article by Vodopivec, V. (2024) mentioned how “Bring Your Own Device” policies can lead to more distractions, especially if students are using phones for non-school stuff.
Video from Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. (2025, February 17)- The Most Compelling Argument Again Tech in Schools was actually compelling and awakening. In the video Sophie Winkleman shares how too much screen time impacts learning and development.
I actually now can reflect on how I have seen students totally ignoring a teacher just because they were focused on their device.
Oh yes, the team well emphasized that we should not rely on technology to fix education. I agree to a great extent that A great teacher with a chalkboard can still teach better than a poor teacher with a smartboard. Clicking through slides or apps might seem engaging, but it does not always mean students are deeply understanding the content.
My eventual take on this debate question now!!!!
Honestly, I still believe that technology can enhance learning, but only when it is used with intention. Just adding laptops to a classroom won’t magically improve learning. It depends on how teachers use it.
Technology is like seasoning in cooking—a little can bring out the best, but too much can spoil the dish.
The big lesson I took from this debate is:
It’s not about having the newest technology; it’s about using the right tools in the right way to support good teaching.
So, here I would like to ask my friends reading my blog-
-
Have you seen technology help or hurt learning in your own experience?
-
What apps or tools have worked best for you as a student or teacher?
Drop your comments below. I would love to read through your take on the use of technology in classroom teaching.
References
Edutopia. (n.d.). Technology integration: A short history. https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-history
Explorance. (n.d.). 7 proven ways classroom technology improves student learning outcomes. https://explorance.com/blog/7-proven-ways-classroom-technology-improves-student-learning-outcomes/
Hamilton, A., & Hattie, J. (2021). Not all that glitters is gold: Can education technology finally deliver? Corwin Press.
McKinsey & Company. (2020). How artificial intelligence will impact K–12 teachers. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/education/our-insights/how-artificial-intelligence-will-impact-k-12-teachers
Vodopivec, V. (2024). A review of studies exploring negative effects of digital technology on student learning, academic performance, and class participation. Canadian Journal for New Scholars in Education, 15(2), 284–292.
Winkleman, S. (2025, February 17). The most compelling argument against tech in schools [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V6nucKFK88
Even as an additional resource I would recommend you to watch 
Modern Classrooms Project Podcast
Kritika – I love the way that you summed up the debate. I agree that Dustin brought up some really good points, especially when it comes to technology potentially being more of a distraction instead of an enhancement.
In my own experience, I have found that I need to get on board on my side of things for tech to work effectively in the classroom. As a middle years teacher, I have spent a lot of time learning how to use tools like Go Guardian to support my students. I also teach my students about different things they can do to help with self-control when it comes to using tech… even if it means opting to do an assignment with paper and pencil rather than on the computer. I’ve had students set timers on their devices to push themselves to stay focused for 15-20 minutes at a time (which is something I do myself as well).
So I would say that Go Guardian has been a great tool for me… not to control my students online, but to help teach them how to use tech responsibly!
I appreciate your comprehensive take on the debate. I think your quote on “seasoning the cooking” is where I would find myself in regards to technology and education. There is a plethora of educational tools and websites and finding the right tool can be a nightmare and a distraction in and of itself. This is where I hope AI can be a beneficial support by reducing the time spent searching for useful Ed tech.
As a classroom tool, I would wholeheartedly recommend utilizing technology to help differentiate learning for all the unique learning needs and levels. This would extend into the special education realm, where in a Grade 6 class, you can have grade-level readers working alongside ‘non-readers’.
As I noted in my debate portion, one of the frustrating things about tech in the classroom is seeing a free resource become a freemium (Kahoot!) or sites disappearing to be replaced by a similar but subscription-based.
Hi Kritika,
Thank you for such an engaging and balanced post! I found myself nodding along with so many of your points—especially your metaphor about technology being like seasoning in cooking. That line was spot-on!
Like you, I used to be all-in on tech in the classroom. As a Connected Educator in my division, I was given 1:1 devices in my Grade 5/6 classroom and encouraged to use as much technology as possible. And honestly? I loved it. It opened up new ways to differentiate instruction, visualize concepts, and make learning more interactive. My students were engaged, and I felt like I was doing something “modern” and relevant.
But in recent years, I’ve started to rethink things. Even with strong routines and expectations, I’ve noticed how easy it is for students to get off-task or disengage—even while using “educational” apps. It made me step back and ask: Is this tech actually enhancing learning, or just filling time?
Now, I try to be much more intentional about when and how I bring devices into the classroom. Sometimes, the richest lessons come from unplugged discussions where kids share, debate, and ask real questions face-to-face. Like you said—it’s not about the newest tool, but the purpose behind it.
Thank you for sharing!
– Kaela
Hi Kritika,
I really liked your analogy on 😍technology as seasoning in a dish, it captures the essence perfectly. Your examples with Phet simulations and interactive apps show how tech can truly bring abstract concepts to life when used intentionally.
I also appreciated your honest shift after hearing the “disagree” side. The reminder that tech is only as powerful as the pedagogy behind it is crucial. Like you said, a smartboard alone doesn’t make teaching better, a good teacher does.
Personally, I’ve seen tools like Kahoot, Flipgrid, and Canva energize some classroom, but I’ve also seen tech become a distraction when not used purposefully. So yes, it’s all about balance and thoughtful integration.
Thanks for the great Reflection!
Nofisat