In a world where technology is deeply integrated into our lives, its role in education has sparked crucial debates about how, when, and why to implement it in the classroom. Is technology merely an accessory or a catalyst for transforming teaching? Is the use of technology in schools positive or negative?
The proven impact of technology on learning:
umerous studies support the potential of technology to enrich learning. According to a UNESCO (2020) report, technological tools can significantly improve understanding of abstract concepts when used appropriately, offering personalised and adaptive experiences. For example, interactive platforms and digital resources allow students of different levels to work at their own pace, fostering autonomy, inclusion, and critical thinking.
Furthermore, a study published in Educational Research Review (Hattie, 2017) concluded that the effective use of technology can improve student engagement by 27%. However, this positive impact is not automatic; it depends largely on how teachers integrate these tools into their teaching practices. That is why, for the use of technology to be ‘effective,’ the teaching team must promote its responsible use.
Technology cannot replace teaching:
It is essential to recognise that technology is a means, not an end. An OECD report, “Panorama de la educación 2015” warns that students who spend too many hours in front of a screen in the classroom without a clear teaching strategy tend to perform worse than those who use technological resources under structured guidance. This underscores that the role of the teacher remains irreplaceable in effectively guiding learning, but do teachers have the necessary tools to make proper use of technology?
Beyond content: 21st century skills
The use of technology in classrooms also allows students to develop essential skills such as digital literacy, online collaboration, and problem solving. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report (2020), these skills will be critical in the job market of the future.
For example, projects based on simulations, artificial intelligence, augmented reality tools, and platforms for creating digital content offer opportunities for students to explore and learn in innovative ways that reflect real-world situations.
How can we improve the use of technology in classrooms?
For technology to be truly transformative:
- Design solid teaching strategies: Technological resources should be aligned with educational objectives and serve as a vehicle for achieving those objectives.
- Let’s train teachers: According to a study by EdTech Magazine (2021), 56% of teachers feel they need more training to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms.
- Let’s focus on assessment: Using digital tools to monitor progress in real time allows for faster and more accurate feedback.
- Adapt the levels to the real needs of students. Technology allows you to personalise the teaching-learning process.
Our thinking is that whenever technology is used, it should have a clear and well-defined purpose, as technology in the classroom should not be a mere novelty, but a purposeful tool capable of empowering both teachers and students. Its value does not lie in the number of devices present, but in how they are used to promote deep learning, lasting skills, a meaningful connection with knowledge and, above all, to avoid cognitive sedentarism.
At Milton, we remain committed to supporting teachers through technological resources designed to inspire and transform learning. Because, ultimately, technology is only as powerful as the minds that use it.
What do you think about the impact of technology in the classroom?