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Contrary To What Some say, YES, Technology In Classrooms Can Have a Positive Outcome on Learning – With An Important Caveat!

October 14, 2024

Some proponents of the “Delay is the Way” approach, which advocates for postponing the use of technology in children’s lives, argue that there is no solid research supporting the claim that technology in classrooms improves learning outcomes. However, the reality is that such research does exist, and it highlights the significant benefits of integrating digital tools into education – here are a few of them. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) – note these are all 2024 research papers!

Recent studies show that incorporating programmed learning technology into teaching brings notable advantages. These include more engaging and practical approaches to education, improved academic performance, and a greater interest in subjects like mathematics and science.

Technology in education is more than just substituting traditional tools, like blackboards, with interactive screens, Chromebooks, or iPads. It’s about using technology as an enabler to enhance the learning experience and make it more effective. For those who provide research that shows that technology doesn’t improve learning (10), it’s important to recognize that there is lots of other evidence that suggests otherwise as mentioned in this posting. Research supports that, when used properly, technology does improve student outcomes – but the key lies in its thoughtful implementation into the classroom by teachers.

That said, to realize the full potential of technology in classrooms, teachers need support. Many educators, especially those not comfortable with using technology, still struggle with how to integrate digital tools effectively. Providing adequate pedagogical training and professional development is essential so that teachers can develop the strategies necessary to use technology in ways that foster meaningful student interactions and improve learning outcomes.

As technology becomes more available in classrooms, we believe, based on the current research mentioned above, that there is no denying that when done right, educational technology has benefits to learning. From interactive learning experiences, like using virtual reality to explore the pyramids during a history class, to instant access to information while doing a class project, digital tools can transform the traditional classroom into a dynamic learning environment. However, one of the key challenges schools face is ensuring that the software and applications they implement respect the privacy of students – particularly when it comes to protecting sensitive information about children. Yes, we do align with the stance promoted by the “Delay is the Way” movement on this issue

At The White Hatter, we agree that a major concern for parents and educators alike should be the lack of due diligence when implementing certain software applications in classrooms. In some cases, schools may adopt new programs without fully considering the privacy implications. This can create vulnerabilities that potentially put children’s personal data at risk.

Technology in schools is meant to enhance education, but it should never come at the cost of student privacy. When schools implement software without thorough privacy vetting, it can lead to unintended consequences, such as:

  • Many educational apps require students to provide personal information such as their names, ages, and even location data. If this data is not properly secured or if it is shared with third parties, it can be used for targeted advertising or even sold to other companies.

  • Schools and parents may not always be fully informed about the data collection and sharing practices of the apps their children use. Some apps have complex privacy policies that are difficult to understand, making it hard for parents to know exactly what data is being collected and how it will be used.

  • In some cases, apps may share data with third-party vendors, who may not have the same commitment to data protection as the original developers. This raises concerns about how securely the data is handled and whether it could be compromised or misused.

So, what can schools and parents do specific to these privacy challenges?

To address these concerns, schools and parents must work together to ensure that the technology used in the classroom is safe and secure. Here are a few steps that can help:

  • Before introducing any new software or app into the classroom, schools should perform thorough due diligence. This means reviewing privacy policies, asking tough questions about data collection and storage practices, and ensuring that the software complies with privacy regulations such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) or Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

  • Schools should engage with parents when choosing digital tools for the classroom. Transparency is key. Parents should have access to the privacy policies of the software being used and be encouraged to voice any concerns they may have about data security.

  • Just because an app or program was approved at one point doesn’t mean it remains compliant with privacy standards over time. Schools should implement regular audits of the software they use to ensure ongoing compliance with privacy laws and best practices.

  • In addition to safeguarding student data, schools should also teach students about the importance of protecting their own personal information. Digital literacy programs that include lessons on data privacy can empower students to make safer choices online.

The integration of technology into education is only set to grow, and it’s crucial that privacy concerns remain front and center during this process. We must ensure that the digital tools used to educate the next generation are as safe and secure as they are innovative.

For parents, understanding the role of technology in education can help you support both your child’s learning and their teachers as they navigate these new tools. By encouraging schools to invest in professional development for teachers and staying engaged in how technology is being used in the classroom, parents can ensure that their children get the most out of their educational experience. After all, when teachers are empowered to use technology effectively, students stand to benefit the most.

Incorporating technology into classrooms has the potential to revolutionize education, but it comes with critical caveats. While research supports the positive impact of educational technology on student outcomes, the success of these tools hinges on thoughtful implementation and ongoing support for educators. Schools must balance the benefits of digital learning with the responsibility of safeguarding student privacy.

Parents and educators must work collaboratively to ensure that any technology used in schools is both effective and secure. By performing due diligence on software privacy policies, engaging parents in the decision-making process, and providing teachers with the training they need to integrate technology meaningfully, schools can create a digital learning environment that truly enhances student engagement and success.

Ultimately, educational technology can significantly enhance learning when done right, but it should never come at the cost of student privacy or teacher preparedness. By addressing privacy concerns head-on and ensuring that digital tools are used responsibly, we can unlock the full potential of technology in education – benefiting both students and teachers alike.

Digital Food For Thought

The White Hatter

Fact Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech

References

1/ https://journal.assyfa.com/index.php/alj/article/view/126

2/ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0300147

3/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10212-023-00734-0

4/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bright-Asare-8/publication/379468006_The_effect_of_using_technology_in_teaching_and_learning_mathematics_on_student’s_mathematics_performance_The_mediation_effect_of_students’_mathematics_interest/links/666b7165a54c5f0b9464ac28/The-effect-of-using-technology-in-teaching-and-learning-mathematics-on-students-mathematics-performance-The-mediation-effect-of-students-mathematics-interest.pdf

4/ https://journals.ums.ac.id/ijolae/article/view/23706

5/ https://journal.amorfati.id/index.php/postaxial/article/view/390

6/ https://journal.berpusi.co.id/index.php/IJoSE/article/view/659

7/ https://growingscience.com/beta/ijds/6913-investigating-the-effects-of-e-learning-digital-transformation-and-digital-innovation-on-school-performance-in-the-digital-era.html

8/ https://www.ijosmas.org/index.php/ijosmas/article/view/401

9/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-024-12822-9

10/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027277572400030X

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