The Dual Nature of Digital Devices in Education
Digital devices and applications have increasingly become integral tools in modern educational environments. While they hold the potential to enhance learning experiences, they can also introduce significant distractions and even serve as instruments for harmful behavior.
Many students find themselves so engrossed in their smartphones during class—posting on social media or texting friends—that their ability to focus on lessons diminishes. The impact of this distraction is profound, hindering their academic performance and engagement. Moreover, the misuse of these technologies can lead to serious issues, such as cyberbullying and sexual exploitation. There have been alarming instances where students have used their devices to harass peers or share videos of school fights online, which can perpetuate a toxic school culture.
Devices commonly used in classrooms, such as Chromebooks and iPads, while designed for educational purposes, can sometimes facilitate distractions and exacerbate issues like bullying. The potential for misuse is ever-present, prompting educators and administrators to grapple with how to effectively integrate technology into their teaching strategies.
As someone who writes about the intersection of technology and education for The New York Times, I explore both the innovative applications of tech—such as artificial intelligence-powered chatbots and tailored classroom tutoring bots—and the challenges they present. Recently, I reported on troubling incidents, including a group of middle school students who impersonated teachers on TikTok, as well as high school boys using A.I. “nudification” apps to create fake nude images of their female classmates.
To deepen my understanding of the complexities surrounding tech use in educational settings, I am eager to gather insights from a diverse group of stakeholders. I invite teachers, students, parents, and school administrators to share their experiences regarding both the positive and negative impacts of technology in schools. Your perspectives are invaluable, and I will personally review each submission. Should you provide your contact information, I may reach out for further discussion. Please rest assured that I will not publish any details you share without first obtaining your consent and verifying your information.
