EdTech in the Classroom: What Families Need to Know

What is Ed Tech (Educational Technology)?

Since the pandemic, technology has woven itself into nearly every aspect of daily life. Most of us now rely on it to manage banking, socializing, shopping, and countless other routines. That same presence has extended into children’s lives and schools and it’s worth understanding what that looks like.

You may have come across the term EdTech, short for Educational Technology. EdTech refers to any digital tool, platform, or curriculum used to support student learning. In the classroom, this might look like a teacher projecting slides to bring a lesson to life, or using a platform to administer assessments and better understand each student’s strengths and gaps. Common EdTech platforms include Epic, ClassDojo, iReady, Zearn, and Khan Academy.

How is EdTech used in learning environments?

One of the most widespread uses of EdTech today is adaptive learning. Here’s how it typically works: a student logs into their personal account and completes a placement test. Based on their results, the platform automatically generates a customized sequence of lessons. For example, one student’s math results might indicate she’s ready for multiplication, while another may still need to practice subtraction. Each student works through lessons tailored to their individual needs. Many adaptive learning platforms also incorporate gamification. Examples are digital badges, short animations, or points that keep the experience engaging.

How does EdTech impact screen time?

Like any learning tool, EdTech deserves thoughtful, intentional use. Ongoing research continues to shed light on how much daily screen time is appropriate for children. The CDC recommends that young children have no more than one to two hours of screen time per day, and also highlights the connections between excessive screen use and mental and physical health concerns in teenagers. Too much screen time, for children and adults alike, can affect attention, brain development, and self-regulation.

Does EdTech lead to better learning outcomes?

A growing question in education circles is whether time spent on learning platforms is actually translating into better learning outcomes. The honest answer is: we don’t yet know enough. Research is ongoing, and educators are navigating this landscape in real time. There are also growing concerns about the use of children’s data, how personal it is and where it goes.

Key Takeaway for parents

In the meantime, don’t hesitate to start a conversation with your child’s teacher about which platforms are being used, what purpose they serve, and how much time students are spending on them each day. Teachers are doing their best to adapt to a rapidly shifting landscape, and most welcome engaged, curious questions. It’s also worth turning the lens on ourselves. Children absorb far more from what they observe than what they’re told, and our own relationship with screens sets a powerful example. Putting the phone down at dinner, being present during conversations, and setting boundaries around our own screen time are some of the most effective things we can do to raise healthy, balanced digital citizens. It’s never too late to advocate for a healthy balance between digital and analog learning, both at school and at home.

Written by Michelle Kim Palasek, SFL Clinician