Not All Tech Is Created Equal: Transforming Classrooms with Purposeful Technology

This article originally appeared on THE [Technological Horizons in Education] Journal, an online magazine dedicated to tech-savvy K–12 school and district educators and administrators.

In education, there’s a constant hum about the future of classrooms and how technology will change everything. But as much as our world evolves, the foundational needs of education remain the same. Classrooms will always be places where kids learn to be part of something larger than themselves. They’re environments where students build relationships, develop critical thinking, and grow into who they’re going to be as adults and citizens. If there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that technology should be a tool to support these goals—not a replacement for what makes learning, at its core, a human experience.

Today’s classrooms are equipped with more tools than ever to support educators in making a difference. But just because technology is present doesn’t mean it’s always impactful. Real innovation in edtech needs to align with educational goals, and there’s still room for improvement. Let’s dive into what “good” technology looks like in education and how we can leverage it to serve the needs of every student.

Why the right technology matters more than ever

Think about the range of diverse students being taught every day. Each student enters the classroom with unique needs, interests, and goals. Ideally, the technology we bring into schools should help us meet each student where they are, giving teachers the support they need to make every lesson engaging and impactful.

But tech can be a double-edged sword. Well-designed tools, specifically created with pedagogy in mind, can help teachers foster deeper learning and meaningful engagement. On the other hand, we’re also seeing more and more tools that engage students on a surface level without really moving the needle on learning outcomes.

Consider what I call the “bait and switch” of edtech. It’s tempting to use high-engagement tools that capture students’ attention but ultimately don’t serve an educational purpose. For example, quiz-based apps can be a fantastic tool for reviewing material, but if students are using them 20 times a week in lieu of more in-depth learning, it becomes just another form of rote practice. Similarly, many students use online word processors to work on writing assignments, but as a general-purpose tool, they lack the tailored features that truly support developing writing skills. Tools like Writable, designed specifically to enhance writing, provide more structure, feedback, and targeted guidance for students as they learn.

This brings us to the ongoing debate about screen time and its impact on students. The conversation often misses a key point: not all screen time is equal. One hour spent consuming social media videos is vastly different from an hour spent solving math problems or working through a challenging text. Quality of engagement matters far more than the quantity of time spent in front of a screen.

As educators, it’s essential to distinguish between screen time that supports growth and screen time that distracts. Research shows that passive screen use—content consumption without meaningful interaction—offers little benefit to learning and can actually hamper cognitive development. Contrast this with active screen use, where students are asked to engage with material, collaborate with peers, and think critically. It’s this type of screen time that should be prioritized in the classroom.

Designing technology for the whole student

To make a meaningful difference, educational technology needs to be designed not only for academic growth, but also for social and emotional development. This is one area where I see the potential for real change. Solutions like HMH Classcraft, for example, prioritize both academic progress and classroom community. By streamlining engaging instructional routines, Classcraft creates shared experiences that help students work together toward common goals. This kind of experience fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration, teaching students valuable social skills alongside core academic content.

There’s something powerful about technology that brings students together rather than isolating them. Think about how much students learn just by being in social situations—working through a math problem with a classmate, debating a novel’s themes, or simply collaborating on a group project. When technology creates spaces for students to connect, it becomes an ally for school to become meaningful and motivating.

Practical tips for purposeful tech use

So, how do we make sure we’re using technology purposefully in classrooms? Here are a few practical guiding principles:

• Choose tools with purpose: Start by selecting technology that aligns directly with your learning objectives. Not all tools are built for the classroom, and even widely used solutions may lack the depth necessary for specific educational outcomes. Prioritize technology that supports your instructional goals rather than one-size-fits-all tools.
• Limit passive use: Passive technology use, like watching videos, should be minimized. Focus on tools that require students to think, respond, and create. For example, digital writing solutions that incorporate feedback loops and revision prompts (such as Writable) encourage active engagement far more effectively than a basic word processor.
• Promote collaborative learning: Some of the best tech tools are those that encourage students to work together. Look for solutions that facilitate collaboration and discussion, whether through shared projects, peer feedback, or group problem-solving. This collaborative element not only supports academic skills but also builds critical social and communication skills.
• Encourage self-reflection on tech use: Ask students to reflect on their own use of technology and how it affects their learning. When students develop self-awareness around their technology habits, they’re more likely to use digital tools in a way that benefits their learning.

A vision for integrated, impactful tech experiences

HMH’s vision for the future is one where technology integrates seamlessly into the learning experience. In our approach, we’re moving beyond a fragmented landscape of disparate tools to offer unified solutions that enable teachers to make informed, meaningful use of technology. This vision stems from the belief that impactful education technology is about more than features and interfaces; it’s about creating a cohesive, productive experience for both students and teachers.

Take, for example, the work we’re doing with Classcraft. Rather than being a standalone solution, it’s part of a larger ecosystem that supports everything from curriculum planning to real-time formative assessments. This kind of integration means that teachers can focus on teaching and students on learning, with technology as a supportive backdrop that enables novel interactions—like listening to, summarizing and giving insights to a teacher on pair discussions happening in the classroom so she can respond on the fly to students’ understanding. 

Educators at the helm of edtech

As we consider the role of technology in classrooms, let’s remember that teachers are the ultimate drivers of student success. Technology is a powerful ally, but it’s only as effective as the teacher wielding it. The most effective edtech solutions don’t attempt to replace educators; they support and amplify their impact. That’s why I believe so strongly in designing technology that’s intuitive, flexible, and adaptable to different teaching styles and classroom needs.

Our goal at HMH is to empower educators to make the most of technology while staying true to the timeless principles of effective teaching. With the right tools and intentional use, technology can help us create learning environments that are engaging, equitable, and forward-thinking. But it requires a clear vision and a commitment to using tech in a way that truly benefits students.

Conclusion: Charting a path forward

The conversation around edtech often focuses on what’s next—what new tools, solutions, or trends will shape the future. But I’d argue that the most meaningful transformation comes from understanding how technology can serve the present needs of our classrooms. When we choose tech thoughtfully, focusing on quality of engagement and alignment with educational goals, we build classrooms that are equipped for whatever the future holds.

At HMH, we’re excited to continue leading this charge, developing technology that empowers teachers and supports students’ growth in ways that go beyond the screen. Because in the end, the classroom of tomorrow isn’t a space defined by digital tools—it’s a place where students learn to connect, collaborate, and thrive together. And that’s something technology can help us achieve, as long as we keep our eyes on what matters most.

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