When thoughtfully integrated, technology can improve education by complementing established instructional practices and supporting the diverse needs of educators, students, and caregivers. Here are six ways technology can support teaching and learning in today’s classrooms.
6 ways technology helps in education
1. It personalizes the learning experience
When all students are taught the same material at the same pace, meeting everyone’s needs can be difficult. Technology helps by offering more options for a personalized learning experience. Students can watch videos, play learning games, or complete interactive activities that give instant feedback. Those who understand the material quickly can move on to more challenging work, while others can practice skills as much as they need. This variety helps students stay engaged and better understand what they’re learning.
The same is true of gamification in education. It can make learning more interactive and rewarding by providing feedback and a sense of progress, which encourages students to stay focused and keep trying.
2. It can help keep caregivers informed
Before technology was widely used in education, caregivers had limited insight into what was happening in their children’s learning beyond conferences. Technology now allows them to be more informed and involved in the learning process. When caregivers are involved, students are more likely to succeed and stay motivated.
Technology has also improved communication between caregivers and schools. For example, caregivers can access real-time information about grades, attendance, and behavior, and they can easily contact teachers or administrators through email or a school’s LMS.
3. It provides teachers with time-saving tools
Technology can save teachers time and streamline daily tasks. HMH AI Tools, for instance, can help with creating lesson plans, quizzes, newsletters, and more. Here we share ways to use artificial intelligence in the classroom effectively and responsibly.
Technology makes communication quicker. Teachers can email an entire class or message all caregivers at once. When teachers need support, they can connect with colleagues through email or online forums to share ideas and ask questions.
Technology also supports professional development. Teachers can take online courses, enroll in degree programs, and access articles and resources that help them stay informed about new trends and best practices in education.
4. It expands learning support in the classroom
Technology can make learning continuous by expanding how teacher support students throughout instruction. Students can receive instant feedback from digital tools, giving teachers more time to work one-on-one or in small groups with students who need extra support.
Technology supports peer learning as well. Students can collaborate, ask questions, and help one another using online discussion tools. By explaining ideas to classmates, students deepen their own understanding, making learning more effective for everyone.
Technology can also make it easier to differentiate instruction. Digital tools can adjust content based on a student’s skill level, learning pace, or specific needs, providing additional practice or more challenging material as appropriate. This allows teachers to meet a wide range of learning needs within the same classroom, while still guiding student learning.
5. It enables a range of learning experiences
Technology supports a range of learning experiences, including project-based and inquiry-based learning. Students can work in groups or individually, using online platforms that enable teachers and peers to provide feedback in real time. Digital tools also make it easier for students to collaborate, revise, and create presentations or group papers together.
Students can access a wide range of resources to explore topics in depth and apply their learning to real-world problems. Technology also gives students more flexibility in how they demonstrate understanding, whether through a blog, website, video, or another creative format.
6. It can be efficient and sustainable
Technology can help schools reduce ongoing costs by replacing or reducing the need for physical materials. Digital documents and online communication lower paper use, and emails or learning platforms can replace many printed notices and packets that were once sent to caregivers.
Digital tools also make it easier to update, reuse, and share instructional materials without reprinting or replacing them. Resources can be accessed across classrooms and schools, helping districts scale high-quality instruction while avoiding unnecessary duplication. Technology can even replace some costly experiences, such as field trips, through free or low-cost virtual programs.
Technology is a powerful tool that helps students learn
Technology helps students learn better by supporting personalized instruction, access to a wide range of learning materials, and opportunities for deeper exploration. Teachers, students, and caregivers all benefit from digital tools that create flexible, engaging learning environments. For school districts, technology supports long-term instructional goals by helping prepare students for the future.
This article was adapted from a blog post initially developed by the education technology company Classcraft, which was acquired by HMH in 2023. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.
***
Find more lesson plans and classroom resources on Shaped.
HMH AI Tools are designed to teach with you, not for you.
