Are Smart Devices Making Students Smarter? A New OECD Report Raises Doubts

An OECD report reveals that educational technology (EdTech) hasn't delivered the academic gains it promised. As global test scores fall, is it time to reconsider the use of smart devices in classrooms?

Despite the promise of revolutionizing education, smart devices and educational technology (EdTech) appear to have fallen short of their academic goals, according to a new OECD report. While the rise of digital tools in classrooms has been met with enthusiasm, the reality is less impressive. Educational technologies have not yielded the anticipated academic benefits, and in some cases, they may even be hindering student performance. This revelation comes amid declining global test scores in subjects like math, science, and reading, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic but dating back to the early 2010s, coinciding with the widespread introduction of digital devices in schools.

The Declining Impact of EdTech on Student Performance

Recent findings from the OECD challenge the notion that technology is an essential tool for enhancing student achievement. In fact, the report highlights a troubling trend: students who use digital devices excessively in classrooms tend to perform worse academically. This includes a failure to bridge the achievement gap between privileged and disadvantaged students, which was one of the initial promises of EdTech.

The data reveals that the use of computers in schools often leads to distractions rather than focused learning. Students frequently spend less than six minutes on a task before turning to social media or texting. Even when laptops are used during class, students tend to disengage for an average of 38 minutes per session, a behavior often described as "multi-tasking."

Sweden’s Radical Shift Back to Traditional Methods

Sweden has recently taken a bold step by reversing its embrace of digital tools in classrooms, opting instead to focus on traditional educational methods. The Swedish government announced that students would once again rely on paper books and handwritten notes, a decision that has shocked many in the digital education community.

Swedish Education Minister’s decision to reduce the reliance on technology in favor of analog tools underscores growing concerns about the long-term impact of digital distractions on learning. While digital technology has undeniable benefits in certain contexts, many are beginning to question its role in primary education.

The Myths of Equipment-Based Education

Education experts, such as Euryschool founder Emma Thompson, argue that the promises of EdTech are often based on misconceptions. In her critique, Thompson dismantles five prevalent myths about the benefits of digital learning tools, pointing out that technology can rarely replace the effectiveness of traditional learning practices, especially in the foundational stages of education.

Jared Cooney Horvath, a cognitive neuroscientist, goes even further, claiming that the EdTech revolution has failed to live up to its hype. He explains that many schools in Europe and Southeast Asia are increasingly abandoning digital tools in favor of more traditional, proven educational methods.

Global Investment in EdTech, But at What Cost?

Despite the mixed results, investment in EdTech continues to grow. In the U.S., government spending on educational technology exceeds $30 billion annually, while countries like New Zealand and Australia have equipped their schools with high-speed internet and numerous digital devices. However, the promise of these investments has not translated into measurable improvements in student performance on global assessments.

The question now arises: if digital tools are not the panacea they were once believed to be, at what point do we reconsider their role in classrooms?

Rebalancing Technology and Traditional Education

The findings from the OECD report serve as a stark reminder that technology is not a universal solution to the challenges facing education today. As countries like Sweden return to more traditional methods, it’s clear that a balanced approach is necessary—one that integrates technology where it enhances learning while not overwhelming students with distractions. The ultimate goal should be to foster environments where students can focus, learn, and thrive, whether through digital tools or time-tested methods.