Educational technology is essential in schools because it provides new learning opportunities. It expands access to diverse educational resources, encourages active student participation, promotes collaboration and skill development, and offers interactive tools that make learning more engaging while addressing students’ individual needs.
Before the arrival of educational technology, traditional schools operated very differently. The classroom was a hierarchical space where the teacher spoke and the children listened. The school principal held ultimate authority, with the power to punish, and the teacher was the sole holder of knowledge.
Students’ prior knowledge, sociocultural realities, skills, and interests were not considered. Teaching was one-way communication. Lessons were standardized with no personalization, and assessment was rigid. Formality and lack of flexibility were part of the daily routine for teachers and administrators.
As society evolved, communication became two-way, personalized learning became a reality, and educational technology became a key element of effective teaching and learning.
In the Brazilian context—where educational realities vary greatly across regions, social classes, and opportunities—why should a school invest in educational technology?
One of the main reasons is personalization. Technology allows teachers to customize instruction to meet the individual needs of their students. Adaptive learning platforms provide personalized pathways, enabling students to learn at their own pace, based on what they already know and what they still need to master.
Another strong argument in favor of technology is increased engagement. Today’s generations are digital natives. Even if parents tried to limit screen time until the age of 2, as recommended by pediatricians, these children were born into a connected, interactive, digital world. Using technology in the classroom is no longer an “extra”—it is part of students’ daily lives outside school. The more schools tap into students’ interests through tools, media, and games, the more engaging the learning experience becomes.
Educational technology also enhances collaboration, both among students and between teachers and students. It allows group projects and activities to be carried out regardless of physical location and expands communication possibilities between school and home.
Another major benefit is accessibility. Students with special needs can fully participate in the learning process alongside their peers, especially because technology allows for the level of customization they require.
Teachers also benefit from technology by optimizing their workflow, managing classrooms more effectively, planning lessons and activities with greater ease, and simplifying administrative tasks such as grade management.
And the benefits go beyond students and teachers. School administrators gain significant advantages from educational technology as well:
- Better communication between administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
- Improved decision-making through access to valuable data collected by student information systems, which track academic performance and help guide curriculum design, assessments, and professional development.
- Simplified school management through school management systems that handle student registration, class scheduling, academic calendars, and finances.
- More opportunities for professional development through online training programs for teachers and staff.
Educational technology plays a transformative role in schools, reshaping the way students learn, teachers teach, and administrators run their schools.
A technology-driven teaching and learning process is more appealing and engaging for everyone involved in the school ecosystem—including families. One of the key advantages of educational technology is the ability to provide real-time information. Through digital platforms, parents and guardians can monitor their children’s academic performance, access teacher-assigned activities, and view the school calendar. This keeps them informed about what is happening at school and allows them to participate more actively in their children’s education.
Finally, inclusion is another crucial factor: educational technology enables schools to provide effective support for students with special needs. With tools such as alternative communication software, adapted tablets, and educational apps, schools can offer a more inclusive and personalized learning experience.