We Bought the Devices. We Forgot the Professional Learning.

My library media center in Harlem in the 90s where
 students intentionally went to a space to use technology.

Schools invested heavily in devices and platforms, but too often failed to make the same investment in professional learning, coaching, and staff support. We expected classroom teachers to become technology integrators, often with little more than a device, a login, and a brief introduction to a new platform.

In We Bought the Devices. We Forgot the Professional Learning., I examine what the screen-time conversation is revealing about that approach. More technology use may shift into libraries, labs, technology classes, and other designated spaces. That could be a positive change when it connects students with educators who have the expertise and time to make technology use meaningful.

Reducing routine device use will not fix weak implementation by itself. Schools must invest in developing knowledgeable staff who can decide when technology adds value, when another approach would work better, and how to use each in service of learning.