From Chalkboards to Code: Why Digital Education Matters

Even If It Scares Us a Bit

As a millennial who remembers life before the internet, it’s wild to think how much technology has reshaped our world. I can’t wrap my head around people who treat the digital environment as something separate from “real life.” Technology has transformed how we learn, for better or worse, in this fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape.

Education has always been a bit slow to catch up with new advancements—and maybe that’s not entirely a bad thing. Change for the sake of change isn’t always progress. But here’s the thing: the new generation doesn’t even know what it’s like to live without a digital world. Each year, this digital integration grows stronger, and pretending it isn’t happening doesn’t do anyone any favors.

Remember when schools flirted with the idea of replacing textbooks with tablets? Sure, it was (and still is) an expensive move in the short term. Back in 2014, I was running demo lessons in kindergartens using iPads. Long story short—it was fantastic. The kids’ creativity soared to another level. But let’s be clear: it wasn’t just “Here’s an iPad, go wild!” We had carefully planned activities with specific apps to extend existing lessons. The moral of the story? We need to understand what we want to achieve and how to get there—not just toss another screen in front of children.

But now, some countries like Sweden are pulling back on tech in classrooms. And honestly, I get it. Too much screen time can shorten attention spans, which is the last thing you need in a learning environment. On the flip side, keeping digital completely out of schools might leave kids vulnerable to the very real dangers of the online world.

So what’s the solution? Using technology in education isn’t just about using it—it’s about understanding it. Technology is getting more complex by the day. Not knowing how basic things work makes people more detached from the world they’re living in. It’s not just about knowing how to use an app; it’s about understanding the logic behind it. I genuinely believe kids should learn how to code, create, and manipulate the digital world—not just consume it.

And let’s not forget how digital tools make education more inclusive. Technology opens up a whole new world of opportunities for children and people with disabilities. Think about students who struggle with traditional learning methods. Assistive technologies like screen readers, voice-to-text software, and interactive apps can make learning more accessible and engaging. Digital education can level the playing field, giving everyone a fair shot at knowledge. Isn’t that what education is supposed to be about?

Moreover, access to online resources means that students aren’t limited by their geography. A kid in a remote area can access the same quality of information as someone in a big city. That’s huge! Technology breaks down barriers, both physical and social, making education more democratic.

And here’s where AI comes into play. Artificial Intelligence is the new frontier in education, and we’re already seeing both excitement and fear around it. Teachers are worried about students using tools like ChatGPT to cheat on assignments. I get it—the idea of a machine doing the work for you is unsettling. But maybe we’re looking at this the wrong way.

I came across a brilliant perspective from Andriy Burkov on LinkedIn. He said:

“Many people responded to my post about teachers banning the use of ChatGPT in schools, asking how they can prevent students from cheating. Here’s one solution (among many others): start focusing on whether students actually understand the material. When you receive their essays, run them through ChatGPT and ask it to generate five questions based on the essay, with each question tied to a specific paragraph where the answer can be found. Then, meet with the students and ask these questions. If they can answer them, it doesn’t matter who wrote the text. If they can’t, it doesn’t matter if they wrote it themselves.”

Isn’t that a game-changer? Instead of fearing AI, why not use it as a tool to enhance learning and assess understanding? This approach shifts the focus from rote memorization and regurgitation to actual comprehension. It’s a win-win.

But here’s where it gets tricky. We can’t ignore the potential downsides of tech and AI in education. Too much screen time, potential distractions, privacy concerns—the list goes on. And yes, AI can be misused. But isn’t that all the more reason to teach kids how to navigate this digital landscape responsibly? Banning technology or AI won’t make these issues disappear; education will.

Back in 2014, I naively thought coding would become a common skill taught everywhere. And while some schools are heading in that direction, it often feels like “just another subject” rather than an essential life skill. Now, with AI making waves, understanding the basics is more important than ever. If we don’t teach kids about AI and coding, we’re setting them up to be users of technology, not creators.

Think about it: Digital literacy—including understanding AI—is as essential now as reading and writing were back in the day. Future jobs will demand it, and not just in tech fields. Coding and AI encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They teach kids how to approach complex tasks and break them down into manageable parts. Plus, let’s not forget that understanding these tools can protect them from online threats. Knowledge is power, right?

So, should we throw tablets and AI tools at every student and call it a day? Of course not. But integrating technology and AI thoughtfully and responsibly into education is crucial. It’s about balance—combining traditional teaching methods with digital tools to prepare kids for a world that’s only getting more interconnected and AI-driven.

At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves: Do we want to equip the next generation with the tools to navigate and shape the digital and AI-powered world, or leave them to figure it out on their own? Embracing technology in education isn’t just inevitable; it’s essential for an inclusive and forward-thinking society.