From Chalkboards to Chatbots: How Technology is Shaping Learning & Are We Really Getting Smarter?

Imagine a classroom where every student’s learning experience is as unique as their fingerprint. Technology has once again promised to revolutionise education, offering personalised experiences in ways we once only dreamed of, but will it deliver? But as we celebrate these advancements, an important question remains: Is technology truly enhancing our intelligence, or are we at risk of losing critical thinking skills?

A Journey from Chalkboards to Digital Learning

Education has always been about change. From the printing press to the internet, each technological advancement has transformed the way we teach and learn. Today, as with many stages throughout history, technology has once again promised to significantly change education through more personalised learning experiences—whether through interactive platforms, adaptive learning, or AI-powered tools. But this evolution raises an important question: Are we making education more efficient, or are we becoming too reliant on technology, and less likely to think critically for ourselves?

Technology’s Role in Enhancing Learning

Has the classroom really changed? New tools in the classroom, like personalised learning platforms, collaborative apps, and even AI-driven tutors, are helping us teach in more dynamic ways. They provide the potential to allow students to:

• Learn at their own pace: Adaptive learning systems can adjust based on a student’s needs, offering more support where necessary and challenging them when appropriate.
• Receive real-time personalised feedback: Intelligent tutoring systems can provide immediate responses, helping students stay engaged and correct mistakes as they go
• Access resources globally: With the internet, knowledge is no longer confined to textbooks. Students can tap into a wealth of information and educational experiences from around the world.

But technology in education is more than just a tool for students. It's giving teachers powerful tools to analyse student performance, bridge learning gaps, and assist with designing, critiquing, and even marking students' work. Having said all this the classrooms of today dont look drastically different to those of of the 70's and 80's.

Are We Getting Smarter? What the Data Says

This brings us to the larger question: Is technology making us smarter? Research offers mixed insights here.

• Global Improvement: According to UNESCO data global adult literacy rates increased from around 76% in 1990 to about 86% in recent years. The literacy rate among youths (15-24 years old) has shown even more significant improvement, indicating better access to education for younger generations.
• Increased Enrolment: There has been a substantial rise in enrolment rates at all levels of education globally.: Net enrolment rates in primary education have approached near-universal levels in many countries: Enrolment in secondary and higher education has also increased, reflecting a global emphasis on extended schooling. More students are completing their education, as evidenced by higher graduation rates across various educational stages
• Incremental Gains from STEM: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) have generally shown modest improvements in math, science, and reading skills among participating countries.
• The increased availability of education to broader segments of global society—particularly in developing regions—has helped drive improvements in global literacy rates and promote gender equality in education.
• The Flynn Effect: Over the 20th century, average IQ scores rose significantly across the world—a phenomenon known as the Flynn Effect. This improvement in IQ was thought to be driven by factors like improved education, better nutrition, and increased exposure to abstract thinking, some of which came from early forms of technology like television and computers. However, in some countries, the Flynn Effect has started to plateau or even reverse in recent decades. In places like Norway and Denmark, average IQ scores have stagnated or declined slightly since the 1990s.

Technology’s Double-Edged Sword: Enhancing and Eroding Cognitive Skills

There’s no doubt that technology helps us learn faster and more efficiently. However, it also presents risks:

• Digital Distraction: The same technology that offers instant access to information also competes for our attention constantly. Studies show that multitasking with digital devices can reduce our ability to focus deeply, impacting tasks that require sustained attention and critical thinking.
• Outsourcing Cognitive Tasks: With easy access to information via search engines and AI tools, we are relying less on memory and problem-solving skills. While this frees up cognitive resources for more complex tasks, it raises concerns about whether we are losing certain foundational skills in the process. Are we becoming less capable at thinking critically?

The Future of Learning: Balancing Technology with Human Insight

AI is just one of many technology tools that promise much in today’s education landscape. It helps personalise learning experiences, provides instant feedback, and even assists in creative tasks like brainstorming. But it’s important to remember that AI, like other technologies, is here to enhance the teaching and learning process—not replace the essential human elements.

Educators remain at the heart of learning, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery. While technologies can help with efficiency and personalisation, they must be integrated thoughtfully, ensuring that students still develop the deep cognitive skills that come from human interaction & learning

As we look ahead, the challenge is clear: How do we balance the potential of technology with the human elements of learning? How do we ensure that digital tools don’t just make us more efficient but truly foster deeper thinking and societal intellectual growth? So as we embrace these advancements, it’s important to ask ourselves: Are we using technology to elevate our intelligence, or are we letting it replace the critical thinking that defines human learning?