Key points:
When it comes to classroom edtech use, digital tools have a drastically different impact when they are used actively instead of passively–a critical difference examined in the 2023-2024 Speak Up Research by Project Tomorrow.
Active learning with technology involves the use of edtech tools and digital resources to discover, analyze, and apply learning. Passive learning, on the other hand, means students passively receive information–for example, students might use a Chromebook to take a test or submit assignments in a learning management system. Passive learning doesn’t help students develop future-ready skills, like critical thinking or creativity, in the same way active learning does.
While teachers’ comfort in using edtech tools and digital resources has improved dramatically in recent years, the focus must now center on how to use digital resources such as AI and learning simulations to offer new and increased opportunities for active learning experiences for all students.
Notably, the Speak Up report should help education leaders and policymakers who wish to better understand the digital use divide–and who aim to close the gap between the status quo in many classrooms and the more effective and engaging learning experiences students say they prefer.
A majority of teachers report engaging students in active learning with classroom technology. Thirty percent of K-5 teachers, 29 percent of 6-8 teachers, and 29 percent of 9-12 teachers reported daily or near-daily active learning experiences with classroom technology. Twenty-five percent of K-5 teachers report weekly use, along with 30 percent of 6-8 teachers and 31 percent of 9-12 teachers.
Students reported more instances of passive technology use, however.
Passive uses of technology that primarily support adult goals:
- Taking an online test (weekly): 75 percent of high school students and 66 percent of middle school students
- Using a learning management system for organization (weekly): 72 percent of high school students and 67 percent of middle school students
Active uses of technology that support students in developing future-ready skills:
- Solving problems with coding resources (weekly): 21 percent of high school students and 27 percent of middle school students
- Using multi-media tools to create content (weekly): 25 percent of high school students and 23 percent of middle school students
Students identified what schools can do to create more effective and engaging learning environments:
- Provide access to reliable devices and strong internet
- Enable students to make more choices about how they want to learn
- Create opportunities for students to engage in real-world problem solving
- Allow students to have more control over learning processes
Students also outlined their ideal active learning technologies:
- Collaboration tools to support projects
- Student-teacher communication tools
- Online databases for self-directed research
- Multi-media tools for creating new content
- Online and digital games
- AI tools to support personalized learning
- Coding and computer programming resources
- Online animations, simulations, and virtual labs
- Virtual reality equipment and content
