Why Technology Alone Can’t Fix Education

There’s no doubt that technology has changed education. From video calls to interactive apps, digital tools have become a regular part of how we teach and learn. But while many of these tools are clever, convenient, and even cutting-edge, we should be careful not to assume they’re the solution to all our educational problems.

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Advocates of online learning often point to its flexibility. Students can learn at their own pace, keep track of their progress with learning platforms, and boost their skills through personalised feedback. These benefits are real, and for some students—especially adults balancing work and study—online learning may be the only practical option.

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However, I would argue that technology can’t replace the human side of education. Learning isn’t just about downloading information; it’s about discussion, disagreement, collaboration, and support. Many students thrive in environments where they feel a sense of belonging, where they can ask questions, get things wrong, and laugh with others. You can’t always recreate that with a screen.

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There’s also the issue of inequality. It’s easy to talk about the benefits of online learning if you have a quiet place to study, a fast internet connection, and a reliable device. But not everyone does. For those without these basic tools, online education can actually harm their chances rather than enhance them. In this sense, throwing more tech at the problem may even spoil attempts to make education fairer.

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Of course, this doesn’t mean we should reject technology altogether. Used thoughtfully, it can benefit both students and teachers. But we need to be realistic. Education is social, emotional, and messy. And no app, no matter how smart, can fully replace the experience of learning with—and from—other people.