Tech Overtook Classrooms. Did It Improve Learning?
Summary
Claire Duffy announces the end of Terms of Service and interviews Natasha Singer about the growing pushback against ubiquitous tech in schools. They discuss how Chromebooks and AI tools became central to education, the lack of evidence for their learning benefits, and the rise of parent-led movements demanding intentional use. The conversation highlights student privacy concerns, the shift away from constant device access, and the need for "tech civics" to help students critically evaluate emerging technologies.
Topics discussed
Show closing announcement and listener call to action
Introduction: The rise and backlash of AI in schools
Sponsor reads and break
History of tech in schools: From movies to Chromebooks
The 'One Laptop Per Child' movement and industry push
How devices became central to daily learning infrastructure
Evidence gap: Does tech actually improve student achievement?
Effective vs. ineffective uses of ed-tech tools
Equity, pre-K funding, and the purpose of school
Parent backlash: Social media risks and lack of control
Teacher perspectives: Efficiency vs. pedagogical concerns
Case study: McPherson Middle School's device policy shift
Sponsor reads and transition to current trends
Current trends: District bans and parent-led movements
Accountability: Tech companies vs. public schools
Student privacy and data protection concerns
Advice for parents: Asking the right questions
The feasibility of opting out of school devices
Conclusion and book recommendation
Sponsor reads: Checkout.com and Apple Watch
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