Description
Education has been unquestionably altered by digital technologies, however, opinions on academic outcomes are largely divided. This driving question invites us to investigate advantages of technology integrated teaching, while also exploring the risks of digital divide - the contrast of permitting an over-saturation of technological use in schooling, and the risks associated with limited access to technology for education. 

Feelings
Initially, I felt strongly that teaching had been solely positively impacted by the embrace of digital learning. I considered how the introduction of online learning and specific technologies has allowed a significant increase in accessibility, particularly for those disadvantaged (e.g. living remotely, speaking multiple languages, with disabilities). However, after reading the related articles I have been enlightened to the fact that technology can amplify a pre-existing divide in education and academic outcomes. 

Evaluation
Technology in a teaching capacity can be extremely beneficial and teach valuable skills to students who will likely enter a digital workplace. Research shows that “Digital technologies…  help improve education in various ways… (technology can) provide easy access to information, easy retention of information, increased storage of information, and improved presentation of information; education became more interactive, easier sharing of knowledge and increased enthusiasm in learning (Abid H, Mohd J, Mohd A Q, Rajiv S. 2022). 
Opposingly, the article also states technology can enhance “Issues regarding excessive screen time, the efficacy of instructors' use of technology, and concerns about technology fairness”. Additionally,  “It necessitates hardware and connectivity at home, inaccessible to children in low-income homes”. Professionals have discovered that “even though 87% of families have an internet-enabled device, that still means that more than one out of every ten students likely doesn't have the technology needed to complete daily schoolwork and homework” (Thomas McElroy 2021). This outlines how accessibility isn’t equitable and how technology can aid in deepening the digital divide. 

Analysis
It is clear from investigating the driving question that technology has been incorporated into all aspects of life and is simply essential. Analysing the advantages and disadvantages, it’s evident that a balanced approach to education is needed moving forward. 
An experiment was conducted at Daylesford Secondary School where all students had to lock their phones in a pouch on their hip for the school day. As “attention switching - swapping between laptops or books or phones - had a negative impact on school grades and learning retention” (Melanie Wheelan 2018). This initiative aimed to reduce the over-saturation of devices and streamline focus. After a year, the results saw attendance, academic achievement and punctuality increase, as well as suspensions and both learning/ wellbeing - related incidents decrease. The article clarified that technology was not banned, “It is about promoting everything in moderation… you can still have a mobile, but don’t be consumed by it”. 

Conclusion
Overall, I conclude that technology is largely beneficial as an educational tool. However, it’s crucial to ensure that devices are used as a means of aid and not to encourage a further digital and academic divide. Moreover, this means as educators we must use technology in moderation, teach digital literacy and allow for equitable accessibility as much as we possibly can. 
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Action Plan
​This new insight is extremely valuable as it will shape my future practice from the deep awareness that technology will always evolve and be prevalent in education. It is my responsibility to ensure a moderated  technological integration in the classroom to promote focus and student wellbeing. Additionally, it is essential to endorse equitability by ensuring that technology is used in the classroom by every student in a controlled environment to deliver the crux of digital learning and all homework can be completed without the deep reliance on technology.

​References:

1. McElroy T, (2021). Forbes Technology Council, Addressing The Digital Divide In Education: Technology And Internet Access For Students In Underserved Communities

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2021/12/03/addressing-the-digital-divide-in-education-technology-and-internet-access-for-students-in-underserved-communities/ 

1. Wheelan M, (2018) Bendigo Advertiser, Daylesford students lock phones in Yondr pouches for a day

https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/5389317/could-you-lock-your-phone-away-for-a-day-these-students-did/ 

1. Haleem A, Javaid M, Qadri M.A, Suman R, (2022). Science Direct, Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666412722000137#sec0006