Authored by Tyson Smith, CEO Reading
The classroom technology debate isn’t just about technology. It’s about learning.
As states consider legislation, districts revisit policies, and educators rethink classroom practices, the conversation has increasingly focused on screen time.
A recent Education Week article, “Tech Backlash Prompts Responses From Leader of Top Ed-Tech Group,” reflects this shift. Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, argues that the answer isn’t more technology or less technology. Instead, he suggests the focus should be on using technology intentionally—recognizing that the value lies not in the amount of screen time, but in how technology improves teaching and learning.
At Reading Horizons, we couldn’t agree more.
Technology’s value should be measured by the learning.
When used intentionally, technology can help teachers identify students who need additional support, streamline assessments, monitor progress in real time, place students into the right intervention sooner, and provide students with targeted skill practice that reinforces classroom instruction. By handling routine tasks and providing meaningful instructional insights, technology creates something every educator needs more of: time to teach.
But technology doesn’t teach children to read.
Students become skilled readers through explicit instruction, meaningful practice, teacher feedback, discussion, writing, and student connection. Those experiences remain at the heart of effective literacy instruction.
That’s why Reading Horizons embraces a balanced approach.
Our literacy systems include digital elements that strengthen great teaching—they don’t replace it. Technology informs instruction. Teachers inspire learning.
As conversations unfold, we hope the focus remains on purpose over presence.
The question isn’t:
How much screen time did students have today?
The better question is:
Did technology help teachers teach more effectively and students learn more deeply?
The future of literacy doesn’t have to be all digital.
It’s finding the right balance—using technology where it adds value while preserving the relationships and instructional moments that help students become confident readers.
