Learning for the Future: A District 126 Perspective
Across the country, schools are reconsidering the role technology should play in classrooms. Concerns about screen time, distraction, social media, and student wellness have led some districts to reduce or eliminate student devices altogether. As parents ourselves, educators, and community members, we understand these concerns. They are real, important, and deserve thoughtful discussion.
At Zion-Benton Township High School District 126, however, we believe the conversation should focus on a different question. Rather than asking whether technology belongs in classrooms, we should ask how it is being used and whether it is helping students learn, grow, and prepare for their future.
The reality is that not all technology use is the same. There is a significant difference between technology that distracts and technology that engages. Technology becomes a distraction when it is used primarily for passive consumption, endless clicking, scrolling, or activities that replace meaningful learning. Simply adding more screen time does not improve student outcomes, and technology should never be used simply because it is available.
At the same time, technology can be a powerful tool for engagement when it allows students to create, design, collaborate, research, communicate, and solve authentic problems. The value of technology is not found in the device itself. The value lies in how it supports learning and expands students' opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do.
This belief is at the heart of our Academics 2030 and Innovate 2030 visions. Our goal has never been to create classrooms centered on technology. Our goal is to create classrooms centered on students. We want students to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, demonstrate creativity, act with character, and contribute positively as citizens. These competencies, known as the Six Cs, are essential for success in college, careers, and life.
Technology serves as one of many tools that can help students develop these skills. When used intentionally, it allows students to move beyond simply consuming information and instead become creators, problem-solvers, and innovators. The focus is not on the device. The focus is on the learning experience and the opportunities it creates for students to think deeply, engage meaningfully, and prepare for a future that continues to evolve.
For example, students may use technology to:
- Create videos, podcasts, presentations, and digital portfolios that demonstrate their learning.
- Collaborate with peers on projects and problem-solving activities.
- Conduct research, evaluate information, and analyze evidence.
- Receive feedback, revise their work, and reflect on their learning.
- Communicate ideas to authentic audiences beyond the classroom.
These experiences challenge students to think deeply, explain their reasoning, collaborate with others, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. They move students beyond simply consuming information and place them in the role of creator, communicator, problem-solver, and learner.
At the same time, technology is only one part of a well-rounded educational experience. Students continue to benefit from reading books, writing by hand, engaging in thoughtful discussions, conducting hands-on investigations, creating art, performing music, participating in physical activity, and building meaningful relationships with peers and teachers. These experiences remain essential. Effective learning environments are not defined by the presence or absence of technology, but by the quality of the learning experiences they provide.
As the world continues to evolve, so does our responsibility to prepare students for what comes next. Artificial intelligence, automation, digital communication, and emerging technologies are transforming how people learn, work, and interact. Our students will graduate into a world where these tools are commonplace, and they will be expected to navigate them thoughtfully and responsibly.
Preparing students for that future requires more than teaching them how to use technology. It requires teaching them how to think. Students must learn to evaluate information, ask meaningful questions, identify credible sources, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and make ethical decisions. These are the skills that will allow them to adapt and thrive regardless of how technology continues to change.
This commitment aligns directly with our 721 vision of preparing students for college, careers, and life. Whether students pursue higher education, enter the workforce, enlist in military service, or follow another pathway, they will need the ability to learn continuously, collaborate with others, adapt to new challenges, and navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence and integrity.
For that reason, District 126 is not focused on choosing between traditional learning and technology. We are focused on creating future-ready learning experiences that prepare students for the opportunities and challenges they will encounter beyond our classrooms.
We will continue to invest in outstanding teaching, meaningful learning experiences, instructional coaching, and thoughtful innovation that support student growth. We will continue to evaluate our practices, listen to feedback, and refine our approach as the needs of students and society evolve.
Most importantly, we will remain committed to our core purpose: ensuring every student graduates ready for college, a career, and life. Technology is not the goal. Student success is. Every decision we make will continue to be guided by that principle.
Myth vs. Reality: Technology and Learning in District 126
Myth: District 126 believes more screen time leads to better learning.
- Reality: More screen time does not automatically improve learning. Our focus is not on increasing the amount of time students spend on devices. Our focus is on increasing the quality of learning experiences. Technology should be used with purpose, not simply because it is available.
Myth: Students spend all day staring at screens.
- Reality: Effective learning includes a balance of digital and non-digital experiences. Students continue to engage in discussions, hands-on activities, labs, performances, reading, writing, collaboration, and real-world experiences. Technology is one tool among many that supports learning.
Myth: Technology is replacing teachers.
- Reality: Great teachers remain the most important factor in student learning. Technology cannot replace the relationships, expertise, feedback, encouragement, and support that educators provide every day. Instead, technology expands the ways teachers can engage students, personalize learning, and make thinking visible.
Myth: District 126 is focused on devices.
- Reality: District 126 is focused on students. Devices are simply tools. Our work through Academics 2030 and Innovate 2030 is centered on developing critical thinkers, effective communicators, creative problem-solvers, collaborative learners, and responsible citizens.
Myth: Technology makes learning easier.
- Reality: When used effectively, technology often makes learning more challenging. Students are asked to create, analyze, evaluate, revise, and defend their thinking. Technology should support deeper learning, not shortcut it.
Myth: Artificial Intelligence means students will not need to think for themselves.
- Reality: Artificial Intelligence makes critical thinking more important than ever. Students must learn how to ask meaningful questions, evaluate information, identify bias, verify sources, and make ethical decisions. These skills cannot be automated.
Myth: If some schools are moving away from technology, District 126 should do the same.
- Reality: Every district must make decisions based on its vision, goals, and community needs. District 126's focus is on preparing students for college, careers, and life in a rapidly changing world. That means helping students learn how to use technology responsibly, thoughtfully, and effectively while maintaining strong foundations in reading, writing, communication, and problem-solving.
Myth: Technology is the future of education.
- Reality: Students are the future of education. Technology is simply one of many tools we use to help them learn, grow, create, and succeed.
"The question is not whether technology belongs in schools. The question is whether it is helping students think more deeply, create more meaningfully, and prepare more effectively for the future. At District 126, that is the standard we will continue to pursue."
– Dr. Cheri Bridge, Executive Director of Technology & Innovation
