The learning activity is more important than the technology because technology is simply a tool that does not inherently improve or impact learning on its own.

Research indicates that if the underlying activity remains the same, the medium used to deliver it does not change the outcome; for example, students show the same level of reading comprehension whether they read a physical book or an e-book.

The following points explain why the focus must remain on the activity:

• Meaningful Changes to Pedagogy: Technology only impacts learning when it is used to make meaningful changes to the learning activities themselves. Simply integrating technology into a classroom is insufficient if it doesn’t help students develop essential skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

• Efficiency vs. Effectiveness: While technology can make teaching and learning more efficient or cost-effective, efficiency alone does not improve learning outcomes if the activities remain largely the same. True value comes from using technology to make the learning experience more effective, not just faster.

• The 4Es Framework: The sources suggest that the real value of technology is realised when it is used to Enable, Extend, Engage, and Elevate learning activities. These goals focus on:

  • Unlocking activities that were previously impossible (Enable).

  • Broadening when and where learning happens (Extend).

  • Increasing emotional and cognitive investment through active participation (Engage).

  • Focusing on higher-order skills and real-world problems (Elevate).

Ultimately, the focus should be on areas most likely to impact learning outcomes, which are the activities and how they engage students’ “hands, hearts, and heads,” rather than the digital tools used to deliver them.