Holistic suite of tools offers an effective solution for diverse educational settings to enrich learning experiences.
Explore a rich collection of articles, resources, and news focused on enriching educational experiences with innovative EdTech solutions.
The Power of the ViewSonic Education Ecosystem
Daisy Chain Solutions eBook
As you’re looking for a high-end monitor, you probably find yourself wondering, “What is Delta E?” In short, it’s a measurement of how much a displayed color can differ from its input color. A lower Delta E means better color accuracy. How good is good enough? It depends on your needs (and we give a handy guide to Delta E values below).
So you can learn more about Delta E below. Or view our selection of professional-grade ColorPro monitors.
Delta E is a measure that plays a significant role in evaluating color accuracy. Creative professionals such as photographers, video editors, and graphic designers should all pay attention to this standard as it’s an essential part of choosing a professional-grade monitor.
Although creative professionals need to understand the meaning of Delta E, given the complex nature of the topic, it’s easy for the definition to get lost in translation. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what Delta E is and how you can use the metric to make an informed decision when purchasing visual equipment.
Delta E is a standard measurement — created by the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (International Commission on Illumination) — that quantifies the difference between two colors that appear on a screen. When you’re shopping for a projector or digital display, you’ll want to find a device with a Delta E level that is as close to zero as possible.
A Delta E value represents the difference between the displayed color and the reference color standard of the input content. Lower Delta E figures indicate greater accuracy, while high Delta E levels indicate a significant mismatch.
The “E” in Delta E stands for “Empfindung,” which is the German word for sensation. Delta is a Greek word that stands for the incremental change of a variable. As a whole, the term Delta E means a difference in sensation.
Delta E is measured as a numerical value starting at 0, where 0 indicates no perceptible difference between two colors. As the number increases, the visible difference becomes greater. While values can exceed 100 in extreme comparisons, professional display evaluations typically focus on values below 5. As explained in this guide by Zachary Schuessler, standard perception ranges are as follows:
It’s essential for professionals to understand the meaning of Delta E because as explained earlier, this metric is the foundation of color accuracy. It’s a single figure that can be used to quantify whether a display correctly shows colors, rather than relying on subjective views.
Going beyond aesthetics and viewability, when a person has a collection of monitors with low Delta E amounts, it means that they can perform high-end tasks such as editing graphics and videos, across multiple monitors, without any noticeable distortion.
Delta E (the total color difference) is based on delta L*, delta a*, and delta b* color values, all of which provide a complete numerical descriptor of the color in a rectangular coordinate system. The meanings are as follows:
In the case of the levels mentioned above, the higher the value, the greater the difference in that dimension. Since Delta E revolves around three core elements, it’s easier to calculate than you would expect.
You only have to square the difference between each of the L, a, and b values; then add them together; then take the square root of the sum. The mathematical expression of the formula, however, is a bit more intimidating:
This formula (known as Delta E 1976 or CIE76) provides a foundational understanding of color difference. However, most modern professional displays are evaluated using Delta E 2000 (CIEDE2000), which more closely aligns with human visual perception and provides greater accuracy. While more complex mathematically, Delta E 2000 is now the industry-preferred standard for assessing display color performance.
When shopping for professional electronics equipment, look for displays with a Delta E of less than two. For modern specifications, it’s also important to check whether the value refers to an average or maximum Delta E and which color space (such as sRGB, Adobe RGB, or DCI-P3) it applies to. A Delta E ≤2 ensures colors appear as originally intended for professional work.
In general, top-of-the-line displays, which are priced significantly higher than traditional devices, have Delta E levels of one or less. In real-world display manufacturing, achieving a perfect Delta E of 0 is practically impossible. Next to that, however, are the high-end, high-quality devices that have a Delta E of ≦2.
A common question that comes up when people discuss Delta E levels is how to measure colors precisely. While you can use scales and rulers to measure weight and size, light is a bit more ambiguous. Depending on the color space you use, there are different formulas.
In terms of actual hardware to measure light, you can purchase a colorimeter. They measure light through a set of XYZ filters, which are optical filters designed to mimic the optical characteristics of tristimulus (XYZ) values. Tristimulus values are the foundation of color language and are also referred to as the CIE color system.
CIELAB is a color space that is also known as “CIE L*a*b*” or simply “Lab color space.” Created in 1976 by the International Commission on Illumination, the value expresses color as three values. The general elements are as follows.
Since CIELAB is measured across three dimensions, there’s an infinite number of color possibilities. The CIELAB model also follows perceptual uniformity. This enables the standard to better approximate human vision. This provides a significant advantage over the RGB and CMYK color standards, which are less precise.
The precision provided by CIELAB is at a level where it requires significantly more data per pixel, compared to RGB and CMYK standards. Since the gamut of the standard is higher than most computer displays, occasionally, there is some loss of precision; however, advances in technology have made such issues negligible.
The CIELAB model is device-independent, meaning that the color definitions are developed independently of how they are created or displayed. The most common application of this color space is when graphics for print need to be converted from RGB to CMYK.
Since the lab space is fully mathematically defined, the CIELAB is copyright and license-free. It’s also entirely in the public domain, meaning that it’s completely free to use and integrate into your projects.
Although CIELAB is one of the most common industry standards, it’s far from the only major color space in the industry. The RGB and HSV color spaces are worth discussing here because they also play a significant role in digital graphics quality.
The RGB color space, short for red-green-blue, is an additive color model in which different proportions of those lights produce a broad spectrum of colors. It serves as the foundation for digital displays. However, modern professional workflows often evaluate performance across multiple color gamuts derived from RGB, such as sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3.
Many displays are comprised of red, green, and blue lights. When seen from afar, usually two feet or further, the colors merge. When examined closely, the human eye is able to see different sources.
Although RGB is an effective standard, computer graphics professionals found it difficult to use the standard to create sophisticated color shades. That’s why the HSV color space was created. It’s a more convenient representation of the RGB color space.
HSV stands for hue, saturation, and value, and provides a more intuitive way to adjust and interpret colors compared to raw RGB values. This is because the color space is comprised of more than three components. The HSV color space is comprised of the following elements:
Although HSV isn’t as commonly known as the RGB standard, many graphics professionals choose to use this color space when working in high-end graphics editing software suites.
CIELAB (also written CIELAB or Lab) is a device-independent color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). It’s designed to be more perceptually uniform than RGB or CMYK, which makes it useful for color-accurate work and consistent color comparison.
It represents color with three values:
The degree to which a display reproduces colors that match the original input or intended output. A low Delta E value typically indicates high color accuracy.
A device that measures color and light output from displays using XYZ filters. It provides numerical values that can be used to calculate Delta E. Read all about hardware and software calibration in this article.
A standardized metric for quantifying the difference between two colors. The lower the Delta E value, the more accurate the displayed color. Values ≤2 are considered ideal for professional work.
A more complex, refined formula for calculating color differences than the standard Delta E (CIE76) method. It considers perceptual non-uniformities. Read more here.
A German word meaning “sensation.” The “E” in Delta E refers to this term, indicating a difference in visual sensation between two colors.
A color space based on hue, saturation, and value. Often used in digital graphics because it provides a more intuitive way to adjust colors than RGB.
An additive color model using red, green, and blue light to produce a broad spectrum of colors. Commonly used in screens and digital imaging devices. Read all about RGB color spaces here.
Numerical values representing how a standard observer perceives color. Used in the CIE color system and mimicked by filters in colorimeters to measure color objectively.
Regardless of the color space you use for your projects or displays, be it CIELAB, RGB, or HSV, you’ll always want to consider the Delta E levels of your equipment. If you choose devices with a high Delta E level, then you won’t be able to see image colors in the way that they were intended to be seen.
Since choosing a projector or monitor with a Delta E of less than two is important, you need to ensure that you select a high-quality display like the ViewSonic ColorPro. While these higher-end devices occasionally cost more than devices with low Delta E levels, you’ll find higher satisfaction by purchasing an advanced solution.
Delta E (ΔE) is a standardized metric that measures the visible difference between two colors: the reference/input color and what your monitor actually displays. A lower Delta E means higher color accuracy, which is essential for color-critical work like photo editing, design, and video grading.
For professional creative work, ΔE ≤2 is the commonly accepted benchmark for high color accuracy, with ΔE ≤1 considered near-imperceptible in many real-world workflows. For general use, values around 2–3 can still look fine, but they’re more likely to show visible mismatches in skin tones, brand colors, or print output.
Delta E isn’t just one formula. The classic method is Delta E 1976 (CIE76), which is great for understanding the basics, but it doesn’t match human perception equally well across all colors. Delta E 2000 (CIEDE2000 / ΔE00) is the modern preferred method because it better reflects how people actually see color differences, so it’s the one you’ll often see in professional evaluations and specs.
Delta E is typically measured using a colorimeter (or, in higher-end workflows, a spectrophotometer) paired with calibration software. The tool measures how the monitor outputs color, compares it to a reference standard, and reports Delta E values, often across a patch set (many colors), resulting in an average Delta E and sometimes a maximum Delta E.
Factory calibration is a strong starting point, especially on professional displays, but color accuracy can drift over time due to panel aging, environment, and brightness settings. If your work involves consistent color matching (brand work, print, or grading), periodic calibration helps maintain low Delta E over the long term.
Always check three things in the spec or review:1. Which formula is used (ideally ΔE00 / CIEDE2000),2. Whether the number is an average or maximum Delta E, and3. Which color space it applies to (common ones include sRGB, Adobe RGB, DCI-P3, Rec.709). A single “ΔE < 2” claim is much more meaningful when those details are clear.
Projector resolution is a critical feature when selecting the right device for your needs. It determines how clear a projected image will be based on the number of pixels displayed. Common projector resolution ranges from SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels).
What’s the best projector resolution for you? Keep reading to learn more about projector resolution or find the projectors for your needs here.
Resolution, or “native resolution,” is defined by the number of pixels used to create an image, expressed as the number of horizontal pixels by vertical pixels. Higher resolution means more pixels and sharper images. Aspect ratio, the ratio between image width and height, is also important, with common ratios being 4:3, 16:10, and 16:9.
While a few 8K projectors are available, 8K content remains limited and the performance benefits are most noticeable only on very large screens or specialized installations. Read more about the comparison of 4K versus 8K in TVs here.
Reimagine Your Space
Discover Home Projectors>
Something else to consider is a projector’s “maximum resolution.” In the previous section, we focused on “native resolution,” which is the total physical pixel count in a given resolution. Maximum resolution, on the other hand, is taken to refer to the highest signal resolution that a projector is built to process and display.
When the resolution of the content doesn’t match the native resolution of a projector, “scaling” occurs. This is when the projector adjusts the picture to match the native resolution. For example, if a standard definition video is streamed through an HD projector, the device will have to enlarge the signal to display the image fully. On the other hand, if HD content is streamed through an XGA projector, then the device will compress the image into fewer pixels.
Scaling is a process of approximation, meaning that the projector is estimating how the image would look if the content were shown in its native resolution. Since the projector isn’t able to add additional detail to the original signal, it works to approximate how the image should look, while minimizing any loss of quality.
Today, advanced scaling and AI-powered upscaling engines significantly improve image quality, though they still cannot fully replicate true native resolution detail. While projectors can scale computer signals, mismatched resolutions may result in softer text or reduced clarity.
If you’re looking to display PowerPoint presentations or web pages using a projector, it’s best to set your computer’s output resolution to match the projector’s native resolution.
When evaluating which projector resolution best suits your needs, consider the level of detail required in the images, how often you’ll use the projector, and the aspect ratio of the content. To make things easier, start by identifying where you’ll be using the projector. Below, we provide tips on choosing the right projector for different usage scenarios.
In business settings, versatility is crucial. Projectors must handle various multimedia formats and presentations, accommodating aspect ratios from 4:3 to 16:9, and the new 21:9. The 21:9 aspect ratio is particularly useful in meeting rooms and is compatible with Microsoft Teams’ Front Row mode. When selecting a projector resolution for business use, consider your specific needs and the type of content you’ll be presenting. High-resolution options like WUXGA (1920 x 1200) or 1080p (1920 x 1080) are suitable for most business presentations, offering sharp images and clarity. If you require intricate graphics or large screens, consider a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) projector.
Are you interested in learning more about projectors for business? Take a look at our complete guide here.
The Brighter Choice
Discover Lamp-Free Business Projectors>
Educational environments require versatile classroom projectors that can handle multimedia and presentations, typically in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Ceiling-mounted projectors are often preferred to save space and ensure a clear line of sight.
For classrooms of 1-50 people, WXGA (1280 x 800) or 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolutions are suitable. For immersive classrooms or those frequently displaying high-quality multimedia content, consider using 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) projectors to enhance the visual experience.
For home entertainment like watching movies or gaming, 1080p (1920 x 1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) are ideal. These resolutions are well suited for high-definition content. If you need inspiration or creative ideas for using your projector at home, check out this article.
For outdoor or portable use, you need a projector that can handle varying lighting conditions and is easy to transport. 720p (1280 x 720) can work for casual outdoor use, while 1080p (1920 x 1080) provides noticeably sharper detail. In brighter environments, choosing a projector with higher lumens is equally important for clear visibility.
Of all the components that go into choosing a projector for your home or business, one of your top considerations should be projector resolution. This is the number of pixels (individual points of color) that are used to create an image. It’s expressed as the number of pixels on the horizontal axis, by the number of pixels on the vertical axis.
There are several standards associated with projector resolutions. The main ones to watch are WXGA, FHD, QHD, WUXGA, and 4K UHD. To choose the right standard, consider your specific needs. Think about the type of media you will show, such as videos or PowerPoint presentations. Also consider image size and overall picture quality.
Now that you know how to choose the right resolution for your projector, you can easily find the right projector for your home or business.
Projector resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create the projected image. It is expressed as horizontal pixels × vertical pixels (for example, 1920 × 1080).Higher resolution means:– Sharper image detail– Clearer text and graphics– Better performance on larger screensThe projector’s native resolution is the actual physical pixel count of its imaging chip.
For home theater use, 1080p (1920 × 1080) is considered the minimum standard for Full HD content.However, 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) provides significantly sharper detail, especially on large screens over 100 inches.Choose:– 1080p for budget-friendly home entertainment– QHD (1440p) for enhanced gaming and mid-range setups– 4K UHD for cinematic viewing and future-proof performanceIf you stream 4K content from Netflix, Disney+, or gaming consoles, a 4K projector is ideal.
Yes, especially for larger screen sizes.4K projectors offer:– Four times the pixel count of 1080p– Sharper detail on big screens– Better clarity for movies, sports, and gamingThe benefits are most noticeable on screens 100 inches or larger. On smaller screens, the difference between 1080p and 4K may be less dramatic.
Native resolution is the projector’s true physical pixel count. Maximum resolution refers to the highest signal resolution the projector can accept. If the content resolution does not match the native resolution, the projector performs scaling (or AI upscaling) to adjust the image.For best results:– Match your computer output resolution to the projector’s native resolution– Use native 4K content on a 4K projector when possibleScaling improves compatibility, but it cannot add real detail beyond the projector’s native pixel count.
For business and meeting rooms, WUXGA (1920 × 1200) or 1080p (1920 × 1080) are ideal.These resolutions provide:– Clear text and spreadsheets– Sharp PowerPoint presentations– Support for 16:9 and 16:10 formats– Compatibility with modern 21:9 meeting layoutsFor large conference rooms or detailed design work, a 4K projector may provide additional clarity.
For classrooms with 1–50 students, WXGA (1280 × 800) or 1080p (1920 × 1080) are common and cost-effective choices.Choose:– WXGA for basic presentations and educational content– 1080p for multimedia-heavy lessons– 4K for immersive learning environments or large lecture hallsMatching the projector resolution to the primary content (videos, slides, web pages) ensures optimal clarity for students.
You’re exploring options for a new monitor, and the refresh rate specification stands out. You often see 60Hz or 75Hz mentioned. But does a higher monitor refresh rate always mean better performance, or is there a sweet spot for your needs? Whether for work, gaming, or multitasking, understanding monitor refresh rate is key. The good news? Choosing the right monitor refresh rate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It all depends on how you plan to use your monitor.
Read further to learn more about monitor refresh rate, then explore ViewSonic’s wide range of monitors to find the best option for enhancing your setup.
In this guide, we break down what refresh rates mean, explore the differences between common monitor refresh rates, and help you find the one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Let’s simplify your decision making process and help you choose with confidence.
Refresh rate refers to how many times a display updates the image on the screen per second. This is crucial because video isn’t a continuous stream but rather a sequence of still images shown in rapid succession. When these images update quickly enough, they create the illusion of seamless motion. The faster the updates, the smoother and more fluid the video appears.
Measured in hertz (Hz), refresh rate indicates how many updates occur in one second. For example, a refresh rate of 1Hz means the screen refreshes once per second, while 75Hz means the screen refreshes 75 times in a single second.
In general, a higher monitor refresh rate results in smoother and more lifelike visuals, provided it matches the frames per second (FPS) of the content being displayed.
If refresh rate is how many images your screen shows per second, then what is frame rate?
Measured in frames per second (fps), frame rate also describes how many images get displayed on the screen each second. The difference lies in the source. Refresh rate is determined by the display while frame rate is determined by the computer’s graphics and central processors.
To fully take advantage of a monitor’s high refresh rate, it’s important that the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) and graphic processing unit (GPU) can produce enough frames per second. And on the other hand, a high performance graphics card would only go to waste if paired with a monitor with a slower refresh rate.
Learn more about the interplay between refresh rate and frame rate here: G-Sync vs. Free Sync Explained
The WorkPro Collection
Sometimes more is just more. When it comes to monitor refresh rate, a higher refresh rate results in smoother video, less strain on the eyes, and even improved performance in competitive gaming. Even if that jump is a modest increase from 60Hz to 75Hz, there is a noticeable improvement in media quality.
Modern work demands hours of screen time, from managing emails to analyzing data or participating in video calls. Display quality plays a vital role in comfort and efficiency, with higher monitor refresh rates like 75Hz and 100Hz offering smoother visuals and reducing eye strain compared to 60Hz. The 60Hz standard is sufficient for basic tasks. Upgrading to 75Hz enhances smoothness, especially when scrolling through documents or dashboards. A 100Hz refresh rate goes further, providing fluid transitions for tasks like switching apps or working on large spreadsheets. These upgrades sharpen visuals, minimize fatigue, and make prolonged screen use more productive and comfortable.
Higher monitor refresh rates lead to smoother, more realistic on-screen visuals. With more images per second, motion blur is significantly reduced, enhancing video quality and gaming experiences. Moving from 60Hz to 75Hz results in a 25% improvement in refresh rate, providing a noticeable boost in clarity without requiring a high performance display. Upgrading further to 100Hz takes this a step beyond and offers exceptionally fluid visuals that are especially beneficial for fast paced media and detailed graphics.
Clearer and more natural motion on screen contributes to better eye health. A lower refresh rate, like 60Hz, may lead to flickering and cause eye strain and vision fatigue over time. A higher refresh rate, such as 75Hz, helps alleviate these issues by providing a smoother viewing experience. Stepping up to 100Hz enhances comfort even further, ensuring flicker-free performance that’s easier on your eyes. That makes it an ideal choice for extended work or gaming sessions. For effective ergonomics, whether for work or play, a high quality display with a faster refresh rate is crucial.
Learn more about monitor features that protect your eyes here.
While there are monitors specializing in gaming performance, not everyone can invest in a high end monitor solely for entertainment. However, even a modest upgrade from 60Hz to 75Hz, or from 75Hz to 100Hz, makes a significant difference in gaming enjoyment and overall performance.
Why that’s the case:
Together these three factors make games way more fun to play and even improve accuracy in fast paced games like twitch shooters. Do keep in mind you don’t need to go all out and get a fancy gaming monitor. The right refresh rate is enough for a monitor intended for mixed use.
Not all tasks require the same refresh rate, and choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use your monitor. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide based on your needs:
For general office work, productivity tasks, and multitasking, 100Hz is emerging as the new golden standard. It provides a smoother experience when scrolling through documents, navigating spreadsheets, or switching between applications, helping reduce eye fatigue during long work sessions.
For portable monitors or casual use while traveling, 60Hz or 75Hz is sufficient. These refresh rates offer a good balance between performance and energy efficiency, making them ideal for basic tasks like email, document editing, and video calls on the go.
For gaming, a higher refresh rate is a must to ensure fluid and immersive experiences. A minimum of 144Hz is recommended for most gamers, but competitive players with high performance GPUs may benefit from displays with refresh rates of 240Hz or higher.
For basic video and photo editing, a refresh rate of 75Hz or 100Hz ensures smooth playback and editing precision. However, professionals working on high quality video projects should consider 165Hz displays, which offer enhanced clarity and fluidity for complex timelines and effects.
Here we’d recommend going with new generation dual mode monitors, if possible. They combine a high resolution 4K UHD mode with a high refresh rate 1080p FHD mode. You get the best of both worlds. We have a deep insight article on dual mode monitors if you’re interested.
When it comes to monitor refresh rates, higher values offer smoother visuals and a more enjoyable experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is the basic standard, suitable for general use. Stepping up to a 75Hz refresh rate offers a noticeable improvement, providing smoother visuals without requiring a high end setup. For those seeking even greater performance, a 100Hz monitor strikes the perfect balance between enhanced visuals and affordability, making it ideal for more demanding applications like gaming. By understanding your specific needs and tasks, you can choose a monitor refresh rate that enhances your experience and matches your usage requirements.
Ready to upgrade your monitor? Explore ViewSonic’s range of 60Hz, 75Hz, and 100Hz monitors to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Refresh rate is the number of times per second a display updates its image, measured in hertz (Hz). For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second, while a 144Hz one refreshes 144 times per second. Refresh rate differs from frame rate (FPS). The monitor’s refresh rate sets the ceiling of how many frames it can show. Your GPU needs to deliver a matching frame rate to make full use of your monitor.
60Hz is the traditional baseline. It’s fine for most everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and watching video. 75Hz (or around that) offers a modest improvement over 60Hz with slightly smoother motion and a somewhat better experience, especially when there’s movement on screen (scrolling, dragging icons, etc.). Higher refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz) deliver increasingly smoother motion, lower perceived input lag, and better responsiveness, particularly for games or fast moving visuals. However, returns diminish: the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is much more noticeable than 144Hz to 240Hz or 240Hz to 360Hz.
Yes, but less critically than for gaming. If you mostly do email, documents, spreadsheets, and web browsing, then 60Hz is generally sufficient. If you scroll a lot, move windows around, do video editing, or just want a smoother feel, upgrading to 75Hz or 100Hz gives a nicer experience. Higher refresh rates reduce perceived blur when moving content, making long sessions less tiring. But it’s not as big a difference as for competitive gaming.
Yes. Some considerations:Cost: higher refresh rate monitors tend to cost more (especially with good panel quality, resolution, and premium features).Hardware requirements: to benefit from higher refresh, your GPU must output matching frame rates. If it doesn’t, you won’t get the full benefit.Diminishing returns: after a certain point (e.g., beyond 144Hz), many users may not perceive large differences.Cable and port limitations: resolution and refresh rate combinations may require newer cables or ports (e.g., DisplayPort vs. HDMI) to support high refresh at high resolutions.Work vs. play trade-off: a monitor optimized for very high refresh may compromise other features (e.g., color accuracy, resolution, contrast) that matter more for content creation or professional work.
If your budget is tight, 60Hz is acceptable, especially for general use and light gaming. If you want smoother experiences for both work and gaming and have a mid-range GPU, then aim for 75Hz to 144Hz (depending on budget). If you play competitive games and have a high-end GPU that can sustain high FPS, consider 240Hz or more. Also consider resolution, panel type, adaptive sync support, and your typical use case (work vs. gaming vs. content creation). All things taken into account, 144Hz presents the overall sweet spot.
The concept of social-emotional learning (SEL) is increasingly examined, as teachers and schools grapple with their responsibility to teach students how to pass exams, complete coursework assignments, and become rounded human beings with the skills and attributes to succeed in life.
Continue reading to learn more about social-emotional learning, why it is essential, how it can be taught, and tools teachers can use to make their lessons more engaging. Or take a look at the myViewBoard visual learning platform.
Social-emotional learning, or SEL for short, is an essential concept within education because it is a framework through which students acquire the skills necessary to navigate through school, working life, and beyond. In particular, the framework helps with self-preservation, self-control, relationship-building, and decision-making.
Most teachers and academic institutions are aware of their obligation to help students achieve good grades, leave school with the best possible qualifications, and assist them with personal development. Doing so allows them to exit education as well-rounded individuals with the tools to achieve success in the future.
In this article, we explore the entire concept of social-emotional learning in much more detail. Additionally, we also explain how the related idea of social-emotional feedback can assist teachers in delivering more engaging lessons that are more likely to generate lasting knowledge acquisition.
First, it is crucial to define what social-emotional learning is. An article previously written for the Committee for Children’s website stated that social-emotional learning can be defined as “the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.”
It is a vital part of human development, equipping students with the skills, abilities, tools, and knowledge to build positive relationships, solve problems, make intelligent decisions, and achieve the necessary level of self-awareness. Social-emotional learning can also provide the foundation for educational success.
Moreover, social-emotional learning has a role to play within the context of pushes for inclusive learning and accessible education. As schools embrace people from different backgrounds, who face diverse challenges, students need to understand this and develop empathy and compassion.
Understanding the concept of social-emotional learning can be aided by breaking it down into some key areas. Thus, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has created the ‘CASEL 5’ framework, which outlines five core skills or areas associated with social-emotional learning.
The section below explores these five skill areas in greater detail:
Self-awareness is sometimes described as the leading skill in social-emotional learning. CASEL defines it as the ability to “understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.”
A Landmark Outreach article outlines some of the primary skills that are associated with self-awareness. These skills include a student’s ability to recognize and identify their own emotions, develop a perception of “self” which matches reality, believe in their capacity to achieve goals, and determine their areas of strength and weakness.
Additionally, developing self-awareness may require students to reflect on and examine their prejudices and biases and create a mindset that facilitates continuous personal growth. Essentially, for students, self-awareness is about self-reflection and building an understanding of who they are as a person.
Self-management is a concept closely related to self-awareness, and in many ways, it follows from its development. For example, the CASEL framework describes self-management as the ability to “manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations” to achieve personal aspirations.
An overview from Greater Good in Education explores this concept further. It states that self-management is a process that involves students navigating their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions so that they develop an ability to make decisions that benefit not only themselves but also those around them, too.
Some of the primary skills associated with self-management include setting goals, maintaining attention, managing and controlling emotions, demonstrating resilience, and utilizing feedback to make personal progress.
The following skill area associated with social-emotional learning is social awareness. An excellent way to think of this is by contrasting it with self-awareness. While the former refers to students’ ability to understand themselves and their actions, social awareness is about becoming more aware of other people and feeling compassion for them.
Social awareness also involves demonstrating empathy and understanding. For example, an article written for Understood.org details some of the skills associated with social awareness. Such skills include the ability to understand the perspectives of others, to appreciate diversity in terms of different backgrounds and cultures.
One of the ways teachers may be able to make students more familiar with the concept of social awareness is by explaining the idea of The Golden Rule, which can be summarized as “treat others the way you want to be treated.”
The fourth main skill area associated with social-emotional learning is the area of relationship skills. Relationship skills can be broadly defined as the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with other people and learning how to communicate with others effectively while resisting negative social pressures along the way.
Part of developing relationship skills is learning to work well with others and achieve shared goals or objectives. A strong focus is also placed on conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving, which can assist students when asked to work as part of a team or collaborate with a partner.
Furthermore, a significant part of the relationship skills component of social-emotional learning involves developing leadership skills. Instilling such skills not only means developing the skills to lead a group of people to a shared objective, but it also means creating a sense of social justice and being willing to stand up for the needs and rights of other people.
The final main area associated with social-emotional learning is responsible decision-making. This skill can be described as the ability to make ethical, safe, caring, and constructive decisions while remaining mindful of the consequences of personal behavior or the potential outcomes that are likely to emerge from different choices.
Ultimately, the responsible decision-making component teaches students to evaluate their decisions’ potential benefits and consequences. It is also about these skills being applied in and out of school.
One of the aspects highlighted in an article written for Positive Action is that decisions can have social, emotional, physical, and intellectual outcomes or consequences. Another critical aspect is teaching students that positive decisions can lead to growth and positive change, while negative decisions have the opposite effect.
Social-emotional learning is vital for students because it teaches them crucial life skills, including the ability to understand themselves, develop a positive self-image, take responsibility for their actions, and forge relationships with the people around them. It can also be critical for students to build confidence and self-esteem.
Through social-emotional learning, students can gain the following tools, which are required to set goals for themselves: solve problems, persevere in the face of adversity, fight for social justice, empathize with other people, take responsibility, lead by example, and establish the kind of behaviors that most predict long-term success in modern life.
Meanwhile, social-emotional learning is also helpful for teachers. After all, as a general rule, it is much easier to teach a classroom filled with students who have the following attributes: conscientious, empathetic, self-aware, equipped to make intelligent decisions, and able to reason and give consideration to the benefits and consequences of their actions.
ViewSonic Education
Learning Solutions For the Future
Learn more >
The importance of social-emotional learning can be explained in a broad sense. However, it is also helpful to provide details on some of the tangible and measurable benefits of the process. Fortunately, research on the topic is emerging all the time, and we can gain a good sense of how advantageous social-emotional learning is.
CASEL compiled research from around the world, demonstrating that social-emotional learning can enhance academic performance, improve classroom behavior, decrease instances of depression and increase students’ ability to manage stress. In addition, as students move through school and into adulthood, it can reduce poverty, decrease crime and boost social mobility. Other studies have found improvements in areas like reading, writing, and mathematics.
It is also worth highlighting the employment benefits. According to a report from the World Bank Group, 79 percent of employers cite social-emotional skills as being the most important qualities for determining the chances of success. Therefore, teaching social-emotional learning can improve long-term career prospects.
Next, it is crucial to gain an understanding of how to teach social-emotional learning processes.
In a blog post published by Edutopia, it is explained that one of the main approaches here is for teachers to create clear lessons that focus on social-emotional learning as a whole. Such lessons involve introducing the concepts to students and then creating scenarios for students to put their newly acquired skills into practice.
However, this is not the only way to further social-emotional learning within school environments. Students can also develop these skills and tools during other lessons. At the same time, everyday interactions with teachers can also help students build interpersonal skills, self-awareness, self-management skills, and decision-making abilities.
Here are a few simple ways teachers can bring SEL into daily classroom practice:
It is also absolutely vital that the concept of diversity is built into any attempts to teach social-emotional skills. For this reason, schools need to prioritize the creation of inclusive learning environments and aim to make their lessons as accessible and free from unnecessary barriers as possible to all students.
In addition to teaching skills associated with social-emotional learning, teachers can also use social-emotional feedback to inform their lessons. In simple terms, this refers to the process of sensing the mood of students in a classroom. It also means being aware of students’ different emotional states or responses to specific parts of the lesson.
However, attempts to monitor the emotional state of students in a lesson while delivering that lesson can be difficult and can result in a loss of focus on the core content. Fortunately, technological solutions can assist with this, and a great example is myViewBoard Sens, which functions as an IoT “edge” sensor.
The myViewBoard Sens product offers next-generation social-emotional feedback, using motion sensor technology to track room occupancy and emotion recognition technology to determine happiness, sadness, amazement, attentiveness, and other emotional states. In this way, teachers can get a much better sense of the state of their class, not only in the moment but over the short, medium, and long term.
Going further, teachers can connect a smartphone to the device and receive discreet, instant feedback on the current emotional state of the class and the level of engagement. Using this information, it is then possible to make adjustments to the lesson, in the moment, to boost engagement and achieve better outcomes.
Social-emotional learning can be thought of as the process of teaching students the most critical skills and abilities they will need for their educational journey and their working life after that. As the term suggests, SEL facilitates students’ socialization and emotional development.
Social-emotional learning skills include:
Lessons can directly address these topics to develop core skills or integrate them into other classes. In addition, research suggests that focusing on social-emotional learning can boost long-term prospects. In contrast, the related concept of social-emotional feedback can assist teachers in making lessons more engaging.
A common way to engage students in social-emotional learning is through video modeling or other video-assisted learning methodologies. If you want to learn more you can read this article about student engagement and why it’s important, or see how digital technologies can support social-emotional learning by bringing teachers and learners together with the myViewBoard visual learning platform.
SEL means social emotional learning, a process that helps students understand and manage emotions, build empathy, and make thoughtful decisions. It matters because it improves classroom behavior and student well-being. Schools can use ViewSonic’s interactive displays to support SEL by encouraging communication, reflection, and collaboration among students.
Teachers can include SEL by starting the day with quick emotional check-ins, encouraging teamwork through group projects, and discussing how to handle challenges calmly. ViewSonic’s myViewBoard tools make this easier by giving teachers a digital space to guide reflection activities or visual group discussions.
Teachers can use gratitude walls, short mindfulness sessions, or storytelling exercises to promote empathy and self-awareness. With ViewBoard displays, these activities become more interactive, allowing students to share ideas visually and respond to one another in real time.
Yes, SEL can lead to better grades, improved focus, and stronger relationships between students and teachers. Schools can integrate SEL with ViewSonic’s education technology to more easily engage students through visual collaboration and interactive participation.
Technology helps students explore emotions through digital journaling, class polls, and reflection tools that track personal growth. ViewSonic’s myViewBoard platform lets teachers design activities that blend emotional awareness with academic content, helping students connect their feelings with learning.
Why buy a portable monitor? For starters, they are becoming a popular way to work on the go. There is an unmistakable benefit to extended screen space when it comes to working on your laptop or even converting a smartphone into a computer. But there are so many other portable monitor uses ranging from one-on-one presentations to improving the readouts on specialized devices.
Learn more about portable monitors below or explore ViewSonic Workspace Solutions. For a high-quality portable display, check out the VG1655 or get a touchscreen version with the TD1655.
A portable monitor can be a great addition to either a mobile work solution or a lean desktop setup. They are a great way to extend a laptop screen or scale up a mobile device. With the right features, they can both boost productivity and improve the entertainment experience.
But it’s important to know what you’re getting into to get the right portable display for you. What features do you need? What will you be using it for? There are a lot of questions to answer.
If you’ve already decided to get a portable monitor, you know exactly why you want it. But for anyone still wondering what all the hype is about, there’s a lot to love about portable monitors.
In essence, people want to increase the screen space they have to work with. Use cases range from work and study to gaming and other entertainment. Portable monitors are an easy way to extend a laptop screen or increase the display size for a mobile device. And they are obviously a whole lot more portable than a desktop monitor, which makes them a great option for a tech-savvy person who needs more display real estate on the go.
Want one for yourself? Continue reading about what to look for in a good portable monitor.
Just like with any device, not all portable monitors are the same. However, there are certain features that you should absolutely look for when finding the right portable monitor for you.
Broadly speaking, a portable monitor does everything a standard desktop monitor does. It just isn’t tied to a single location. However, there are a few use cases where a portable monitor is the only viable solution. Here are a few:
According to the Graziadio Business Review, there are at least three ways increased screen size improves productivity. They include increased insights into data, more time for primary tasks, and decreased user stress levels. And while this study looked at monitor size, it’s safe to assume that it applies to going from smartphone to portable monitor.
If one screen is used for work and the other for communicating, you save a significant amount of time that was previously wasted on task switching. There are almost certainly diminishing returns on adding more screens, but there is an unmistakable improvement in workflow with more screen real estate.
Even hobbyist photographers find it frustrating previewing photos on their camera’s tiny 2” LCD screens. It simply isn’t an option for professional media creators. A portable monitor connected to a camera, however, lets photographers and videographers check their footage right away on a larger, higher-quality display.
Choosing the perfect portable creative monitor is an art. To make the best choice, look for features that make your life easier. For instance, an integrated flexible stand paired with powered USB-C connectivity is essential for seamless on-the-go creation. And if your creativity thrives outdoors, opt for a monitor offering some degree of water resistance. These are perfect for capturing magic in any environment, rain or shine, freeing you to focus on your creativity without worrying about your gear.
Creation HappensAnywhere
ColorPro VP1656Portable Creative Monitor
Explore >
In a firm of 100 to 500 employees, an average of seven people are involved in most buying decisions. That means either one medium-sized sales meeting or a few very small ones. And nothing is more professional than being prepared. Having your own presentation display, even a smaller one for small meetings, is a power move.
And if that portable display also includes a touchscreen, it becomes more than a passive display. You and team members can use it to produce content together or interact with presentations with direct input. It opens all-new avenues of personal communication.
Mobile devices are an ever-present feature of modern life. But the tiny touchscreen of a phone or even most tablets feels inadequate. A portable monitor gives you full-sized experiences for even your smallest devices.
A portable monitor makes your phone feel more like a computer. With the addition of a Bluetooth keyboard and productivity apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Teams, even basic smartphones become a productivity powerhouse. Some tech companies are taking it to the next level, like Samsung’s DeX that turns phones into a full computer when plugged into a USB-C monitor.
An equally popular use for portable monitors is entertainment. While we now live in a world where screens are everywhere, something is lost from the experience when watching a movie or playing a game from a tiny mobile device. A portable monitor is a great way to expand a mobile screen for a bit of fun on the go. Perfect for road trips, camping, or even a replacement for in-flight entertainment, a portable monitor is a great way to upgrade mobile viewing experiences.
As screen technology improves, users expect clearer displays on their devices. A fuzzy LCD screen just isn’t enough anymore. However, with the right adaptors and often right out of the box, it’s possible to upgrade everything from medical sensors to cashier’s counters with a portable touchscreen monitor.
At the very least, an external portable monitor improves the look of an out-of-date device or beautifies the space. In some contexts, like as a readout on portable medical devices or as part of a mobile wayfinding system, a well-placed portable monitor saves time, money, and even lives.
So, why buy a portable monitor? They’re superb for work and play and are versatile devices for a variety of specialized tasks. However, even if your needs don’t fall into the above-mentioned portable monitor uses, most people would benefit from an additional computer screen. A portable monitor may be a better fit for your lifestyle or workflow than a desktop screen. If you’re considering buying one, explore this article about how to choose the right portable monitor for your laptop.
If you’re shopping for a portable monitor, look at ViewSonic’s VG1655 for an extra display on the go or the touchscreen TD1655 for a more interactive device. Hope you find the best one for you!
A portable monitor is a lightweight, slim external display that connects to laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, or smartphones to expand the screen area for productivity, entertainment, or creative work.
Most portable monitors support:Laptops and PCs: via USB-C or HDMITablets and smartphones: via USB-C (with DisplayPort Alt Mode)Gaming consoles: such as Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox via HDMICameras and streaming devices: get live previews via HDMI
Some models offer 10-point touchscreen capability, typically when connected via USB-C. Check compatibility, as touch functions may only work on specific operating systems and not all portable monitors have this functionality.
They are designed for travel, with metal frames or durable plastic casings, and often include protective covers or smart cases that double as stands.
– Dual-screen setup for productivity– Presentations and client demos– On-the-go gaming– Photo/video editing– Live camera preview or teleprompting– Coding or design workflow extensions
– Size and weight (13–17 inches typical)– Resolution (Full HD, 2K, or 4K)– Brightness (≥250 nits for outdoor use)– Ports (USB-C, HDMI/mini-HDMI, DisplayPort/mini-DisplayPort, headphone jack)– Power options (internal battery vs. external power)– Panel type (IPS for color accuracy, OLED for contrast, TN or VA for response)
Have you ever wondered how to work from home? Also called remote work or telecommuting, working from home has become a popular way for workers to enjoy increased flexibility and for employers to cut costs. But despite the advantages of working at home, there are still challenges like distraction and isolation to overcome (maybe with a few of our tips below).
So read on for our guide on how to work from home. Or see our Home Office Solutions.
Technology is the perfect answer to how to work from home. Digital tools connect us in every facet of our lives, so it should come as no surprise it’s changing the way we work. What was once a very expensive long-distance phone call is now a free video chat. And the painfully slow process of sending a package by courier has been fully replaced with instantly shareable cloud storage and messaging. We can now work with anyone anywhere in real-time.
Telecommuting. Remote work. Working from home. These aren’t corporate buzzwords or the empty promises of shady “friends” on social media. They are the current reality of employment in the 21st century. The way we work has changed.
Also sometimes called telecommuting, remote work is any work that is done for a company or employer from a location other than the company itself. As a broad term, remote work includes working from home, a coffee shop, or a hotel room. Working remotely can be full-time, at fixed times, flexible, or temporary due to special circumstances depending on the needs of either employees or employers.
And thanks to digital technologies, we have more options than ever for doing remote work from home.
Clearly, there are advantages to telecommuting. Otherwise, no one would do it. Here are a few of the reasons why people might choose to work at home.
At the top of the list for most remote workers the increased flexibility of working in their own space on their own time. From the comfort of their own home, employees are able to adjust their schedules and environments to maximize their productivity.
In many cases, the work is also based on output instead of punching a clock, which means that work is judged on its own merits instead of how busy someone looks at the office.
“Remote workers value the flexibility and convenience that comes from remote jobs. They are ready to go the extra mile to make it work. It means they are willing to put in extra time at night, weekends, even holidays, to make up for the wasted time.”
– Jens Jakob Andersen, Founder and CEO of RunRepeat
Working from home also saves time and money for both employees and employers. The worker saves time on the commute and all the little processes and time-wasters, like meetings, that happen in office life. Plus, between the cost of transportation, lunches, and venti coffees, there are hundreds of little ways office workers can spend their money through the workday that just aren’t there at home.
The employer also saves money in terms of overhead related to having an employee on-site. From renting enough space to utilities, an employee costs more than just their salary. A company can actually save significantly by outsourcing work off-site. (And a savvy remote worker will realize this and be able to get more pay for the same work. Everyone wins.)
There are a number of life situations that suit working at home. The employee may be ill or have to care for a family member. There could be an emergency situation like a natural disaster or extreme weather. Or it could be as simple as wanting a little more time and freedom. No matter the reason, doing your work from home can actually give you a better work-life balance.
For example, when working in the office it’s impossible to be 100% focused for an entire workday (even with productivity hacks like the Pomodoro technique). So you might find yourself spacing out or surfing the Web and “looking busy.” Not only have you not done anything, but you probably also feel a little more stressed for having wasted that time.
At home, however, you can break the work-stress-exhaustion cycle by doing a quick chore, squeezing in a short workout, taking a walk, or just about anything else from your regular life. Then you can get back to work feeling fresh and focused with the added benefit of having gotten something else done.
In a digitally connected world, communication with anyone anywhere in the world happens at the speed of light (give or take a satellite or two). We communicate more and more through our devices with an ever-increasing number of people replacing face-to-face communication with remote collaboration.
At a minimum, you’ll need at least one Internet-enabled device: a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Most people consider a laptop and a smartphone to be the absolute minimum setup for effective communication. While some tablets are getting closer to the productivity of a computer, they’re not quite there yet.
And don’t forget a good set of noise-canceling headphones with a built-in microphone. It will serve the dual purpose of reducing distraction and allowing for online calls.
Ideally, you would have a workspace or home office set up for both productivity and health.
At its simplest, a manager’s relationship with remote workers is strictly by text. Text communication can be by either email or messaging services like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Skype. And this is a cornerstone of digital communication even if the team is also using other tools. And it’s always nice to have a record of your work clear and in writing.
Still, communicating only through email and messaging does leave out a lot of the nuance of human interactions and it’s one of the slower methods of communication.
This has been around for a while. This is when a remote worker calls into the office either via telephone or a messaging app that allows voice calls (most do these days). Using voice chats can add a human element to your communication — and you can communicate more information faster than you could with text — but this option isn’t likely to work on its own.
The fact of the matter is that most work — the actual deliverables — are in the form of documents or files from the remote worker, so there are almost certainly going to be other methods of communication.
Functionally, this is the same as teleconferencing except you can see the other person (or people) on the call with a service like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This adds another layer of personalization, but it’s mostly unnecessary and can slow down the connection. Related to the video chat, however, is screen sharing. This is really useful, allowing people to share media directly and allowing participants to present their ideas in a very natural way.
Probably the biggest downside of this form of communication is how much data it consumes. And even with unlimited data, having a video chat shared among multiple locations can be slow to the point of uselessness. Again, it’s one of the tools in the toolbox for when you need to communicate and demonstrate live.
You can learn more about the benefits of video conferencing.
Digital whiteboarding refers to software – usually online – that can replicate the function of a physical whiteboard. This is the next level of screen sharing where not only can remote team members share a screen, but they can also annotate, draw, and interact with the screen in real-time from long distances. (Check out our recommended digital whiteboard: myViewBoard.)
The one downside of digital whiteboards is their reliance on touchscreens. While touchscreens are becoming more common, touch monitors are still in the early phases of adoption and most people only have touch screens on their phones and maybe a tablet. While this is a solution, many people still find it challenging to integrate tablets directly into their workstations.
These are the all-in-one project management and communication systems that include everything from voice and video chat to file storage to task trackers. It includes powerhouses like Slack and Trello or features of larger suites like Office 365’s Planner. These tools work well to collect a variety of communications in one place and help many teams that work in the same place or remotely.
However, these tools’ power sometimes works against them. They have lots of features, which can be a double-edged sword. In smaller teams or teams with established lines of communication, adding a project management tool could just be complicating matters. Sometimes it’s best just to keep things simple.
While there are certainly benefits to working remotely from home, there are also pitfalls to avoid. The structure and rules of the workplace exist for a reason, so it’s important to counteract the problems associated with a remote job.
Offices are famously distracting with conversations and meetings and interruptions of all kinds. But it’s important to remember that home has just as many distractions, and there it’s only your own discipline keeping you focused. When you’re home, you likely have all your regular entertainment options. You have all your favorite snacks and a comfy couch for afternoon naps. And you may be swapping a gossipy co-worker for a kid or three.
So to counteract the distractions of home, it’s important to be extremely disciplined. That means no TV during work hours, set break times, and letting the whole family know when and where is a designated workspace.
One of the biggest benefits of the workplace is giving people access to a group of their peers. Work is about more than just dollars and cents. Effective work is also about people. Switching to remote work eliminates all that social time that you used to take for granted around work. Video chats and emails are no substitute for face-to-face interactions, and a lack of community ties can be damaging to mental and physical health.
In the absence of social time during work hours, it’s even more important to make space in your schedule for social time. This could be family meals, outings with friends, or even phone calls with people not at all related to your work. Do not underestimate the effect social connections will have on your well-being and engagement.
It’s easy to blur the lines between work and rest when both happen in the same location. It can be hard to switch off the work mode, which means it’s impossible to actually relax and refresh yourself. You should be able to relax at home, but if that’s also the workplace it may cause some conflicting emotions.
You can help mitigate this problem by having defined times and places set aside for either work or rest. This means taking regular breaks — even scheduled breaks — and working a regular day. This also means that you should avoid working in bed if at all possible. It also means having times that are completely work-free when you focus on other things like family, a movie, or your favorite video game.
Certain things about your home environment are going to be unique to you, but there are a few basic guidelines to get the most out of working at home.
Remember that you’re at work. The actual location may be a desk in the living room, the far end of the kitchen table, or your grandmother’s breakfast nook, but it’s the workplace wherever you are. Act accordingly.
There will be some basics that you need for a home office or workstation. Make sure that you have at least those things you need for your work set up in an efficient way. While this will vary from person to person based on their goals, here are a few things to include for a home office or workstation.
Many people find that making the switch to working offsite changes the way that they work. When you show up at the office, you are at least physically there. That’s something. Working from home carries the extra burden of proof that you are earning your salary: you need to produce. The best way to do that is with clear goals.
For some people, working at home is a preference. For others, it’s a necessity. Either way, you can set the stage for success with a little bit of planning, a healthy dose of discipline, and the right opportunities.
In a globally connected world, it’s no longer necessary to slave away under the fluorescent lights of some stuffy office. You can set yourself free to work where you want on your own terms. The technology is available. Businesses are ready. The work is anywhere you want it to be.
Learn more about how ViewSonic can help you set up the perfect home office. Or see our remote work software solution at myViewBoard.com.
Stick to a routine. Wake up at the same time, get dressed, and sit at a proper workspace. Keep distractions away, take short breaks, and finish work at a set time so your day still feels structured.
Turn off your phone notifications and avoid working near the TV. Let your family or housemates know your work hours. If your home is noisy, use noise-canceling headphones or soft background music to stay focused.
You’ll want apps that make it easy to talk and share files. Try Zoom or Microsoft Teams for meetings, Slack or WhatsApp for messaging, and Google Drive or myViewBoard for collaboration. Tools like Trello or Asana help with project tracking.
Start with a reliable laptop, strong internet, and a comfortable chair. If you can, add a larger monitor for easier multitasking, a headset with a mic for calls, and proper lighting to reduce eye strain.
Yes, it usually does. You save on commuting costs, lunches, and takeaway coffee. Employers save money too by spending less on office space and utilities.
Create a small workspace just for work, even if it’s a corner of your room. Don’t work in bed. When you finish for the day, step away and do something that helps you relax, like cooking, exercising, or taking a walk.
When buying a gaming monitor, it’s important to compare G-Sync to FreeSync. Both technologies improve gaming by matching the performance of the screen with that of the graphics card, or graphics processor (GPU). And there are clear advantages to each. G-Sync offers consistent performance at a higher price, while FreeSync has a free version, but performance varies by monitor more so than with G-Sync.
So, G-Sync or FreeSync? With the help of our guide, you’ll be able to decide. And you can always learn more about ViewSonic’s range of gaming monitors.
In the past, monitor manufacturers relied on the generic V-Sync software standard to help consumers and business professionals use their displays with almost no screen tearing issues. But as screens and graphics processors became faster, new standards were developed, with the two main ones being G-Sync and FreeSync. Both offer compatibility with Adaptive Sync from VESA.
What is V-Sync and Why Does it Matter?
V-Sync, short for vertical synchronization, is a software-based display technology that was originally designed to help prevent screen tearing. This occurs when the monitor’s refresh rate can’t keep pace with the data being sent from the graphics card, or vice versa. The distortion is easy to spot as it causes a cut or misalignment to appear in the image.
V-Sync comes in handy when gaming. Console titles run at 30Hz, 60Hz, and 120Hz. On PC the situation is much more fluid, but 60Hz acts as a baseline. Monitors must at least match these input rates, which is why 144Hz is a starting point in contemporary displays for gaming.
V-Sync reduces tearing issues by imposing a strict cap on the frames per second (FPS) reached by an application. In essence, graphics cards recognize the refresh rates of the monitor used by an input device and adjust image processing speeds based on that information.
Although V-Sync is still commonly used in modern video games, its long history means it works great with legacy titles. V-Sync can slow down frame rate output from graphics cards to match the lower speeds of older games, which often run at just 30Hz.
FOR THE MODERN GAMER
ViewSonic GAMING Monitors
See All >
Despite its effectiveness at reducing screen tearing, V-Sync often causes issues such as screen stutter and input lag. The former is a scenario where the time between frames (or frame time) varies noticeably, leading to choppiness in image appearance.
Although the technology works well with low-end devices, V-Sync bottlenecks the performance of high-end graphics cards. As display manufacturers began releasing gaming monitors with refresh rates of 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, and higher, NVIDIA and AMD (formerly ATI) began work on their own screen tearing solutions in the late 2000s.
V-Sync worked well with monitors until that point, but later on it began to cause issues with frame rates higher than 60Hz. V-Sync often locks graphics output to half that of the host monitor. If you’re on a 240Hz screen, V-Sync will usually limit games to 120Hz to provide a large buffer against tearing. Other technologies such as G-Sync and FreeSync have emerged to handle faster performance, plus enhance image elements such as screen resolution, image colors, and brightness levels. V-Sync doesn’t do any of that.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at G-Sync and FreeSync so you can choose the monitor that is right for you.
Released to the public in late 2013, G-Sync is a technology developed by NVIDIA that synchronizes a user’s display to graphics card output, leading to smoother gaming performance. It uses proprietary hardware on monitors and requires a licensing fee. Despite slightly higher prices, G-Sync gained popularity because it’s very consistent across all certified monitors.
G-Sync ensures that when GPU speed is out of sync with monitor refresh rates, the graphics card adjusts its output rate. For example, if a graphics card is pushing 50 frames per second, the display then switches its refresh rate to 50Hz. If the frame count decreases to 40Hz, then the display auto adjusts to 40Hz. The typical effective range of G-Sync technology is 30Hz up to the maximum refresh rate of the display, even if it’s 520Hz.
The most notable benefit of G-Sync is the elimination of screen tearing and other common display issues on current hardware compared to V-Sync. G-Sync does this by manipulating the monitor’s vertical blanking interval (VBI). VBI represents the interval between the time a monitor finishes drawing a current frame and moves onto the next one. When G-Sync is enabled, the graphics card recognizes the time gap, and holds off on sending more information, therefore preventing frame issues.
To keep pace with changes in technology, NVIDIA developed a newer version of G-Sync, called G-Sync Ultimate. The core features that set it apart from base G-Sync are the added custom R3 controller, high dynamic range (HDR) with 1000 nit support, very low latency, and the ability to display 4K at 144Hz and faster.
Although G-Sync delivers highly consistent performance, to take full advantage of G-Sync features, users should ideally purchase a G-Sync-certified monitor and an NVIDIA graphics card. G-Sync works best with DisplayPort 1.2a or later. HDMI 2.1 and later are also compatible through VESA Adaptive Sync, but do not provide the full G-Sync feature set.
Released in 2015, FreeSync is a standard developed by AMD that just like G-Sync offers adaptive synchronization technology. It’s intended to reduce screen tearing and stuttering triggered by the monitor not being in sync with the content (or source) frame rate.
Since this technology uses VESA Adaptive Sync standards built into DisplayPort 1.2a and later, any monitor equipped with this input is compatible with FreeSync. With that in mind, FreeSync is not compatible with legacy connections such as VGA and DVI. By 2017, FreeSync appeared on consoles, namely the Xbox One X (likely HDMI 2.0b). In late 2020, Xbox Series and PS5 launched with FreeSync support via the official addition of HDMI 2.1, prompting the technology’s popularity on 4K TVs.
The “free” in FreeSync comes from the standard being open, meaning other manufacturers can incorporate it into their hardware without paying AMD a licensing fee. That means more monitors to choose from, and somewhat lower prices compared to G-Sync models. As FreeSync is a standard developed by AMD, all their post-2015 GPUs support the technology. FreeSync is very popular and in fact compatible with G-Sync through their shared VESA Adaptive Sync lineage. However, performance is neither guaranteed nor optimized outside of NVIDIA-approved hardware.
In 2017 AMD released an enhanced version of FreeSync known as FreeSync 2 HDR, later renamed FreeSync Premium. Monitors that meet this standard are required to have HDR support, low framerate compensation capabilities (LFC), and the ability to toggle between standard definition range (SDR) and high dynamic range (HDR).
A key difference between FreeSync and FreeSync Premium is that with the latter if the frame rate falls below the supported range of the monitor, low framerate compensation (LFC) is automatically enabled to prevent stuttering and tearing. As FreeSync is an open standard, people shopping for FreeSync monitors have a wider selection available to choose from than with G-Sync displays.
If visual performance and image quality are your top priority when choosing a monitor, then G-Sync and FreeSync come in a variety of offerings to fit virtually any need and budget.
The two standards are largely identical now, but G-Sync offers more consistent performance. The primary differentiators are a slight cost premium for G-Sync and a bit more input latency due to its more complex processing.
For the average individual or business professional, G-Sync and FreeSync both deliver exceptional quality. If cost isn’t a concern and you absolutely need top of the line graphics consistency, then G-Sync is the overall winner. Choosing a gaming monitor can be challenging, so we encourage you to read more in our monitor cheat sheet guide. For peak graphics performance, check out ViewSonic gaming monitors, which feature G-Sync and FreeSync on various models.
Both G-Sync (by NVIDIA) and FreeSync (by AMD) are adaptive sync technologies designed to eliminate screen tearing, reduce stuttering, and improve gaming smoothness. They dynamically match a monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame output for a smoother, tear-free experience.
G-Sync uses a proprietary hardware module built into the monitor.FreeSync uses the open Adaptive-Sync standard built into DisplayPort/HDMI, so it relies on firmware and does not require extra hardware.This leads to differences in cost, compatibility, and features.
G-Sync monitors are typically more expensive due to the dedicated NVIDIA module.FreeSync monitors are usually more budget-friendly since they don’t require proprietary hardware.
G-Sync often delivers more consistent performance with better handling of low framerate compensation (LFC) and variable overdrive, reducing ghosting and input lag.FreeSync performance can vary by monitor model because implementation depends on the manufacturer. Premium models can rival G-Sync quality.
G-Sync: Works best with NVIDIA GPUs. Some newer monitors can also work with AMD GPUs, but that’s not guaranteed.FreeSync: Works natively with AMD GPUs and, since 2019, many FreeSync monitors are also compatible with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series and newer cards.
Both support HDR, but G-Sync Ultimate adds advanced HDR capabilities with high brightness, wide color gamut, and lower latency. FreeSync Premium Pro also supports HDR, though implementations vary more widely.
For esports and ultra-competitive players, G-Sync often offers slightly better latency control and consistent performance. However, high-end FreeSync Premium Pro monitors are excellent for most gamers.
Choose G-Sync if you use an NVIDIA GPU and want the most consistent, premium experience (and don’t mind paying a little more).Choose FreeSync if you want better value, have an AMD GPU, or want flexibility across GPU brands.
Technology in the classroom has always sparked debate. Some call it a breakthrough; others, a distraction. This guide traces that complex history—from chalkboards to interactive displays—while unpacking what today’s tech-integrated classrooms really look like. You’ll get a clear take on the pros and cons (spoiler: the pros usually win) and a no-stress path to using EdTech in ways that actually work.
Wondering how technology fits into your classroom? Keep reading to find out—or explore top EdTech tools with ViewSonic Education Solutions.
Technology has always been part of education. Whether it was slates and chalk, overhead projectors, or today’s tablets and interactive displays, teachers have used tools to support learning for centuries. And while the technology itself changes, some things remain the same. Teachers teach, learners learn, and everyone’s figuring out how the latest tech fits into the mix.
And the pace of change isn’t slowing down. According to a 2025 CoSN survey, a whopping 94% of district tech leaders say AI tools are a positive force in education.
That’s why we created this guide—to give you a more complete picture of how technology fits into the 21st-century classroom.
There was a time when the only available method of storing information was in people’s memories. Scholars would have long dialogues, which learners would also have to memorize. Information was passed down through oral traditions, including songs, stories, and memorized lectures. This was education without any technology.
Then came books. For the first time, people could store knowledge externally and pass it on intact. It was a breakthrough in the storage and transmission of information, so naturally, people hated it.
Socrates famously criticized books (and writing in general) as a weakness, saying to Plato:
This discovery of yours will create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls because they will not use their memories.Socrates
This discovery of yours will create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls because they will not use their memories.
Of course, we know this because Plato wrote it down.
And so began a long history of the old guard resisting the latest technology in education. Every generation of educators seems to push back at first—until the next one proves the value of the new technology in the classroom. Then the cycle starts all over again.
So how did we get from slates and chalkboards to AI-powered classrooms? Here’s a look at the key tech moments that got us here:
It’s one thing to reflect on how far EdTech has come. But what does that look like in today’s classrooms?
From computers and projectors to touchscreens and mobile devices, modern learning environments are filled with tech that shapes how students engage, collaborate, and learn.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common classroom technologies and what each one brings to your teaching toolkit.
Laptops and desktops continue to be essential in classrooms, each serving different needs.
Laptops are especially useful for:
Desktops, on the other hand, tend to shine in:
But no tool is perfect. Some research suggests that handwriting may lead to better retention than typing (though evidence is still mixed). And of course, internet access opens the door to distraction—but so do windows on sunny days.
Still, computers remain a classroom staple for good reason.
Projectors have been used in classrooms in one form or another for well over 100 years. But the modern projector is a far cry from its single-slide ancestors.
Today, they’re most often used to display:
So, why are projectors still a favorite among teachers?
Even so, projectors aren’t perfect—glare, shadows, and reduced visibility in bright rooms can still be issues. Plus, they’re not all-in-one solutions. They usually need to be paired with a computer or another device—even smart projectors need to stream from an external source to go beyond basic playback.
Curious whether a projector makes sense for your space? Check out this guide: What to Look for When Purchasing an Education Projector.
Interactive whiteboards (IWBs)—also known as digital whiteboards or interactive displays—function like traditional whiteboards but with serious upgrades. They respond to touch or stylus input and offer:
This category includes:
While they do require a higher investment and more prep time, IWBs are becoming more accessible as prices drop and school infrastructure improves.
Tablets and smartphones often get very different reputations in education—tablets as sleek learning tools, and smartphones as the enemy of attention. But both offer powerful, portable ways to support student learning.
Tablets offer a strong mix of portability, large screens, and intuitive touch controls, making them ideal for:
Their simpler interface can help limit distractions, though some studies suggest students may still multitask more than with print materials. That’s especially relevant for younger learners, where traditional books continue to offer important developmental benefits (see this comparison).
Smartphones, meanwhile, often get a bad rap. But used intentionally, they’re incredibly versatile. From language apps like Duolingo to accessing interactive learning platforms like ClassSwift, smartphones support self-paced learning, group collaboration, media creation, and on-the-go research. In fact, many students already use them to complete homework.
Yes, smartphones can be distracting (Rutgers study). But with clear expectations and thoughtful use, even these pocket-sized devices can have a big impact.
There are plenty of reasons to bring more technology into your classroom. While this list dives deeper, here’s a quick overview of some key benefits that can make a real difference in how your students learn and how you teach.
If there’s one thing tech does well in the classroom, it’s grabbing students’ attention—and holding it. With interactive content, digital whiteboards, gamified quizzes, and other multimedia tools, lessons become more dynamic and way more engaging than what paper and pencil can offer.
That boost in engagement isn’t just anecdotal. A 2023 study in the European Journal of Psychology of Education found that students using classroom technology were more likely to enjoy the learning process and to put in more effort over time.
Every student learns a little differently. Some are visual learners, others need hands-on experiences, and some connect better through audio or reading. This guide to the 8 Learning Styles breaks it all down.
With EdTech, it’s easier to support those preferences. Tools now offer content in multiple formats and let students learn at their own pace. What’s more, many platforms include built-in accessibility features—or even act as assistive technology—giving students with learning differences a better chance to stay engaged and succeed.
One of the quieter wins of classroom technology is how easily it brings students together. In fact, Walden University reports that teachers often see students helping one another more when technology is part of the lesson.
Whether they’re sharing ideas in a doc, giving feedback in real time, or working across devices from different corners of the room, technology in the classroom makes collaboration quicker and more natural.
With the right tools, feedback doesn’t have to wait. Platforms like ClassSwift make it possible to run live polls, grade quizzes instantly, and give students quick responses to their work.
That speed helps students adjust in real time and gives teachers a clear view of who’s on track. When teachers can spot misunderstandings early, they can revisit a concept right away or adjust instruction to better meet student needs.
Today’s careers rely heavily on technology, from communication and design to data analysis and automation. Introducing digital tools in the classroom builds students’ comfort with tech and helps them build skills they’ll need in the workplace.
As new platforms emerge, students who already use technology to create, solve problems, and collaborate will be better positioned to adapt and grow in a digital-first world.
Technology promises a lot in education—engagement, efficiency, and access. But for every benefit, there’s a challenge that needs careful attention. Whether it’s keeping students focused or making sure every learner has a fair shot, thoughtful planning is what turns tech from a distraction into a classroom asset.
Here’s a closer look at five common challenges educators face when using technology—and what you can do about them.
Let’s start with what you’ve probably seen already: students zoning out behind their screens. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, tech can easily pull attention in every direction.
Banning devices might seem like the simplest fix, but it skips an important learning moment—helping students build digital self-discipline.
With clear expectations and routines, students can learn to manage their focus and use tech in ways that support their learning instead of getting in the way.
Helping students use tech wisely starts with teachers who feel confident and supported.
Too often, new tools show up with little guidance. IT teams might handle the setup, but the real work of using tech daily falls on educators. And without proper support, even great tools can end up collecting dust.
That’s why it’s important to choose technology that’s intuitive, easy to integrate, and backed by practical training. A good example? Many schools are turning to interactive displays as a teacher-friendly solution that doesn’t overwhelm tech support teams—check out why they work so well in this piece on interactive touch screen displays.
Even the best tools fall short when access isn’t equal. In schools where students are expected to bring their own devices, the gap often mirrors income levels. That’s the heart of the digital divide: the gap between those who have reliable access to technology and those who don’t.
To help close it, schools can provide shared classroom devices and invest in well-equipped computer labs. These labs give every student reliable access to essential tools, no matter their background. Plus, they create a structured space where teachers can model effective tech use and build digital skills step by step.
Then there’s the budget question. Outfitting a classroom—or a whole school—with modern devices isn’t cheap.
But spending smart matters more than spending big. Look for tech with a longer lifespan, lower maintenance needs, and good support. Evaluating the total cost of ownership (TCO)—not just the price tag—can help schools get more value from every purchase.
Despite modern connectivity, it seems people are more disconnected than ever. Students might default to messaging apps or digital comments instead of talking through ideas face-to-face.
That’s why it’s key to balance screen time with social learning. Try integrating tools that promote collaboration or unplug for group activities that rely on discussion and teamwork. When tech is used to strengthen connection, everyone benefits.
So you’ve decided to add some technology to your classroom (or upgrade what’s already there). But that’s only the first step. What’s next? You’ll need to implement the changes or find someone to implement the changes for you.
Here are a few practical factors to consider as you roll out new classroom technology.
We live in a connected world. Before purchasing any new tech, make sure it works well with your existing data network. Otherwise, you risk missing out on the real-time sharing, saving, and collaboration that make EdTech so powerful.
It’s not just about connecting to the network. Your devices also need to play nicely with each other. In a classroom full of varied student devices, cross-platform compatibility is key. That goes for software, too.
A unified system—ideally from the same provider—can simplify everything from updates to troubleshooting.
For more on what to look for, check out How to Select a Complete Digital Education Solution Provider.
Classroom design is a major factor when deciding on technological solutions. For example, most classrooms built over the last century were designed with a single display point at the front—usually a chalkboard or whiteboard. That same layout now works beautifully for interactive displays like ViewBoards, which slide right into place and instantly modernize the space.
But what if your teaching space is bigger, like a lecture hall? Interactive displays might be too small for everyone to see clearly. In those cases, a high-quality projector can offer a more visible solution, even if it’s a bit less interactive.
Reimagine YourLearning Space
See how EdTech integration enhances student interaction
Explore Now >
Before deciding on a device, consider how your classroom functions day to day.
For more ideas on designing tech-friendly spaces, explore Creating Modern Classrooms: 3 Contemporary Approaches to Classroom Design.
No matter how tech-savvy you are, things break. Devices glitch. Systems freeze. That’s why reliable tech support matters. You don’t need your entire staff to be IT experts, but your new tools should fit within the skillset of your existing support team—or offer clear help when needed.
Before you commit, think about what happens when something goes wrong. Can your team handle it, or will you need outside help?
You may also want to check this out: 10 Reasons Education IT Administrators Love Interactive Touch Screen Displays.
Sticker price only tells part of the story. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all those hidden expenses: subscriptions, maintenance, replacement parts, and even energy use. A bargain upfront can turn into a budget drain later.
Think of a budget inkjet printer. It’s cheap to buy but expensive to maintain once you factor in ink refills. Sometimes, it’s smarter to pay more upfront for a device that lasts longer and saves you time and money in the long run.
Technology won’t replace great teaching, but it’s a strong ally for boosting learning outcomes and preparing students for a digital world. While concerns about overuse are real, the benefits—stronger engagement, personalized support, and future-ready skills—make embracing technology in the classroom worthwhile. Because in the right hands, it’s a key to unlocking student potential.
Want to explore these ideas further? Start with How to Build a Modern School – 6 Key Elements to Embed in Your Groundwork. Or, check out ViewSonic Education Solutions to see how we can support you and your learners.
Growing Together
Classroom technology includes PCs, laptops, tablets, projectors, interactive displays, and learning management systems. These tools help students learn, collaborate, and access information in real time.
Technology supports different learning styles and increases student engagement through multimedia and interactivity. It also helps teachers deliver lessons more efficiently and monitor student progress instantly.
Technology improves engagement, collaboration, and personalized learning while preparing students for future careers. Challenges include managing distractions, ensuring access for all students, and training teachers to use tools effectively.
Technology transforms teaching by enabling interactive, student-centered learning experiences. It also encourages students to build digital skills and take more ownership of their learning.
Start by selecting tools that match your space, teaching approach, and student needs, while also supporting varied learning styles. Make sure the technology is reliable, offers training support, and works well within your existing classroom setup.
Progress is great—but it’s not always perfect. While tech has brought a lot of exciting changes to education, there are some real disadvantages of technology in the classroom. From distractions to reduced face time, EdTech isn’t a magic bullet for every situation. The good news? Most of these issues aren’t deal-breakers. With the right mindset (and sometimes a little old-school wisdom), you can spot the pitfalls early and adjust your approach.
So read on for some of the key disadvantages of technology in the classroom and a few teacher-tested strategies that can help. Or, start your classroom’s EdTech journey smoothly with ViewSonic Education Solutions.
From apps and AI textbooks to interactive learning platforms and gamified lessons, there’s no shortage of technology in the classroom. Sure, these tools can boost engagement—especially for students who’ve grown up swiping and scrolling—but they can also throw a few curveballs your way.
So how do you make the most of EdTech without it backfiring? Let’s dig into five common disadvantages of technology in the classroom—and what you can do to stay one step ahead.
Smartphones have a bad reputation in classrooms, and the push to ban them in schools is picking up serious steam. Countries like Denmark, Austria, and several others across Europe are rolling out national bans, while in the U.S., states like Texas are considering similar moves. It’s not just talk—lawmakers on both sides are getting behind the idea that phones might be doing more harm than good during school hours.
Still, it’s not that simple. A recent UK study found that banning phones in schools didn’t lead to better grades, improved behavior, or even noticeable changes in student wellbeing. While excessive phone and social media use was clearly linked to poorer outcomes—like lower grades, less sleep, and higher anxiety—the study suggests that bans alone aren’t enough.
What we’re suggesting is that those bans in isolation are not enough to tackle the negative impacts.Dr. Victoria Goodyear, lead author of the University of Birmingham study
What we’re suggesting is that those bans in isolation are not enough to tackle the negative impacts.
Helping students manage their screen time and designing lessons that promote real engagement. When students are dialed into the learning, their phones become less of a temptation in the first place.
That’s where teachers come in. While some schools choose to limit phone use entirely, others have explored ways to make room for technology in more structured, intentional ways. For instance, some educators may allow students to use smartphones to access educational apps like gamified quizzes or interactive polls, which can help boost participation.
There’s also the option to enhance lessons with digital content—things like short videos, current news stories, or even online discussion boards. These tools can offer different entry points into the material and help make learning feel more relevant.
The bottom line? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For schools or classrooms where phones are allowed, finding thoughtful, educational uses for them may offer a way to turn a potential distraction into a meaningful learning tool.
Just because a tool is shiny, digital, and buzz-worthy doesn’t mean it magically makes teaching easier. In today’s classrooms, being a great teacher isn’t just about delivering lessons—it also means becoming a part-time tech wizard. And let’s be real: that’s a lot.
According to recent research, many educators a large disadvantage of technology in the classroom is the pressure that comes with integrating EdTech into their day-to-day. In fact, a 2021 survey by the European Trade Union Committee for Education found that 60% of national education social partners across Europe said digital tools have actually intensified teachers’ workloads—not lightened them. A UK study backs this up; it found that only 30% of teachers felt tech had reduced their workload since 2020, which leaves a big chunk of educators who are either seeing no difference or, more likely, carrying even more on their plates.
But there’s a flip side to all this: When it’s the right tool, used the right way, EdTech can truly enhance learning. For instance, a study found that students with two years of exposure to interactive whiteboards can make up to 7.5 months of additional learning progress compared to those without access.
The trick isn’t more tech—it’s smarter tech. The best EdTech tools today are built to last and actually make your day easier. Look for options that are:
We’re talking clean, intuitive interfaces, single sign-on access (yes, finally—no more juggling logins), and modular systems like upgradeable interactive displays that won’t force a tech reset every few years. These kinds of long-term solutions aren’t just a win for educators; they’re a dream for IT admins too (seriously, check out 10 Reasons IT Teams Love Interactive Touch Screen Displays to see why.)
Plus, AI-powered tools like ClassSwift are stepping up in big ways—auto-grading assessments, generating curriculum-aligned quizzes, and even delivering personalized feedback based on student data. These AI personalization features can save hours of prep and grading time, giving teachers more space to focus on connecting with students.
ClassSwift
Snip. Share. Spark
Of course, none of this works if implementation falls flat. It requires clear communication between school leadership, faculty, and tech vendors—so everyone understands how a tool benefits both teaching and learning.
But here’s the catch: many teachers, especially in under-resourced schools, don’t feel ready to bring tech into their classrooms. Nearly one in four educators in the UK say they lack the confidence to use digital tools effectively. And who can blame them? Too often, they’re handed new gadgets with little to no training and told to just figure it out.
The fix? Start with proper professional development. Teachers need real, hands-on training that shows them how to use tech in ways that actually support their lessons—not just another device added to their to-do list.
Another helpful resource? Online educator communities, where teachers can connect with others using the same software to share tips, swap lesson ideas, and learn best practices. Sometimes, the best support in overcoming the disadvantages of technology in the classroom comes from fellow teachers who are figuring it out alongside you.
Curious why finding your teacher community matters so much? Here’s how it can transform your professional growth and classroom success.
Access to technology at home isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—It’s the gateway to homework, class discussions, and staying on top of school. But tech disparity is still a huge issue. Globally, about 2.6 billion people—one-third of the entire population—still don’t have internet access as of 2023. That’s a staggering number, and it includes a huge chunk of school-aged children who are being left behind before they even log in.
In the U.S., the numbers aren’t any less worrying. About 3% of students aged 3 to 18 don’t have internet at home, and for low-income families, it’s even worse—nearly 1 in 4 households with children don’t have a reliable connection. 5% of teens don’t have a smartphone, 10% don’t have a laptop or desktop, and 65% of families below the poverty line said their kids couldn’t attend class or finish schoolwork in 2021 because they didn’t have a computer. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s a serious barrier to learning.
And the problem isn’t limited to students. In affluent areas, 70% of teachers report receiving adequate support to incorporate technology into their teaching. In under-resourced schools? Only half say the same. When both students and teachers are short on tools and support, the digital divide doesn’t shrink—it grows.
For starters, shared access is still a powerful tool. Keeping computer labs, tablets, and school Wi-Fi available—not just during class, but before and after school—can give more students the chance to stay connected and engaged. If you’re wondering how impactful a well-equipped lab can be, here’s a closer look at why school computer labs still matter.
It also helps to prioritize tools that meet students where they are. Using device-agnostic software—tools that work across interactive displays, Chromebooks, Macs, and Windows devices—means students can participate regardless of what devices they own. It’s one of the most practical ways to reduce tech-based barriers to learning.
In the classroom, following modern classroom design principles can go a long way in leveling the playing field. That means integrating tools like interactive whiteboards—especially ones with built-in accessibility features like myViewBoard’s Immersive Reader—and shared high-brightness projectors that make content visible to every student. You can even take things a step further by mounting interactive displays on motorized, mobile stands, making it easy to move them between classrooms. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to share resources across learning spaces.
Pair these tools with a digital curriculum that’s accessible for everyone, and you make it easier to keep instruction consistent—regardless of whether students have reliable access at home.
Bridging the tech gap isn’t a quick fix, but it’s essential if we’re serious about creating learning environments where all students have a fair shot. It starts with acknowledging the disparity—and making sure every tech decision keeps equity at the center.
Nothing in this world is free, and buying cutting-edge EdTech is no exception. But while the upfront investment can feel steep, it’s not just about the cost today—it’s about the long game.
That’s where understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your devices comes in. Choosing devices with:
…can actually save schools money in the long run. Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront means fewer tech issues, less downtime, and tools that teachers can actually use without calling in IT every other day. So, If you’re not already factoring in TCO when evaluating classroom tech, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Tech doesn’t only help with instruction—it can also streamline the behind-the-scenes stuff, cutting back on admin costs, boosting productivity, and freeing up staff time. Switching to a digital curriculum, for example, can eliminate the ongoing costs of outdated textbooks. Plus, cloud-based computing, offers substantial opportunities for schools to save money.
Cloud-based computing also helps cut back on expensive on-site hardware. That means fewer admin costs, smaller IT teams, and no need to maintain a 24/7 air-conditioned server room. Plus, moving materials online instead of printing everything doesn’t just save paper—it saves serious money on ink, printers, and all the time spent standing over the copier.
So yes, tech comes with a price. But when schools step back and look at the bigger picture, the right investments can do more than modernize learning—they can help stretch every dollar further.
In today’s classrooms, technology can unintentionally get in the way of what matters most: human connection. With students spending more time on screens, the quiet moments of eye contact, encouragement, or spontaneous conversation can slip through the cracks.
It’s not just about screentime. With constant digital noise and a flood of online content, students are navigating a world where misinformation is everywhere. No app or algorithm can teach them to think critically, evaluate sources, or ask the right questions the way you can.
As educator and author of The Innovator’s Mindset, George Couros puts it:
Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.George Couros
Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.
That’s the sweet spot: using technology to enhance—not overshadow—your connection with students.
The quick hallway chats. The encouraging nod during a tough lesson. The reassurance after a rough test. These face-to-face moments help students feel seen, build confidence, and connect learning to their lives. Especially in communities where support may be limited, your presence can provide the stability and mentorship that technology alone simply can’t offer.
When used thoughtfully, EdTech can actually give you more time and space for those personal connections.
Tools like AI-assisted lesson planning (read about it here!), automatic grading, or interactive learning platforms can lighten the admin load, freeing you up to engage directly with your students. Even classroom tech—like interactive displays—can provide a platform to spark discussions and stimulate face-to-face collaboration. Used well, tech isn’t a barrier to connection—it’s a bridge.
Take Furze Platt Senior School in the UK, for example. They introduced AI-powered avatars of historical figures like Charles Darwin into lessons. Students—especially those who typically hang back—started engaging with the AI, asking thoughtful questions and actively participating. Teachers could preview responses before playing them aloud, guiding the flow of the conversation. Suddenly, students weren’t just consuming information—they were talking, thinking, and connecting. It’s a powerful reminder that the right tech, used the right way, can actually ignite face-to-face dialogue in the classroom.
So yes—sometimes it’s right to switch off the screens and tune into your students. But other times, you can let tech handle the background so you can focus more on face-to-face connections. After all, EdTech at its best can only support the teacher—it doesn’t replace them.
Yes, there will be bumps in the road as we continue to evolve our EdTec to boost student outcomes. But the perks can vastly outweigh the disadvantages of technology in the classroom. It’s crucial to recognize where technology excels, falls short, and to adapt as needed for student success.
There’s no reason to be afraid of EdTech—but we shouldn’t chase every shiny new thing that promises digital transformation. After all, learning is a journey, and the best teachers are always learning too, especially when it comes to overcoming some of the disadvantages of technology in the classroom.
Want to learn more about implementing EdTech? Check out Technology in the Classroom: The Complete Guide or explore ViewSonic Education’s tailored EdTech solutions.