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.
1. Distraction Overload: When Phones Compete with Your Lesson
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.
Do Smartphone Bans Work?
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
So, what does make a difference?
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.
2. Teaching Tech Doesn’t Teach Itself
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.
When It Works, It Works
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:
- Device-agnostic (they work across platforms)
- User-friendly (because no one wants to spend class time troubleshooting)
- Scalable (so they grow with your school, not against it)
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.
Get the Right Support
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.
3. Some Students Just Don’t Have the Tech
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.
How Can We Bridge the Technology Gap?
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.
4. EdTech Isn’t Always Cheap
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.
Think Beyond the Price Tag
That’s where understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your devices comes in. Choosing devices with:
- Longer lifespans
- Lower maintenance needs
- Fewer IT headaches
…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.
It’s Not Just About What Happens in the Classroom
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.
5. Less Face-to-Face Interaction
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
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.
The Good News? Tech Can Help Make Room for More Connection
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.
Final Thoughts
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.