Let’s be honest - technology in the classroom can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a pre-service teacher, I’m learning just how much digital technology is part of everyday teaching, and I’ve realised it’s not just about knowing what tools are out there, but also how to use them in ways that genuinely support student learning. In today’s classrooms, technology is no longer a novelty, it’s a necessity. From interactive whiteboards to gamified learning apps, digital technology and tools are transforming the way that educators teach and students learn.

 

Australian educators are already doing a lot in this space and have come a long way in their use of educational technology (edtech). According to the latest Teaching and Learning International Survey, almost 80% of teachers in Australia are using edtech to support student learning (TALIS, 2018). Over the past couple of decades, initiatives such as the Digital Education Revolution and the National Innovation and Science Agenda have helped prioritise the development of digital literacy for both students and teachers.

 

But effective use of technology in the classroom is about more than just tools. It's about pedagogy, planning, and classroom management. While it’s easy to be excited by flashy apps or immersive virtual experiences, we must also consider the everyday realities: How do you manage devices in a classroom? What routines need to be in place to ensure the technology is enhancing learning, rather than distracting from it? And how can schools address the ever growing digital divide? 

 

This is where practical guidance becomes essential. The Common Sense Education guide offers practical strategies to help teachers get the most out of technology. It includes the The Teachers' Essential Guide to Teaching with Technology which offers concrete strategies, especially around policies and procedures, that help maintain structure in digitised classrooms. Establishing clear expectations, such as how to start and end device use, how to get students' attention mid-task, and how to respond to technical issues, can make digital tools far more effective and can help maintain focus and reduce disruption, especially in younger year levels.

 

An example of how to transition between tech and non-tech activities could be implementing visual countdown timers on a big screen, to set expectations and keep students on track. Similarly, using call-and-response routines such as “screens down, eyes on me”, can help refocus the class quickly and calmly. These routines, whilst they may seem basic, are crucial in cultivating a calm, tech-enabled learning environment.

 

Another helpful idea is modelling digital use. Students observe how teachers interact with technology, so calm, clear routines paired with meaningful tech use can help set the tone for a respectful and productive classroom where digital tools are seamlessly integrated.

 

Digital technologies also support differentiated learning. Platforms like Seesaw and Google Classroom allow students to work at their own pace, submit multimedia responses, and receive personalised feedback. This promotes both student agency and inclusivity in the classroom.

 

For pre-service teachers, building familiarity with digital tools before entering the classroom can make the transition from theory to practice smoother. Exploring tools like Kahoot!, Padlet, or Minecraft Education Edition through personal experimentation, helps boost confidence and gives insight into which tools best support teaching styles.

 

But digital integration isn't just about the tools we use, it’s about how and why we use it. Students need to develop critical digital literacy, learning not just how to use technology, but how to do so safely, ethically, and responsibly. This includes evaluating sources, protecting personal information, and engaging positively online.

 

Incorporating digital technologies into the classroom isn’t just about using the latest tools, it’s about using them with intention. Purposeful integration means setting up clear routines that support learning, modelling responsible use, and preparing students to think critically and act thoughtfully in digital spaces. Ultimately, technology is most powerful when it helps students engage, create, reflect, or connect in ways they couldn’t otherwise. If a digital tool supports those goals, and we implement it thoughtfully, then we’re moving in the right direction.