I never thought I'd be writing this article. As a tech evangelist and co-founder of AI Teacher Course, I've spent years advocating for more technology in education. I was convinced that smartphones could revolutionize learning. But here I am, admitting something I never expected: I was wrong about phones in schools.
My Tech-Positive Background
Let me be clear—I'm not a technophobe. Far from it. My entire career has been built around digital innovation and education. At AI Teacher Course , we're constantly exploring how artificial intelligence and technology can enhance teaching and learning. I've stood on stages across the country, passionately arguing that smartphones could be powerful learning tools if we just used them right.
The Moment Everything Changed
The shift in my thinking didn't happen overnight. It was a gradual awakening, sparked by countless conversations with teachers, parents, and students. What really opened my eyes was seeing the struggle firsthand in classrooms. Students who were once engaged became increasingly distracted, not by the educational apps we hoped they'd use, but by the endless stream of notifications, messages, and social media updates.
My daughter being one of them...
What The Research Revealed
As I dug deeper into the latest research, the evidence became impossible to ignore. Studies showed that even the presence of phones—even when turned off—reduced cognitive capacity and attention spans. The very tools I thought would democratize learning were actually creating deeper educational divides.
Which is why I have been asked to comment about this many, many times on radio and even TV with my other hat on as tech futurist and keynotespeaker Dan Sodergren.
This is me on BBC Radio Scotland - when I was somewhat thrown under the bus by the presenter... But the other people on the show, had some really good points...
The Social Impact I Couldn't Ignore
What really hit home was watching the social dynamics in schools change. Students were physically present but mentally elsewhere. The vibrant classroom discussions I remembered from my teaching days teaching entreprenuership - were replaced by heads-down, screen-focused silence. Which for my work / talk isn't something I wanted to happen at all. As someone who believes in the power of human connection in education, this was particularly hard to witness.
My New Perspective
Today, at AI Teacher Course, I advocate for a more nuanced approach to technology in education. Yes, I still believe in the power of digital tools—but I also believe in creating spaces where young minds can focus, engage, and develop without constant digital distraction.
What I Recommend Now
Based on my experience and research, I now advocate for:
- Designated phone-free learning environments
- Strategic use of technology for specific learning activities
- Clear boundaries around device usage
- Focus on developing real-world social skills
- Teaching digital wellness alongside digital skills
Moving Forward
This journey has taught me that true innovation in education isn't about adopting every new technology blindly. It's about thoughtfully choosing tools that enhance learning while protecting what makes education truly transformative—human connection, deep thinking, and genuine engagement.
A Call to Fellow Educators
If you're wrestling with these same challenges, know that you're not alone. At AI Teacher Course, we're developing frameworks and strategies to help educators navigate this complex landscape. We can embrace technology without letting it overwhelm our classrooms.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes, being a leader in educational technology means knowing when to step back and reevaluate. My journey has taught me that it's okay to change your mind when the evidence points you in a new direction. What matters most is being honest about what works best for our students.
Want to learn more about creating effective digital boundaries in your classroom? Join me at AI Teacher Course, where we're building a community of educators committed to thoughtful technology integration.
Remember, true innovation isn't about using technology everywhere—it's about using it wisely.