Which tools, platforms, and technologies are worth keeping? More importantly, how can we ensure they’re used in ways that truly benefit student learning and achievement?
GUEST COLUMN | by Shannon LaFargue, PhD
‘…a mindset that invites us to examine the systems we assume are working, break them down, and rebuild them in a way that promotes true innovation.’
This approach is especially timely in education today, where technology’s role has dramatically evolved, particularly in the last four years. Prior to 2020, technology was making steady inroads into classrooms worldwide. It was seen as a tool for efficiency, better communication, personalized instruction, data aggregation, and student engagement. However, adoption remained cautious and incremental, often hindered by uncertainty and systemic barriers. That all changed in the spring of 2020.
Exposing the Weakness
COVID-19 didn’t just disrupt our lives; it exposed the weaknesses in almost every system we depend on, especially education. School systems around the globe were thrown into disarray, and with little preparation, the universal response was to lean heavily on technology to bridge the gap between teachers and students. The result? Mixed, at best. The consensus is often that virtual education was a failure during the pandemic. But was it the technology that failed, or was it our systems and our lack of preparedness?
Billions of dollars were spent to deploy technological solutions rapidly, and the aftermath has left educators and administrators questioning what was truly effective. As the financial influx subsides, school systems are now faced with a critical decision: Which tools, platforms, and technologies are worth keeping? More importantly, how can we ensure they’re used in ways that truly benefit student learning and achievement?
What Went Right
Rather than focusing on what went wrong, I believe we should be looking at what went right. Yes, there were failures, but those failures offered valuable lessons. Now, post-pandemic, the question of “What now?” can be answered with optimism. Educational stakeholders—teachers, students, and parents—are now equipped with technological skills they didn’t have before. That’s an advantage we should seize, rather than retreating to outdated systems.
The challenge we face is change itself. Education has always been slow to adopt new ideas, and this hesitation can sometimes be justified. However, without embracing technological advancements, we risk stagnation. Without innovation, creativity, and growth, our systems could become relics of the past, unable to serve the evolving needs of today’s learners.
As a former coach, teacher, administrator, and superintendent, I have always lived by the mantra, “Take advantage of your advantage.” Now is the time to apply that mindset to education. We are at a crossroads where technology, skills, mindsets, and achievements are converging in a way that allows for unprecedented growth. But to fully capitalize on this opportunity, we need to shift from a “Gotcha” mentality—where accountability systems are punitive and regressive—to a “Growth” mindset.
Historically, accountability in education has often been about catching mistakes, pointing out shortcomings, and holding educators to sometimes unrealistic expectations. This “Gotcha” culture creates an environment of distress (negative stress), which stifles innovation and creativity. What we need instead is a system that fosters eustress—positive stress that motivates and encourages growth. Technology should enhance instruction, not replace it, and when done right, it can transform classrooms into spaces where teachers are more engaged, students are more motivated, and learning becomes dynamic.
More Than Fixing What’s Broken
A “Growth, Not Gotcha” approach would mean embracing technology as a tool that supports the differentiated needs of all learners, allowing for real-time feedback, strategic planning, and personalized instruction. It would also mean empowering teachers to use these tools without fear of punitive measures but rather with the confidence that they are creating meaningful learning experiences.
The pandemic forced us to break what we thought was working in education. Now, we have the opportunity to rebuild it better. Technology, in the right hands and with the right mindset, can do more than just fix what’s broken—it can push us forward into a future where education is truly personalized, innovative, and, most importantly, effective.
Let’s not waste this moment by retreating into old habits. Instead, let’s take advantage of the tools and skills we now have and use them to create an education system that’s not only equipped for today’s challenges but ready to meet the needs of tomorrow.
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Shannon LaFargue, Ph.D., is a retired educational leader with experience as a coach, teacher, principal, COO, CAO, and superintendent. He currently serves as the Director of Coaching & Research at Bullseye For Schools. Bullseye is a customizable teacher coaching and walkthrough platform used by schools and districts around the US to support teacher growth. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.
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Original Article Published at Edtech Digest
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