Good Morning Y’all,

I never thought I’d say this… but here we are: technology is destroying the classroom. And I’m not talking about some anti-tech crusader’s rant. I’m a technology teacher! I’ve built entire courses around digital tools, taught students how to code, design, and create with devices. But what I’m seeing now is different. It’s dangerous. And it’s time we talk about it.

The Problem With 1:1 Devices

When every student has their own Chromebook, iPad, or laptop, we think we’re giving them access to the world. But what we’re really doing is cutting them off from the simple, foundational habits of learning: reading books, writing on paper, and thinking for themselves.

Remember the C.O.W. carts… computers on wheels? Teachers rolled them in, students used them for specific tasks, and then the computers went away. Technology had its time and place. Now, it’s 24/7. Kids are glued to their screens during class, at home, and even while “doing homework”… though most of that homework is just AI spitting out an answer for them.

AI Is Doing Too Much of the Work

As an advocate for AI in education (from the teaching side) I still gotta say it… ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and every other AI tool are now writing students’ essays, solving their math problems, and completing their projects. Sure, AI can be a powerful teacher’s tool… BUT in the hands of unchecked middle and high schoolers, it’s a crutch. They’re not learning to wrestle with ideas, struggle through the hard parts, or find their own voice.

If we keep letting AI do the heavy lifting, we’ll graduate kids who don’t know how to think, only how to copy and paste.

3 Ways to Combat Tech Overload in the Classroom

1. Bring Back Paper and Books

This isn’t about nostalgia (OK… maybe a bit)… it’s about focus. Reading a physical book forces students to slow down. Writing on paper builds retention in a way typing never will. Even assigning a handwritten report brings back accountability: there’s no AI shortcut for neat penmanship and original thought.

Teacher Tip: Once a week, swap a digital activity for a “paper-only” day. Assign book chapters, handwritten reflections, or even pen-and-paper math practice. You’ll be amazed at the shift in attention.

2. Assign In-Class Writing, Not Take-Home Essays

AI can’t sneak into a classroom and type up your student’s report in real time. By requiring essays, reports, and even creative writing to be done during class time, you cut off the easy route of outsourcing work to ChatGPT. Plus, you get an authentic snapshot of your students’ actual skills.

Teacher Tip: Try a “60-minute research and write” challenge. Students use the classroom library, handouts, or their notes (not Google), and write their entire piece in one sitting. It’s old school, and it works.

3. Reintroduce Shared Technology (Yes, the C.O.W. Carts!)

Computers still matter. We don’t need to throw them out completely. But let’s control the access. Instead of 1:1 campuses, bring back the rolling carts. Let kids use laptops for specific projects (research days, presentations, multimedia creation) and then lock them back up. Technology should be a tool, not a default.

Teacher Tip: Pair this with digital etiquette lessons. Teach kids the difference between using technology for creation and abusing it for shortcuts.

Bottom Line Y’all…

I’ll say it again: technology is straight up destroying the classroom… but only because we’ve let it run wild. The answer isn’t to go full Amish (although…) and ban devices completely. The answer is balance. Let’s bring back books, pens, in-class writing, and shared tech. Let’s make students think again.

Because if we don’t, we’ll raise a generation that can swipe, scroll, and prompt.. but not read, write, reason, or think for themselves. And that’s not education. That’s extinction.

You Are AMAZING! Keep up the AWESOME work you’re doing!

Blessings,
~ Mitch

🎵🎬 October Shuffle: Class Prep At The Movies 🎬

Turn your classroom prep time into an epic adventure! This playlist brings the iconic main titles and unforgettable themes from cinematic greats like Jurassic Park, The Avengers, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Rocky, and more. Whether you’re grading papers, planning lessons, or just gearing up for the school day, these powerful scores will inspire focus, boost energy, and remind you that teaching is nothing short of heroic.

✨ Whether you're a veteran teacher or new to the classroom, let this movie themed soundtrack help you start the school year on the right note.

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