Table 1: I am confident that my child’s teacher(s) knows how to use technology in a meaningful way to support teaching and learning.
The rapid shift to digital education during the pandemic has left an indelible mark on the landscape of teaching and learning. Many educators, particularly those who were trained within traditional paradigms, found themselves thrust into a digital world with little warning or preparation. This sudden shift has fostered a climate of uncertainty, whereby parents have observed varying degrees of technology integration in their child’s education, led by teachers who may not always possess the necessary skills to leverage these tools effectively. This mismatch has inevitably led to skepticism regarding the proficiency of teachers in utilizing technology to support meaningful learning experiences.
In the context of the Dubai Parent Screentime Survey, a particularly telling statistic emerged concerning parental satisfaction with educational technology usage. A staggering 66.17% of parents expressed discontent or neutrality regarding the statement: “I am satisfied with the use of educational technology in the teaching and learning process in my child’s classroom” (refer to Table 2). This notable level of dissatisfaction raises questions about the effectiveness with which technology is deployed in classrooms and suggests that many believe it fails to enhance their child’s educational journey.
One prominent concern among parents is the perceived tendency for technology to supplant quality instruction rather than serve as a complementary tool. For many families, the sight of their child engrossed in digital screens and engaged in automated tasks raises red flags. Parents often voice concerns that such experiences lack the meaningful interaction with teachers that is vital to effective learning. This is particularly worrisome when technology is perceived to strip away the personal, human connection that helps to foster student growth and critical thinking skills.
An overwhelming majority of parents (58.28%) share a grave concern about the role of teachers in an increasingly digital educational landscape (as displayed in Table 3). They worry that an over-reliance on technology may diminish the importance of teachers, who have long been regarded as the bedrock of the classroom experience. This anxiety becomes more pronounced when students spend a significant portion of their school day in front of devices with minimal direct interaction with their instructors. As a result, many parents feel that education is evolving into a tech-centric model, sidelining the invaluable contributions of teachers.
In light of these concerns, it becomes imperative for schools to communicate effectively with parents about the role of educators amidst the digital transformation. Schools should actively highlight how teachers continue to play a pivotal role in guiding student learning, even as educational technology becomes more prevalent. Framing technology as an enabler—rather than a replacement—can help alleviate parental anxieties. Schools can showcase how digital tools assist teachers in personalizing instruction, offering timely feedback, and developing dynamic, interactive lessons tailored to meet individual student needs. By doing so, parents can better understand that teachers remain the primary architects of educational experiences, with technology serving to enhance their effectiveness.
