Because digital technology impacts so many aspects of daily life, it is a reasonable assumption that its application in the classroom will automatically transform and improve teaching and learning. However, while students need to be taught about digital technology, as part of what is called 'digital literacy' (Chapter 5), this does not necessarily mean that students need to be taught through digital technology. The value of digital technology for teaching and learning needs to be proven. The ways in which technology has been used over time to support teaching and learning continue to evolve, alongside a better understanding of how technology should be used.
This chapter focuses on how technology is being used to support teaching and learning. First, it presents the potential of and challenges posed by technology integration and describes key trends in technology use. Second, it reviews the evidence on the possible benefits of digital technologies for improving education quality, grouping them into two broad categories: those that directly focus on improving the quality of instruction, by distributing resources more equitably, personalizing and increasing practice opportunities; and those that seek to better engage learners.