In the past few years, the introduction of devices such as laptops and tablets in the classroom has changed the way that primary and secondary education functions. Countries such as Sweden have recently been cutting back on such digitalisation in favour of more traditional methods. The Malta Independent on Sunday spoke to a few teachers to gauge their perspectives on the matter.

According to Year 6 teacher Lisa, students are noticeably more excited to learn when using laptops. Interactive tools like quizzes, games, and multimedia increase participation. Some students even become more willing to do homework because it involves technology. Creative, research-based projects are more appealing to students in a digital format.

"They are more excited about quizzes on laptops than on paper," Lisa said.

Technology streamlines both teaching and learning processes. An advantage to the use of laptops is that automatic corrections reduce teachers' workload. Students can receive immediate feedback, which can reinforce learning faster. Teachers can also distribute and collect work easily via platforms like Teams.

One can argue that schools are preparing students for a digital-first world. Students gain early exposure to tools like Word, email, and online research tools. This encourages independence and self-directed learning, Lisa said. Lessons also become more flexible and less dependent on physical materials. The use of e-books further reduces the need to carry physical books, resulting in a lighter physical workload for both students and teachers.

Digitalisation is also helping level the playing field for diverse learners. Laptops significantly help students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, Lisa said. Built-in tools such as spellcheck and text formatting greatly reduce barriers for them. Moreover, digital platforms allow teachers to adapt materials more easily for different needs.

The same tools that engage students can also undermine attention. Despite these advantages, unfortunately screens can become a major distraction for students, who may lose concentration or disengage easily. Lisa explained that once the laptop is on the desk, the students lose focus, and they would not even make eye contact with the teacher. Moreover, the "novelty" of laptops can sometimes override the learning objective.

Distraction is a major challenge

While some teachers praise laptops for boosting engagement, others warn they may be eroding students' ability to focus and think deeply. Secondary school history teacher Juniper expressed a more critical point of view. She said that students can easily go off-task, either chatting, gaming, or browsing. Teachers struggle to monitor screens effectively, especially in bigger classes. Moreover, Juniper said that a small group of students are showing signs of serious screen dependency or "addiction".

"As soon as their computer is open, they get sucked in and have no idea what's going on," Juniper said.

Juniper believes that digital habits - especially scrolling culture - are reshaping how students process information. Students' focus, she said, now mirrors short-form content of 2-3 minutes. Even engaging materials such as videos and games fail to hold long-term attention. Tasks requiring sustained focus are becoming increasingly difficult.

Fun, digital learning does not always equal effective learning, Juniper said. She recounted instances of students enjoying interactive activities but retaining very little afterward. Engagement therefore does not necessarily translate into understanding. Moreover, the move to typing is changing fundamental literacy skills. Less emphasis on handwritten work means that literacy issues go unnoticed, with students questioning the relevance of handwriting altogether.

Technology may also be contributing to a broader behavioural shift in classrooms. Students struggle to concentrate for extended periods, such as for reading tasks. There is also increased restlessness and resistance to non-digital activities.

Digital learning further extends the classroom beyond school hours - for teachers too. Juniper noted that because of digitalisation, students and parents can contact teachers at any time. Expectations for a quick response has blurred the boundaries between work and personal time.

That being said, Juniper acknowledges the benefits to digitalisation. Organisation and accessibility are among the strongest advantages of digital learning. Centralised platforms like Teams allow easy access to notes, homework, and materials. This helps both high-achieving and disorganised students, as it reduces lost work and improves revision access.

Stronger engagement through visual learning

Secondary school physics teacher Jean Paul believes that digitalisation is not automatically efficient - it requires upfront investment from teachers, including the creation or adaptation of resources. Ready-made materials, Jean Paul said, often do not match individual teaching styles. Therefore, the adoption of digital tools demands creativity and extra preparation from teachers.

Technology is especially powerful for visualising complex concepts. Jean Paul said that simulations, videos, and interactive tools increase student interest. This is particularly effective in subjects like physics, where concepts are abstract. Students benefit from being able to see and interact with ideas.

"The moment students started seeing simulations, they ended up being more engaged," Jean Paul said.

However, digital learning is uneven, and its success depends on individual learning styles. According to Jean Paul, some students benefit greatly, especially visual learners, while others see little difference. There is no "one-size-fits-all" outcome. Moreover, the digital divide still exists, even among younger generations. While more capable students adapt more easily and benefit more, some students still struggle with basic digital skills, while other misuse devices for distraction.

Jean Paul strongly believes that digital education is not optional, as it reflects the realities of the modern world. Rapid technological growth across industries makes digital skills necessary. Tools like AI and automation are shaping all career paths.

Despite all of this, Jean Paul holds that the most effective education blends digital tools with traditional learning. He thus emphasised maintaining traditional methods, such as pen, paper, and books. Technology, he said, should enhance, not replace, foundational skills.