More middle- and high-school educators are increasingly integrating digital tools into both their teaching practices and professional development, according to a recent report by the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project. This growing reliance on educational technology is transforming classrooms nationwide, but it also brings attention to ongoing concerns around the digital divide and unequal student access to devices and high-speed internet.
The study, which surveyed Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers from across the U.S., revealed that 92% of respondents believe the Internet has significantly enhanced their ability to source high-quality educational materials, digital content, and teaching resources. Kristen Purcell, associate director of research at Pew, notes that today’s educators are evolving into power users of technology—leveraging online platforms not only to deliver instruction but also to expand their subject expertise and stay current with educational trends.
“What we’re seeing is a promising shift for those who hope digital learning tools become a permanent part of modern education,” Purcell told Mashable.
Mobile technology, in particular, is playing a central role in this digital transformation. The study highlights that 73% of teachers report either using or having students use smartphones for in-class activities or homework. In addition, nearly half are incorporating e-readers and tablets into their teaching, signaling a broader adoption of portable learning technologies that support blended and personalized learning environments.
Beyond classroom instruction, teachers are also early adopters of consumer tech. Compared to 48% of American adults who own smartphones, 58% of the teachers surveyed reported owning one, indicating a higher-than-average comfort level with digital communication tools. They are also more active on professional and social networking platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, which they use to exchange ideas, collaborate with peers, and stay informed on educational discourse.
This trend is especially pronounced among English and language arts instructors, who appear to engage more deeply with social platforms than their math or science counterparts. This subject-specific variation may reflect different teaching goals, such as fostering student writing and discourse online versus managing more structured, numeric content.
Linda Burch, co-founder of Common Sense Media, adds that the inherently collaborative nature of teaching helps explain this digital enthusiasm. “Teachers are sharers by profession,” Burch says, “so it’s no surprise they’re leading the way in adopting new technologies that facilitate resource sharing and peer-to-peer learning.”
As educators continue to incorporate digital tools into the classroom, key questions arise for school districts, parents, and policymakers: How can we ensure equitable access to educational technology for all students? What strategies help teachers integrate tech tools in meaningful ways without overwhelming their existing curriculum? And how can we support professional development to keep pace with evolving digital expectations in education?
The answers to these questions will shape the future of digital learning, and the findings from this Pew study underscore the importance of ongoing investment in both infrastructure and teacher training to ensure that technology serves as a bridge—not a barrier—to learning.