Technology Fatigue

“Tech Fatigue Is Real—And It's Okay to Admit It”

We can all agree that since COVID-19, technology has become our lifeline. From Zoom classrooms to virtual whiteboards, online learning platforms, and digital assessments—tech has helped us stay afloat in a rapidly changing world. It gave us access, flexibility, and endless resources. But let’s be real: do you ever just want to put the phone or laptop down and take a breath?

I do.

The other day, I was teaching a lesson and—right in the middle of it—the Wi-Fi went out. Not for a few minutes. For the rest of the day. I immediately felt a knot in my stomach. My slides? Gone. My interactive activity? Frozen. My backup video? Nope.

But something surprising happened. After the initial panic wore off, we kept going. We talked. We used dry-erase boards. We figured things out. That lesson reminded me: once upon a time, technology in the classroom wasn’t the norm. It was a privilege. A bonus. Not a crutch.

Today, we live in a world where students often expect instant access to answers, automatic spellcheck, AI-generated responses, and Google Docs that save every keystroke. And while there’s value in all that innovation, we’re starting to feel the wear and tear of constant screen time—for teachers and students alike. That’s technology fatigue, and it’s real.

So how do we leverage technology without becoming dependent on it?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Bring back low-tech learning—intentionally.
   Let’s normalize paper journals, think-pair-share conversations, and posters made with markers. These don’t replace tech; they balance it.

2. Teach tech boundaries.
   Just like we teach reading strategies or math procedures, we need to model digital wellness. When is it appropriate to use tech—and when is it better to disconnect? Helping students reflect on their digital habits is part of preparing them for a healthy relationship with technology. A great place to start is with resources like Common Sense Education’s Digital Well-Being Curriculum, which includes lessons on media balance, screen time, and online mindfulness.

3. Use tech as a tool, not a teacher.
   Tech can enhance instruction, but it shouldn't replace the relationships, the discussions, the struggle of learning, or the joy of discovery.

4. Schedule screen-free time—for everyone.
   Build in moments during the day where students (and you!) can take a break from devices. Our brains need it.

Technology is amazing. It opens doors. It keeps us connected. But as we move forward in this tech-saturated world, let’s not forget the power of simplicity. Sometimes, the best learning happens when the Wi-Fi is down—and all we have is a marker, a board, and each other.