# Digital Classrooms: Are Children Learning Better or Differently? Experts examine the impact of personal learning devices on student development and habits. - **Source:** [The Straits Times – Singapore](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4d82aaf4-d28c-467b-abc4-b8196963f069 ## Pandemic Accelerated Digital Shift The Covid-19 pandemic forced the Ministry of Education in Singapore to fast-track the distribution of personal learning devices to students. This rapid transition shifted many traditional classroom lessons into online environments. Teachers faced the immediate challenge of integrating digital tools effectively, while parents struggled to manage device usage at home. ## Focus on Intentional Learning Professor May Lim from the Singapore Institute of Technology highlights the critical need for intentionality in digital education. Rather than simply focusing on screen time duration, the discussion emphasizes the quality of screen activity. Educators and parents must guide students to use these devices purposefully to ensure meaningful academic engagement occurs. ## Cognitive Impact of Screens A primary concern emerging from the digital shift is whether students are losing the ability to engage with complex, long-form texts. The constant accessibility of digital content may be altering how children process information. Educators are now questioning if these habits hinder deep reading skills compared to traditional pen and paper. ## Gaming as Educational Tool Gaming is being explored as a potential pedagogical instrument when applied with the right intentions. By leveraging interactive elements, educators aim to boost student engagement in digital classrooms. However, the success of this approach depends heavily on the structure provided by teachers to ensure the game serves specific learning objectives. ## Debating Smartphone Bans The effectiveness of banning smartphones in schools remains a subject of intense debate among educational experts. While some argue that removing devices reduces distractions, others look at the long-term implications for digital literacy. The conversation explores whether total restriction is a sustainable strategy for preparing students for a tech-driven future. ## Myths of Digital Multitasking The podcast series addresses common misconceptions regarding student productivity, specifically the myth of effective multitasking. Experts suggest that digital habits such as taking frequent eye breaks are essential for maintaining focus. Teaching students to manage their cognitive load is becoming just as important as the actual curriculum content being delivered online. ## Parental Role in Supervision Beyond the classroom, parents play a vital role in shaping the digital habits of their children. Managing device usage at home requires a collaborative effort between schools and families. Establishing clear boundaries and encouraging healthy screen behaviors helps mitigate the potential negative effects of constant connectivity on a child's development. ## Future of Classroom Integration As schools continue to evolve, the balance between digital efficiency and traditional learning methods remains the central challenge. The goal is not to eliminate technology but to integrate it in ways that enhance cognitive depth. Future educational strategies will likely focus on fostering intentionality to ensure students thrive in digital environments. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/digital-classrooms-are-our-children-learning-better-or-differently — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._