Digitized Classrooms: What Were We Thinking? | RealClearPolitics

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by Mark Bauerlein, Chronicles

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mark Bauerlein’s article in *Chronicles* on February 20, 2026, critically examines the push toward digitized classrooms and raises concerns about its unintended consequences. Bauerlein questions whether the widespread adoption of technology in education has truly enhanced learning or if it has introduced new challenges that undermine traditional teaching methods. The article highlights how digitization has led to increased screen time for students, potentially reducing their attention spans and fostering dependency on AI-driven tools like chatbots, which may erode critical thinking skills. Additionally, the reliance on digital platforms has raised ethical concerns about data collection and student privacy, as well as issues of equity in access to technology. The article provides context by tracing the evolution of classroom digitization over the past few decades, noting how policymakers and tech companies have often prioritized innovation over proven outcomes. Bauerlein argues that while technology can be a valuable resource, its implementation has been driven more by market forces than by pedagogical necessity. He points to examples where digital tools have displaced teachers or created unequal opportunities for students, particularly in underserved schools. The article also critiques the assumption that screens are inherently neutral or beneficial, suggesting that they may inadvertently hinder deep learning and personal interaction. From a political perspective, Bauerlein’s critique of digitized classrooms touches on broader debates about education policy and federal overreach. He warns that the push for digital integration aligns with efforts to centralize control over curricula, raising concerns among advocates of local school autonomy. Additionally, the reliance on tech companies to provide educational tools raises questions about monopolization of the education sector and potential

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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/20/2026