What parents need to know
“The evidence base for EdTech is narrow, industry-driven and shaky at best.” Parents are right to be worried – the research backing classroom technology is funded by those selling it.
Full Citation
Hillman, V. (2025). Big tech has transformed the classroom – and parents are right to be worried. The Guardian, Comment is Free section.
Publication Type
Evidence-based opinion article by EdTech researcher and author, published in The Guardian
What They Studied
Dr Velislava Hillman, author of “Taming EdTech,” analysed the evidence base supporting educational technology products currently used in schools. The article examines who funds EdTech research, the quality of that research, and the gap between marketing claims and scientific evidence. Hillman is an independent researcher with expertise in evaluating EdTech effectiveness.
Key Findings
- “The evidence base for EdTech is narrow, industry-driven and shaky at best”
- Much of the research cited to support EdTech products is funded by the companies selling those products
- Independent research often contradicts the positive findings from industry-funded studies
- Parents’ concerns about excessive technology use in schools are well-founded and supported by independent evidence
- The EdTech industry has successfully marketed products to schools based on promises rather than proof
- Schools often lack the expertise to critically evaluate EdTech research claims
- The regulatory environment allows EdTech companies to make unsubstantiated claims about educational benefits
- Dr Hillman, as one of the speakers at Close Screens Open Minds events, brings both research expertise and practical experience evaluating EdTech products
