Port: We don't need politicians micromanaging technology in the classroom

August 21, 2026 - 23:46

The state's current ban on student devices in schools already feels like a heavy hand. Now some lawmakers want to go further, introducing legislation that would dictate exactly how teachers can use technology in the classroom. That is a step too far.

The proposed law would set specific rules on when and how digital tools can be used during instruction. It would likely require schools to get approval for any new software or platform, and could even mandate specific teaching methods. This is micromanagement, plain and simple.

Teachers are professionals. They know their students, their subject matter, and the tools that work best in their rooms. A legislator in a committee hearing does not have that context. What works for a high school coding class is not the same as what works for a first grade reading group. A one-size-fits-all rule from the statehouse ignores that reality.

The device ban was already a blunt instrument. It took away a lot of flexibility from teachers who used tablets or laptops for quick research, collaborative projects, or adaptive learning programs. Adding another layer of regulation on top of that will only make things worse. Schools will spend more time filling out paperwork and less time actually teaching.

If the goal is to help students use technology wisely, the answer is not more laws. The answer is better training for teachers and more trust for the people in the classroom. Lawmakers should set broad goals, like improving digital literacy, and then step back. They do not need to be in the room deciding whether a quiz app is better than a worksheet. That decision belongs to the educator.