OKLAHOMA CITY — After successfully passing a law to remove cell phones from Oklahoma classrooms, two state lawmakers are now turning their attention to broader concerns around classroom technology, including Chromebooks, screen time, and artificial intelligence.
State Senator Ally Seifried (R-Rogers County) and Representative Chad Caldwell (R-Enid) are leading an interim study to examine how technology is being used in schools, and whether it’s actually improving learning outcomes for younger students.
“This one was really just a conversation to take a beat and really assess how we’re using technology in the classroom and whether it’s working,” Seifried said.
Rather than opposing technology entirely, Seifired said the goal is to make sure students are learning in the most effective ways.
“I didn’t want to just be against technology, but I do want to be pro-learning,” said Seifried. “So this interim study was diving into ‘How do we learn best?’”
Caldwell echoed that statement, having said schools should prioritize what truly supports success.
“Our focus must remain on what best supports learning, not on what’s trendy,” Caldwell said. “While technology has its place, it must serve education, not the other way around. True learning comes from balance and innovation should complement, not replace, traditional learning. For teachers, that’s raised concerns about finding the right balance between digital tools and hands-on instruction.”
“Technology is super important,” said Melanie Darter, a middle school science teacher at John Rex Charter School in Oklahoma city. “But with science, getting back to hands-on — asking questions, building things — there’s a fine line. It’s been a real experiment finding that.”
Brandon Wilmarth, Director of Educational Technology for Moore Public Schools, said foundational, paper-based learning still has a critical role.
“Our focus is making sure teaching is more effective with technology,” Wilmarth said. “How do teaching and tech blend? That’s the key word: blend.”
Seifried said the solution may not be tighter regulations on devices, but smarter budgeting. She suggests Oklahoma could get better results by funding proven programs over flashy software.”
“How does it move the needle compared to other things?” Seifried asked. “Maybe we spend less on software, and more on reading coaches of literacy specialists. It may not be the flashiest, but it’s how kids really learn.”
