The Impact of Technology on Literacy: Exploring the Future of Reading and Writing in 2025

 

How Does Technology Affect Literacy?

In today's world, the interplay between learning and technology is undeniable, particularly for younger generations. This raises several critical questions: Do students process information differently when it is delivered digitally? Is there a correlation between technology use and declining literacy rates? How does the way young people consume information impact their development as learners?

To understand the impact of technology on literacy, it is important to acknowledge that while modern technology aids in learning to read and write, the world still requires physical books. Let's delve into this topic further.
 

Overview of Technology's Impact on Literacy

Two education experts recently discussed these questions: Earl Martin Phalen, founder and CEO of Summer Advantage Academy and George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academies, and Dr. Maryanne Wolf, director of the UCLA Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice.

Phalen is known for his work in improving literacy among underserved populations. Dr. Wolf, who has conducted extensive research on brain development and literacy, emphasized that “practicing reading and becoming familiar with language helps you become a better writer, a better critical thinker, and allows you to express yourself more effectively when you speak.” He is enthusiastic about the role technology can play in engaging students.

Phalen remarked, “Technology can stimulate our researchers’ imaginations in various ways.” He highlighted an example of how technology can improve writing skills and public speaking abilities.

However, integrating technology into lesson plans can be challenging. “Some of our teachers had never used technology, so we stumbled,” he said. “But I loved that people stuck with it to help children learn.”

This is one of the clearest examples of how technology can positively impact literacy. However, it is also crucial to understand the potential negative effects to address them directly.
 

Does Technology Hinder the Development of Reading Skills?

Continuing our practical research, Dr. Wolf explained that 30 years ago, 60% of children read weekly. Today, only 12-15% of children pick up a book weekly.

Students still gain knowledge from digital devices, but they miss out on the complexities of reading physical books.

Dr. Wolf noted, “The reading brain is plastic, reflecting the possibilities or characteristics of the medium.” Adults who grew up reading printed books or weekly magazines possess what she calls “deep reading brains,” which are better equipped to use “deep reading processes” such as empathy and critical thinking.

Today, young people read on digital devices at an increasingly rapid pace. This often results in students missing a lot of information and smaller details that contribute to a comprehensive and deep reading brain.

“There is a lot of data now showing that children do not understand what they are reading in the same way because this attention is diverted,” Dr. Wolf said. “They have learned to read more for getting the main words quickly, which literally ignores the most important parts of reading,” such as comprehension and analysis.
 

The Role of Parents in Addressing the Impact of Technology

What should we do differently? How can we help children focus on the essential parts of reading? What can teachers and parents do to help their students develop deep reading brains?

Dr. Wolf suggested, “In the first five years [of life], I want all children and all parents to be involved in reading, at least make it a nightly ritual of affection and connection with books.” “No child should go to fourth grade without being as fluent and automatic [with reading] as possible because fourth grade is when we lose our children.”

Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that students who were not proficient readers by the end of third grade were four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Reading physical books to young children may seem like an obvious solution, but it is not happening enough. Parents and teachers need to do a better job of finding a balance between technology and literacy, starting from birth.
 

Conclusion

Technology has become a pivotal tool in expanding students' capabilities and teaching them how to learn. However, we cannot simply abandon our roots. There is immense value in having a physical book and dedicating reading time to stimulate students’ brains. We hope this article provided you with valuable insights into the impact of technology on reading and writing.