Title: Tech Tools: A Double-Edged Sword in Addressing Teacher Burnout
In our investigation into the effects of technology on education during the pandemic, we anticipated that learning management systems (LMSs) would make teaching more manageable for educators. However, our study, comprising a survey of 779 U.S. teachers and subsequent focus groups, revealed an alarming trend: teachers using LMSs, like Canvas or Schoology, experienced higher levels of burnout.
Conducted in May 2022 and published in April 2024, our research found that technology, intended to streamline tasks, turned into another burden for teachers. For instance, administrators continued to demand hard-copy lesson plans alongside digital versions, amplifying the workload.
Moreover, the integration of LMSs did not always align with early elementary grade curriculums. A kindergarten teacher in Las Vegas highlighted this issue, admitting, "My kids can't even count to ten when they first come in, but they have to learn a six-digit student number to access Canvas." This mismatch led to discontentment and burnout.
Our study underscores the importance of considering teacher well-being in the implementation of schoolwide changes. If new technologies add to a teacher's workload instead of reducing it, this increases the likelihood of burnout, potentially driving more teachers out of the field.
Looking ahead, we propose that future research should focus on schools successfully integrating new technologies, learning from their successes. The broader message is that prioritizing teacher well-being should be a non-negotiable aspect of implementing educational changes.
[1]: "Being Online 24/7: Does Remote Work in Education Contribute to Burnout and Stress?", M.A. Peretz, 2022[2]: "The Impact of Digital Technologies on Teacher Stress and Wellness", T.M. Zipin, 2022[3]: "Learning Management Systems and Teacher Burnout", D.T. Marshall et al., 2024[4]: "Blended Learning and Teacher Stress: The Importance of Implementing Mindful Technology Integration", M. Jones, 2023[5]: "Promoting Teacher Well-being: Strategies for Navigating Online Learning", R. Lopez, 2022
The integration of artificial intelligence in future tech and education could potentially alleviate some of the teachers' workloads, reducing burnout. However, if not implemented thoughtfully, artificial intelligence in learning management systems might exacerbate the issue, making the technology another burden for educators.
To prevent this, future development of artificial intelligence in technology should prioritize teacher well-being, ensuring that it aids teachers rather than adding to their tasks.
