With the looming end of ESSER funding, educators across the country are facing new challenges. Technology that once enhanced learning is at risk, raising concerns about how schools will adapt without the financial backing that fueled innovative tools in the classroom. Explore how ESSER-funded technology has impacted education and what teachers and schools are worried about moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• 82% of parents think technology integration is necessary for their kids' education.
• More than 1 in 4 teachers (26%) say their school is not financially prepared to maintain or replace technology once funding ends, and 1 in 3 say there is no plan to do so.
• 1 in 4 teachers are very concerned about losing ESSER funding.
• 1 in 5 teachers say their curriculum has become very dependent on ESSER-funded technology.
• 30% of teachers are concerned about repairing or replacing technology nearing its end of life (aka the "Chromebook crisis").

The Impact of Losing ESSER-Funded Technology

The introduction of ESSER-funded technology in classrooms has been a game-changer, but as funding is coming to an end, some teachers are worried about how this will impact their students and curriculum.

• 1 in 4 teachers were very concerned about losing ESSER funding.
• 1 in 5 teachers said their curriculum has become very dependent on ESSER-funded technology.
• 47% felt that ESSER-funded technology improved their students' learning.
• 28% were very concerned that disparities in access to technology would worsen after funding ends.

Teachers' Top 5 Preferred Classroom Devices

1. Smartboards (59%)
2. Laptops (52%)
3. Chromebooks (43%)
4. Projectors (36%)
5. iPads (31%)

Technology Concerns After ESSER Funding Ends

With ESSER funding ending, many teachers worry about losing the technology they depend on. While most received training, many schools aren't prepared to maintain or replace these tools, raising concerns about the future of tech in classrooms.

• 83% of teachers have received technology training, including:
• Managing student behavior during tech use (34%)
• Device management and troubleshooting (30%)
• Using digital tools and educational apps effectively (21%)
• Nearly 1 in 10 teachers (8%) had data privacy or security concerns.
• 57% of teachers said the introduction of ESSER-funded technology has changed their teaching methods.
• More than 1 in 4 teachers (26%) said their school is not financially prepared to maintain or replace technology once funding ends, and 1 in 3 said there is no plan to do so.
• 3 in 10 teachers were concerned about repairing or replacing aging technology, often called the "Chromebook crisis."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools used ESSER funds to quickly purchase affordable Chromebooks to support remote learning. As these devices near the end of their lifespan, many schools may struggle to find the funds for repairs or replacements, putting students' access to technology at risk. Without continued ESSER support, maintaining these essential tools may become a critical issue for districts nationwide.

Parent Insights on Technology in Education

Parents see the value of technology in education but have growing concerns about overuse and its impact on critical skills like problem-solving and critical thinking.

• Nearly 3 in 10 parents (29%) had data privacy concerns regarding their kid's technology use in education.
• 82% of parents said technology integration is necessary for their kids' education.

Parents' Main Concerns of Technology Use in Education

• Overreliance on technology (63%)
• Reducing problem-solving skills (57%)
• Lack of critical thinking development (57%)
• Creating a dependency on technology for basic tasks (57%)
• Plagiarism or academic dishonesty (52%)

Preparing for Post-ESSER Education

As ESSER funding ends, the challenge of sustaining technology-driven education becomes more pressing for schools, teachers, and parents. While many recognize the benefits of classroom technology, concerns about its accessibility and long-term viability are growing. To continue the progress made during the ESSER period, schools will need to find creative solutions to overcome financial and logistical obstacles.

Methodology

We surveyed 800 parents and 326 teachers to explore the impact of technology in education and how the ending of ESSER funding might affect them. Percentages not totaling 100% are due to rounding.

About Prodigy Education

Prodigy Education is a global leader in game-based learning. Our mission is to help every student in the world love learning, motivating millions worldwide via fun, secure, and accessible curriculum-aligned gameplay experiences. At Prodigy Education, we believe maximizing student motivation helps develop a lifetime love of learning. Prodigy's approach to fun, game-based learning means kids no longer have to choose between homework and playtime. Visit www.prodigygame.com to learn more.

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