Digital technologies, including generative AI, offer powerful tools for education, but their use in classrooms remains uneven and often poorly aligned with educational goals. While there is enthusiasm around digital transformation, research shows that mere access to technology does not guarantee meaningful learning or strengthened democratic participation. In fact, overly confident or uncritical adoption can foster illusions of understanding and even undermine core educational values.
In this talk, Professor Thomas Nygren underscores the need for educational leadership that supports critical, evidence-informed, and subject-specific use of digital tools. Rather than viewing technology as a silver bullet, schools should approach it with great care and respect for unwanted side effects. Leaders must ensure that technology use deepens disciplinary knowledge, strengthens analytical reasoning, and equips students with the skills to resist disinformation and manipulation—skills that are increasingly vital in the age of AI-generated content and information overload.
Good practices include creating environments where digital tools are critically assessed and used reflectively. Above all, leadership must prioritize digital civic literacy—integrating media and information literacy with strong subject teaching to build students’ capacity for a democratic self-defence