Zero-Gain EdTech in Education: When Technology Fails to Improve Learning
Introduction Educational technology (EdTech) has rapidly transformed classrooms, universities, and online learning worldwide. Governments, schools, and companies have spent billions on digital platforms, learning management systems, AI tools, gamified apps, and adaptive software, hoping these would transform education. However, growing evidence shows that much of this technology has not led to clear improvements in student learning. This situation is often called “zero-gain EdTech,” in which technology is added but provides little or no real educational benefit. Zero-gain EdTech does not mean that technology is always bad or pointless. Instead, it points to a common problem: schools often use digital tools without strong instructional reasons, solid evidence, or consideration of the broader learning picture. Many studies on online learning and computer-based teaching show what researchers call the “no significant difference” effect, in which technology performs about as well ...
