Education Technology Fails to Boost Learning for U.S. Children, Bloomberg Editorial Board Reports
February 11, 2026 — U.S. schools have invested heavily in educational technology, yet the hoped-for improvements in student learning outcomes remain elusive. According to a recent editorial by Bloomberg’s Editorial Board, the $30 billion spent on “edtech” in 2024—about ten times more than the amount spent on textbooks—has not translated into better cognitive skills among students. In fact, learning metrics suggest a troubling decline even as children spend increasing hours on school-issued digital devices.
For over a century, rising IQ scores across Western countries paralleled growing years in formal education. This positive trend, however, has reversed over the past two decades. The current generation known as Gen Z is reportedly the first to demonstrate lower cognitive abilities than their parents, not only in IQ scores but also in numeracy, creativity, and other critical measures. This is particularly alarming given that today’s students spend more time in school and on educational technology than ever before.
The Bloomberg editorial calls for a reassessment of the heavy investment in edtech. While technology promised to revolutionize education and personalize learning, these goals have yet to materialize into measurable improvements. Instead, the surge in screen time associated with edtech interventions appears correlated with stagnating or declining academic performance.
The Editorial Board urges school districts and policymakers to reconsider the current trajectory before funneling additional billions into unproven technology solutions. Traditional educational tools, such as textbooks, might still offer valuable benefits that newer tech can’t readily replicate.
As the dialogue over education reform continues, these findings underscore the importance of evidence-based approaches. The compelling return to older, more tested methods could be a prudent step while the educational community works toward integrating technology in ways that truly enhance learning.
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This article is based on the Editorial Board opinion piece published by Bloomberg on February 11, 2026.
