Education technology, or EdTech, is often heralded as the saviour of modern learning. From AI tutors and personalised learning platforms to interactive apps and virtual classrooms, we’re told that technology will democratise education, close achievement gaps, and prepare students for the jobs of the future. But despite billions of dollars poured into EdTech solutions, the reality often falls far short of the hype.

Let’s cut through the noise and expose the most common myths and bollocks surrounding the EdTech industry, as we strap into part nineteen of my satirical comedic polemic series where everything is bollocks!

“Technology Will Replace Teachers”

One of the most overhyped claims in EdTech is that technology will one day replace teachers. AI-powered platforms promise personalised, adaptive learning tailored to every student’s needs, supposedly eliminating the need for human instructors.

But education is about far more than delivering content. Teachers provide mentorship, emotional support, and real-time feedback that no AI can replicate. While EdTech tools can complement teaching, they cannot replace the nuanced, human-centred work that educators do every day. The idea that technology will make teachers obsolete? Absolute bollocks.

“Personalised Learning for Everyone”

EdTech companies often market their platforms as offering “personalised learning,” where algorithms adapt to a student’s progress and learning style. While this sounds revolutionary, the reality is often far more superficial. Most so-called personalised learning systems rely on generic pathways, offering the same pre-packaged content with slight adjustments in pacing or difficulty.

Moreover, these platforms rarely account for the social, emotional, and contextual factors that influence learning. The claim that algorithms can genuinely personalise education for every student is more marketing bollocks than reality.

“EdTech Will Close the Achievement Gap”

Another lofty promise is that EdTech will level the playing field, providing access to quality education for underserved communities. While it’s true that technology can expand access to resources, it often exacerbates existing inequalities. Students without reliable internet, updated devices, or tech-savvy support systems are left further behind.

The digital divide is real, and throwing technology at the problem without addressing underlying inequities is like putting a plaster on a broken bone. The idea that EdTech alone will close the achievement gap is wishful thinking at best—and bollocks at worst.

“Gamification Makes Learning Fun and Effective”

Gamification—adding game-like elements to education—has become a buzzword in the EdTech space. Apps promise to make learning fun through points, badges, and leaderboards, supposedly boosting engagement and outcomes. But while gamification can make repetitive tasks more enjoyable, it’s not a cure-all.

Research shows that the novelty of gamification often wears off quickly, and its effectiveness depends on thoughtful implementation. Slapping badges and points onto a subpar learning experience doesn’t make it engaging or educational. The idea that gamification is a game-changer for learning? More EdTech bollocks.

“AI Tutors Are Better Than Real Ones”

AI tutors are often touted as the future of one-on-one instruction, capable of answering questions, explaining concepts, and guiding students through problems. While AI systems can be helpful for specific tasks, they lack the ability to address deeper misunderstandings, offer encouragement, or adapt to a student’s emotional state.

AI tutors might be faster at answering questions, but they can’t replace the nuanced, empathetic guidance of a skilled human tutor. The claim that AI tutors are “better” than real ones is another piece of EdTech bollocks designed to oversell capabilities.

“Virtual Reality Will Revolutionise Classrooms”

Virtual reality (VR) is often hyped as the next big thing in education, offering immersive experiences like virtual field trips or simulations. While VR has potential in certain niches, like medical training or architecture, it’s far from practical for everyday classroom use.

VR headsets are expensive, bulky, and require significant technical expertise to deploy. Many schools lack the infrastructure or budget to support such technology, and for most subjects, traditional teaching methods remain more effective and accessible. The promise of VR transforming education is, for now, mostly bollocks.

“EdTech Will Save Teachers Time”

One of the most appealing promises of EdTech is that it will save teachers time by automating administrative tasks, grading, and lesson planning. While some tools do streamline certain processes, they often come with steep learning curves, constant updates, and technical glitches that eat into teachers’ already limited time.

Instead of reducing workload, many EdTech solutions create additional layers of complexity, forcing teachers to juggle multiple platforms and troubleshoot problems. The claim that EdTech will save teachers time is often more trouble than it’s worth—and yet another piece of bollocks.

“Free EdTech Is Actually Free”

Many EdTech platforms advertise themselves as “free” to schools and students, but as the saying goes, if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product. Free platforms often collect vast amounts of data on students and teachers, monetising it through advertising or selling insights to third parties.

The hidden costs of “free” EdTech go beyond data privacy. Schools can become locked into ecosystems that require expensive upgrades or subscriptions to access advanced features. The notion of truly “free” EdTech is just more marketing bollocks.

“More Tech Means Better Learning”

EdTech companies often equate more technology with better education, pushing schools to adopt the latest gadgets, apps, and platforms. But studies show that technology alone doesn’t improve learning outcomes. In fact, over-reliance on EdTech can distract from the core goals of education and widen disparities among students.

Learning is a complex process that requires meaningful interactions, critical thinking, and context—none of which can be solved by simply adding more tech. The narrative that more technology automatically leads to better learning? Classic EdTech bollocks.

Conclusion: EdTech Is a Tool, Not a Solution

EdTech has the potential to enhance education in meaningful ways, but the industry’s overhyped promises often overshadow its limitations. From claims of replacing teachers to solving systemic inequities, much of the narrative around EdTech is driven by marketing rather than reality.

The truth is, education is about people—teachers, students, and communities—not just technology. When used thoughtfully, EdTech can be a powerful tool, but it’s no substitute for the human connection at the heart of learning. Let’s stop falling for the bollocks and focus on what really works in education.