Tech Changed School. But Did It Change Us?
(at Soka International School Malaysia)
Let’s be real — school doesn’t look the same anymore.
Gone are the days when learning meant sitting in neat rows, quietly copying whatever the teacher wrote on the chalkboard. Now it’s all about Google Classroom updates, Kahoot quizzes flying by, VR field trips to ancient cities, and AI tools that can whip up essays faster than we can say "deadline." Whether we like it or not, technology isn’t just part of school life anymore — it’s practically our new classroom buddy.
But underneath all the apps and smartboards, something deeper is happening.
Are we really learning better... or just faster?
We’re All Digital Natives Now
Let’s be honest. Most of us had a phone or tablet in our hands before we could even spell “technology.” We Google everything. We YouTube algebra tutorials. We scroll through TikToks on World War II because they’re easier to digest than a 50-page textbook.
The world is moving fast, and schools have had to sprint to keep up. That’s why you’ll see classrooms today with interactive whiteboards instead of chalkboards, teachers giving real-time feedback on Google Docs, and students attending classes from halfway across the world via Zoom.
It’s incredible in many ways. Learning is more accessible than ever — you can master anything from coding to cooking online, often for free.
But here's something we don't always talk about: having access to information isn’t the same as actually learning. Being able to find an answer fast doesn't mean you understand it. Watching a thousand videos won’t magically teach you how to solve real problems when life gets messy.
The Rise of AI — But What About the Humanity?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the classroom: AI. Everyone’s using it. Students ask ChatGPT to explain math problems. Teachers lean on AI tools to speed up grading. It’s woven into the background now.
And honestly? AI is amazing. It makes learning more personalized, faster, even fun sometimes.
But here’s the risk: if we rely on it too much, we start to lose the human side of education. Because real school isn't just about finding the right answer. It’s about learning how to think for yourself, how to care about others, how to communicate, how to collaborate — things no machine can truly teach you.
That’s why places like Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) stand out. They aren’t just raising smart students; they’re nurturing kind, courageous, global citizens. At SISM, it's not about racing to finish an assignment — it’s about who you become along the way.
What Tech Can’t Teach
Here’s the thing: the more tech floods into education, the more people are realizing that soft skills matter more than ever.
Problem-solving. Empathy. Teamwork. Courage. Confidence to fail and try again.
These don’t come from staring at a screen. They come from real human experiences — from group projects that test your patience, from heated class debates that sharpen your mind, from making friends from halfway around the world in your boarding house, and from late-night conversations that somehow turn into life lessons.
At SISM, while you’ll definitely see tech in the classroom, you’ll also see something even more powerful: students learning to live together, support each other, and grow into leaders — after the gadgets are switched off at night.
Because sometimes, real learning doesn’t start until the screens go dark.
The Bigger Picture: Becoming Global Citizens
We’re growing up in a smaller, louder world. One where you can connect to someone across the planet in seconds — but also one where it's easier than ever to misunderstand or disconnect.
That’s why modern education isn't just about memorizing facts. It’s about understanding the world, and your place in it. Tech gives us tools. But it’s how we choose to use them that defines who we become.
Are we using social media to spread kindness — or negativity?
Are we learning to understand other cultures — or just doom-scrolling?
Are we using AI to support our growth — or to avoid the hard work?
At SISM, students are quietly being reminded: Education isn’t just about what’s on the screen. It’s about what’s in your heart — and how you show up for the world.
So... What’s Next?
Tech will keep changing. AI will keep growing. There will always be new platforms, new apps, new ways to learn.
But some things won’t change: The need for human connection. The value of compassion, courage, and wisdom. The importance of being a real learner — not just a fast one.
At the end of the day, the real trend to follow isn't technology. It’s how we, as students, teachers, parents, and people, choose to grow alongside it.
And honestly? That’s a future worth getting excited about.
For more information, check out www.sism.edu.my
