Como assim?
Perguntas que inquietam os docentes
ABRIL/MAIO 2026 | nº6 |
In this section, experts invited by YVIRÁ answer questions submitted by teachers who are part of the National Science for Education Network (Rede CpE) as “Friends of the Network”.
For this edition, Professor Ronaldo Mota, holder of the Chair in Artificial Intelligence and emeritus visiting researcher/FAPERJ at the Brazilian College of Advanced Studies of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), explains how to balance the presentation of digital technologies in the school environment. He discusses strategies and recommendations on how to meet the demands of the job market without the use of screens and social networks negatively affecting students, and without violating the law that restricts the use of cell phones in schools. Check it out below. Image: Adobestock
Digital balance
“How to introduce digital technologies to students? On the one hand, the job market complains about the lack of preparation of young people regarding the subject. On the other hand, we see news about the effects of social media use on memory and attention. At the same time, we experience restrictions on the use of cell phones in schools, while we know that investment in computers and the like, especially in the public school system, is a major challenge. How would it be possible to align these different needs in practice?”
Ronaldo Mota
Chair Holder in Artificial Intelligence
Emeritus Visiting Researcher/ FAPERJ at the Brazilian College of Advanced Studies of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
This formative approach becomes even more crucial in a scenario where the job market increasingly demands candidates with digital skills, making the presence of digital technologies in their daily lives inexorable.
The training of educators is crucial in this scenario, as well-prepared teachers can guide students in the appropriate and creative use of technology, transforming digital tools into allies of learning.
To this end, the creation of computer labs, the promotion of activities that creatively integrate technology, and the implementation of interdisciplinary projects that utilize new digital tools are valuable initiatives.
Schools should not only adopt digital tools, but also promote critical awareness among students about the context in which they live, promote the ability to reflect on their own reflection, and teach them to use technology responsibly.
Ronaldo Mota
Chair Holder in Artificial Intelligence
Emeritus Visiting Researcher/ FAPERJ at the Brazilian College of Advanced Studies of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
APRIL/MAY | nº6 | Introducing digital technology into the daily school routine is an important and necessary step in preparing a generation for the future, but the approach must be balanced
While the school promotes the use of technology, it is important for students to have a reasonable understanding of the world they live in, both in relation to the historical moment they are experiencing and the geopolitical space they inhabit. With these roots established, it is possible to encourage them to reflect on their own thoughts and amplify their metacognitive abilities, skills that go beyond mere cognition, enabling them to learn continuously throughout their lives. This formative approach becomes even more crucial in a scenario where the job market increasingly demands candidates with digital skills, making the presence of digital technologies in their daily lives inexorable.
If the school, especially the public school, does not fulfill this mission, we run the risk of seeing many students feeling digitally illiterate and irrelevant citizens in the near future. It is important to remember that many of them do not have access to educated parents, adequate computers, or quality internet infrastructure at home. This reality highlights the responsibility of schools to integrate digital education into their pedagogical practices, not only teaching the use of software programs, but also promoting an understanding of how technology should be used ethically and responsibly.
This formative approach becomes even more crucial in a scenario where the job market increasingly demands candidates with digital skills, making the presence of digital technologies in their daily lives inexorable.
The training of educators is crucial in this scenario, as well-prepared teachers can guide students in the appropriate and creative use of technology, transforming digital tools into allies of learning. Similarly, the implementation of curricula that include the ability to read and produce minimally complex texts, with an introduction to computer science and the development of digital and metacognitive skills from early childhood education to high school is essential to shape a generation of students capable of facing technological challenges.
On the other hand, the excessive use of social networks and other platforms can have a negative impact on the learning and mental health of young people. Studies indicate that the excessive use of these platforms, which has been quite common, can impair students’ memory and attention, creating a distraction that becomes a barrier to learning. Therefore, it is crucial that schools promote a critical understanding of social media use, teaching students to discern information, understand the consequences of their online presence, and establish healthy boundaries for its use.
The training of educators is crucial in this scenario, as well-prepared teachers can guide students in the appropriate and creative use of technology, transforming digital tools into allies of learning.
To this end, the creation of computer labs, the promotion of activities that creatively integrate technology, and the implementation of interdisciplinary projects that utilize new digital tools are valuable initiatives. In addition, encouraging the use of devices that students already own, such as smartphones, through the implementation of educational applications, can stimulate learning in various areas.
Introducing students to digital technology in their daily school life is an important and necessary step to form a generation prepared for the future. However, this approach must be balanced and consider the risks associated with the irresponsible use of technology. Schools should not only adopt digital tools, but also promote critical awareness among students about the context in which they live, promote the ability to reflect on their own reflection, and teach them to use technology responsibly.
With the support of well-prepared educators, adequate investment in infrastructure, and a conscious pedagogical approach, it is possible to create a learning environment where technology acts as an ally, not an adversary, contributing to the formation of more capable, conscious, and, above all, happy citizens.
Schools should not only adopt digital tools, but also promote critical awareness among students about the context in which they live, promote the ability to reflect on their own reflection, and teach them to use technology responsibly.
