Arizona teaching changing focus as AI gains foothold

By Stacy Mantle
Mail

Tablets, laptops and online learning platforms have long become standard tools in many schools.

Now schools are rapidly integrating artificial intelligence is also as part of the educational landscape by helping students brainstorm ideas, summarize information and receive personalized academic support.

Supporters say the technology can improve access to learning and help teachers meet individual student needs. Critics worry students may be losing opportunities to develop patience, focus and independent problem-solving skills.

The debate comes as educators nationwide report growing concerns about student attention spans, classroom distractions and the ability of some students to work through challenges without immediate assistance.

"The new word is 'edutainment,'" said Curtis Finch, superintendent of Deer Valley Unified School District in Arizona. "How can you make your lesson applicable, interactive? Teachers are going to have to be more engaging for students...."

What the research shows

Researchers are studying how heavy technology use affects child development.

A 2026 review published in "Humanities and Social Sciences Communications" found associations between higher levels of screen use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns and attention difficulties among children and adolescents.

Researchers also found sleep disruption and reduced physical activity often contributed to those outcomes.

Other studies suggest the issue may not be technology itself but how it is used.

Students who spend significant time consuming short-form content, switching rapidly between tasks or relying on devices for constant entertainment may have fewer opportunities to build sustained attention and frustration tolerance.

At the same time, many educational technology tools have demonstrated benefits for reading intervention, language development and personalized learning when used intentionally.

“As I tell my students, tech companies are competing for their attention when they design the next flashy game or addictive social media platform," said Melissa Girmscheid, president of Tolleson Union Education Association. "I anticipate that the next school year will be spent collaborating with colleagues to find creative ways to encourage our students to exercise their brains and extend their attention spans.”

Youngest learners face the biggest risks

While concerns about artificial intelligence and social media often focus on older students, early childhood experts say some of the most important questions involve children who have not yet entered kindergarten.

"Babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn best through their everyday experiences, through positive interactions with their parents and caregivers and by using their senses to interact with the world," said Ofelia Gonzalez, senior director of public information for First Things First. "The amount and quality of care, stimulation and interaction they receive in their early years make all the difference."

Research has consistently shown the first five years of life are critical for brain development. During those years, children build language, social-emotional and cognitive skills through conversations, play, exploration and interactions with parents and caregivers.

Early learning advocates caution that excessive screen use may reduce time spent on activities that help build those foundational skills.

Research cited by First Things First shows children with access to quality early learning programs enter school with stronger vocabulary, language, math and social skills and are more likely to succeed academically later in life.

Extended screen time can displace activities such as lap-reading, creative play and face-to-face interactions that support language development and kindergarten readiness.

The organization recommends families focus on balance, limiting screen use and creating opportunities for children to explore, ask questions, move their bodies and engage with the people around them.

When screens are used, experts recommend adults participate alongside children rather than using devices as passive entertainment. Asking questions, discussing content and encouraging interaction can help transform screen time into a more meaningful learning experience.

The AI question

Artificial intelligence has added a new layer to the discussion.

Today's students can use AI tools to answer questions, explain concepts, generate essays and solve complex problems within seconds. While some educators see AI as a valuable learning support, others worry students may become dependent on technology before mastering foundational skills.

Researchers have increasingly focused on what they call "cognitive offloading," or relying on technology to perform mental tasks that individuals would otherwise complete themselves. 

Some educators argue AI should be treated much like calculators were when they first entered classrooms — as a tool that can enhance learning when used appropriately but cannot replace core skills.

Others believe schools must quickly establish clear guidelines before AI becomes deeply embedded in student learning habits.

Why delayed gratification still matters

For decades, researchers have found that self-control and delayed gratification are linked to academic achievement, emotional well-being and long-term success.

Dr. Emilio Justo, author of "The Power of Pause: Mastering Delayed Gratification for Success," believes those skills have become even more important in today's digital environment.

"Parents aren't just raising kids. They're raising future adults who will face pressure, stress and constant temptation," Justo said. "When children learn to slow down before reacting, they gain confidence, emotional control and a stronger sense of who's in charge — them, not the impulse."

Justo argues patience is a skill that can be practiced and strengthened through everyday experiences.

Rather than immediately solving problems or removing frustration, he encourages families to create opportunities for children to wait, reflect and work through challenges independently.

How schools are responding

Across the country, schools are experimenting with ways to help students rebuild focus and engagement. While some districts have restricted cellphone use during the school day, others are investing in project-based learning, outdoor education, discussion-based instruction and hands-on activities that require students to collaborate, think critically and remain engaged for longer periods of time.

However, Arizona has gone "all-in" and emerged as one of the nation's leaders in classroom AI adoption, investing millions of dollars in AI-powered tutoring tools such as Khanmigo and expanding access to more than 170,000 public school students.

State schools Superintendent Tom Horne has said the technology helps students learn by "asking questions that guide them to discover solutions on their own," while the Arizona Department of Education has developed statewide guidance for responsible AI use in classrooms.

Arizona is also home to several AI-focused schools, including Unbound Academy and Alpha School, which use artificial intelligence to personalize instruction and track student progress.

Supporters say AI can provide individualized tutoring and reduce teacher workloads, while critics raise concerns about screen time, privacy, accuracy and the potential loss of human interaction in learning.

Educators are also exploring how to teach AI literacy, helping students understand both the opportunities and limitations of emerging technologies.

Most experts say the goal is not to eliminate technology but to ensure students develop the skills needed to use it responsibly.

Preparing students for the future

Technology will continue to evolve, and AI likely will become even more integrated into education and the workforce.

The challenge facing schools is no longer whether students should use technology. Instead, educators are increasingly asking how to ensure students can think independently, manage distractions and persist through difficult tasks even when instant answers are available.

As classrooms continue to change, some experts believe the most valuable skills may be the ones technology cannot provide: focus, resilience, curiosity and the ability to pause before reacting.

Editor’s note:  A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Stacy Mantle
Education Solutions Reporter

smantle@iniusa.org

Meet Stacy
Stacy Mantle is joining the team at Independent Newsmedia, Inc. as an Education Solutions journalist, thanks to a grant from the Arizona Community Collaborative. She has a long history in education that ranges from teaching junior high and middle school to developing curriculum and standards-based assessments.

Community: A longtime advocate for animal welfare, Stacy is deeply involved in rescue efforts and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.

Random Fact: Once upon a time, she shared her home with a pet coyote and two wolf hybrids. The experiences were wild enough to become the subject of her first book!

Education: She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science, a Post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with a emphasis on Marketing.

Hobbies: In her spare time, Stacy writes fast-paced urban fantasy novels, crafts small-batch artisan soap, and is always up for hiking or off-roading through the Arizona wilderness with her husband of 23 years.