The Power of Technology in Education: Bridging the Gap for Teachers with Orly Lobel’s ‘Equality Machine’

In her 2022 book, The Equality Machine: Harnessing Digital Technology for a Brighter, More Inclusive Future, Orly Lobel explores the complex relationship between digital technology and our society. She argues that while technology can be both a helper and a leader, it has the potential to promote social good and equity.

One of the sectors where this is particularly true is education. Lobel highlights how technology has become increasingly relevant in achieving educational objectives, especially when traditional methods reach their limits. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology played a crucial role in providing different learning options when schools were forced to close. With technological support, the majority of students were able to continue their education despite the closures.

Another issue that Lobel touches on is the training of teachers for continuous professional development (CPD). This is essential as educators need to adapt to new teaching methods and knowledge to meet the needs of their students. However, not all teachers have equal opportunities for professional growth. There are over 4 million teachers in need of training, and formal training programs often vary depending on government resources and teacher readiness. Distance also poses a challenge as teacher training facilities are typically concentrated in major cities, placing teachers in rural areas at a disadvantage.