Graduate Students Examine the Real-World Impacts of Technology
Course Spotlight: Critical Perspectives of Technology
Graduate students in Loyola University Maryland’s Learning Design & Technology program are examining how the technology we rely on in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday life is reshaping the ways to teach, learn, and connect.
In their course ET690, Critical Perspectives of Technology, students examine how tools like AI, algorithms, and digital platforms can affect different parts of society. The course is designed to push students beyond surface-level understanding and help them recognize both the opportunities and challenges of rapid technological change.
One assignment in ET690 requires students to write a blog analyzing a technology-related issue relevant to learning, education, or society. The assignment helps students develop and defend their perspectives while practicing the kind of writing that has real-world relevance.
Let’s take a look at four blogs from the Spring 2025 semester.
AI in Education: Balancing Innovation and Ethics in Grading and Assessments
By: Carley Marston
Carley Marston, who’s also a third grade teacher, explored the rising use of AI in grading. While these systems offer efficiency and immediate feedback, her blog warns against replacing human educators in the assessment process.
“Grading and assessment are not just about assigning numbers or scores; they are opportunities for teachers to gain deep insights into their students’ understanding, growth, and development… These aspects of education—empathy, understanding, and human connection—are difficult, if not impossible, for AI to replicate.”
Carley points out the inconsistency in AI-generated assessments, citing research that showed significant grade variations when only the name on a student’s paper was changed. Her blog argues that AI should assist, not replace, the role of teachers in evaluating student learning.
AI in Elementary School? How to Responsibly Implement for Young Learners
By: Esther Girón
Esther Girón, who worked as an elementary school librarian while in the Learning Design & Technology program, reflected on how AI tools are making their way into elementary classrooms. Students are encountering AI earlier than many educators might expect, through things like voice assistants and auto-correct tools.
“My goal is to give my students a foundational understanding of using AI, ethically and critically.”
Esther shares best practices for teaching AI in elementary school, like including AI in everyday examples, using age-appropriate tools, teaching ethical use and bias awareness, and encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
“There is no escaping the future of AI and how it will be used years from now—much less how it’s used now. Yet, acknowledging this new tool that students are curious about, we can take these important steps to develop their digital literacy skills to use this technology, responsibly.”
How Artificial Intelligence is Contributing to an Environmental Crisis
By: Mariana Carrillo Obregón
Elementary school teacher Mariana Carrillo Obregón’s blog focused on a lesser-discussed consequence of AI—its environmental impact, particularly water consumption. She detailed how the training and operation of AI models require vast amounts of water and energy.
Mariana examined real-world examples in the UK, Chile, and Uruguay, where communities have raised concerns about the strain AI data centers place on already limited water resources. She also highlighted cases where AI is being used to improve sustainability, such as a Swedish water company using AI to detect underground leaks.
Her blog encourages readers to think about the full cost of innovation and to advocate for transparency and accountability in how AI is developed and deployed.
“We cannot halt this technological progress, but we need to be conscious of AI’s water footprint. The amount of water used during the production, maintenance, and operation of AI is significant, and the statistics presented reflect the reality of what happens ‘behind the scenes.’”
Gamification in Learning Environments: Engaging Students Through Play
By: Andrew Beiglarbeigie
Andrew Beiglarbeigie, an elementary classroom teacher, explored how game-based learning tools, like Class Dojo, Kahoot, and Quizlet, are helping students stay engaged and motivated.
“Gamification taps into students’ natural desire for play, curiosity, and achievement. When students earn rewards, complete challenges, and track their progress through leaderboards or badges, they are more likely to stay engaged.”
His blog discussed the benefits of gamification in increasing motivation and improving knowledge retention, while also addressing concerns around digital addiction. He emphasized the importance of balance, encouraging educators to use gamification as a supplement to traditional instruction.
“While gamification is a powerful tool, it should complement—not replace—traditional teaching methods. A well-rounded curriculum that includes hands-on activities, discussions, and real-world applications.”
These student blogs reflect the core values of Loyola’s Learning Design & Technology program. The course structure supports students in developing the tools to critically question technology’s role in the world, rather than simply adopting it. By emphasizing reflection, ethical awareness, and communication, the graduate program prepares educators and designers to lead with both innovation and integrity.
Interested in a graduate program that challenges you to think critically about the role of technology in learning? Learn more about the Learning Design & Technology M.Ed. program at Loyola.