Seifried, Caldwell Interim Study to Examine Use of Technology in Elementary Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, and Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, will host a joint interim study in the coming months to explore when it’s appropriate for schools to introduce technology into classrooms.

Seifried, vice chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Caldwell, chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee and vice chair of the House Education Oversight Committee, will examine the benefits and challenges of the rapid expansion of educational technology in classrooms, focusing on its impact on the health and academic performance of elementary school students.

“As technology becomes a bigger part of our daily lives, it’s critical to step back and examine how it’s affecting our children’s ability to learn and grow,” Senator Seifried said. “This study will help schools find the right balance between embracing innovation and teaching vital tech skills while also limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor play and prioritizing kids’ mental health and well-being during critical years of development.”

Seifried and Caldwell will bring in local and national experts to share insights and research during the upcoming study.

"This study is about more than just screens in the classroom—it's about understanding how students truly learn best,” Representative Caldwell said. “While technology has its place, we risk losing sight of time-tested methods like reading physical books, having face-to-face discussions, and developing critical thinking without constant digital distraction. Our students must be prepared for a digital world, but we must strike the right balance—where innovation enhances true learning without replacing the fundamentals that have served generations of learners."

The study will take place on a date yet to be announced at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The findings and recommendations from the hearing will help shape potential legislation for the 2026 legislative session.

Once scheduled, a link to the date and time of this study and a full list of presenters will be available on the Senate website at oksenate.gov and the House website at okhouse.gov. Interim studies must be completed by Oct. 31.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Ally Seifried at (405) 521-5555 or Ally.Seifried@oksenate.gov or Rep. Chad Caldwell at (405) 557-7317 or Chad.Caldwell@okhouse.gov