Blackboards to Algorithms: Policy support for pedagogical shifts in the tech era

The swift embedding of technology in education necessitates a reimagination of pedagogies, though the distance between policies on paper and realities on the ground continue to prevail. This paper examines how education policy can support the journey for bridging traditional modes of pedagogy with technology led practice, to achieve equitable and sustainable transformation. Through the lens of policy architectures, technology implementation hurdles, and pedagogical transformation, the research examines cases from across the globe from digital literacy programs in Estonia to AI-enhanced classrooms in South Korea, and India’s National Education Policy 2020 to find systemic pain points and entryways for innovation. Key lessons identify an overemphasis in fragmented policy discourse on infrastructure as opposed to pedagogy readiness, further contributing to digital divides and associated ethical concerns in algorithmic bias and data privacy. There are also teacher training voids and curriculum inflexibilities that lock in place ineffective tech integration. The review highlights the importance of equity-informed policies, such as widespread availability of broadband and devices and professional development for educators, as well as ethical standards for AI use. Advocating for processes that align technological scalability with pedagogical intentionality, this paper charts a systemic reform path: promoting collaboration between education, policy, and technology, modernizing content in order to highlight digitally citizenship, and incubating equity as a foundational element in EdTech work. Finally, the study concludes that such successful pedagogical changes are more likely in the tech era when policy will prioritize human-cantered innovation that leverages technology to support (rather that supplant the irreplaceable role of the teacher and the diversity of learners.