Caldwell, R-Enid, and Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, plan the study to look at when it’s appropriate for schools to introduce technology into classrooms.
Caldwell is chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee and vice chair of the House Education Oversight Committee, while Seifried is vice chair of the Senate Education Committee.
According to a news release they issued Tuesday, July 29, 2025, their joint interim study will examine the benefits and challenges of the expansion of educational technology in classrooms, focusing on its impact on the health and academic performance of elementary school students.
“This study is about more than just screens in the classroom — it’s about understanding how students truly learn best,” 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.”
Seifried and Caldwell said they will bring in local and national experts to share insights and research during the upcoming study.
“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,” 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.”
The date and time of the interim study have not been announced. It will be held at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. The findings and recommendations from the hearing will help shape potential legislation for the 2026 legislative session, Caldwell and Seifried said in the news release.
Once scheduled, a link to the date and time of the study and a 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.
Caldwell and Seifried worked together this past legislative session on Senate Bill 139, which instituted a bell-to-bell ban of cellphones and other devices at all public schools starting in the 2025-26 school year.
Seifried was the author of the bill, and Caldwell was the principal House author.
Caldwell had authored House Bill 1276 that also proposed a cellphone ban. His bill would have allowed local school boards to opt out and continue permitting student cellphone use in their districts.
© 2025 the Enid News & Eagle (Enid, Okla.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
