Teacher’s Challenges and Opportunities in Integrating Digital Technology in the Classroom

John Dave Aldwin Salgado MAED^1*, & James L. Paglinawan, PhD.²
¹Teacher I, Department of Education, Colambugon Elementary School, Philippines
² Professor, Central Mindanao University, Philippines
DOI – http://doi.org/10.37502/IJSMR.2025.81022

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the challenges and opportunities faced by teachers integrating digital technology in the classroom. Through thematic analysis of teacher responses, the study identifies common barriers such as insufficient devices, unreliable internet connectivity, power interruptions, and gaps in digital literacy. These limitations frequently hinder teachers’ ability to maximize the benefits of technology for instruction. Despite these challenges, participants highlighted significant opportunities afforded by digital integration. Teachers reported enhanced student attentiveness and engagement, improved classroom management, and increased access to resources that support the development of 21st-century skills. Digital technology was also perceived as instrumental in bridging inequalities, especially in marginalized and geographically isolated communities, by enabling exposure to diverse learning experiences and supporting cultural preservation. The findings underscore the transformative potential of technology in making education more accessible and inclusive, while emphasizing the need for ongoing infrastructure development and targeted professional support. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how teachers demonstrate practical and pedagogical considerations in digital classrooms and advocates for systemic support to address persistent challenges and fully realize the opportunities presented by educational technology.

Keywords: Digital technology, educational opportunities, Pedagogical innovation, 21^st-century skills,

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