Navigating the challenges of technology in mathematics education: a comparative analysis with traditional methods

The introduction of technology in mathematics education has transformed instructional methods, providing new methods to improve student engagement and conceptual comprehension. Although these improvements have been made, using technology to teach maths comes with several teaching and practical issues. This paper critically examines the core challenges associated with using educational technology in mathematics classrooms, comparing them with the enduring advantages of traditional teaching methods. Based on recent research, this study acknowledges the advantages of technological affordances while highlighting problems including digital inequality, cognitive overload, and the loss of foundational abilities. Conversely, traditional methods continue to offer structured, process-oriented learning environments that support foundational skill development. This comparative analysis suggests the necessity of a balanced, pedagogically informed integration of both modalities for effective mathematics instruction