Technology That Changed How I Learn by Blake

Technology That Changed How I Learn by Blake - November 2025 Scholarship Essay

For a long time, school felt like a language I couldn’t quite speak.
Numbers, long written assignments, and lectures moved faster than I could process because of my dyscalculia, ADHD, and written-verbal learning disorder. What finally changed everything for me wasn’t a tutor or a new textbook—it was technology.

The first real turning point came when my teachers started using digital learning tools that allowed lessons to be recorded or replayed. With those, I could pause, rewind, and review until concepts made sense. I remember using YouTube and Khan Academy for math practice and realizing for the first time that I could learn at my own speed. That freedom built my confidence; I wasn’t being “left behind” anymore—I was catching up in my own lane.

Speech-to-text software also became a lifeline. Writing papers used to take me hours because organizing thoughts on paper felt impossible. Once I started using voice-to-text and editing afterward, my ideas began to flow naturally. It was the first time I felt like my thoughts and my words were finally on the same team. My teachers noticed the change too—my grades and participation improved because I wasn’t afraid of assignments anymore.

Even small pieces of technology made a big difference. Digital planners and calendar apps help me manage my ADHD. I set reminders for assignments and color-code my schedule so I can see everything at a glance. It might seem simple, but that organization keeps me from falling into the stress spiral that used to hold me back.

Technology didn’t just make learning easier—it made it possible for me to take ownership of my education. It helped me discover that I’m not a “bad student”; I just learn differently. Tools like Quizlet, Grammarly, and interactive study apps gave me ways to engage with information through visuals and repetition instead of just memorizing notes. That change turned school into something I could actually enjoy.

As I prepare for college, I know that technology will keep shaping how I learn. I plan to use the same tools that helped me overcome my learning challenges to help others who struggle the way I once did. I’ve already started tutoring younger students and showing them how to use these apps to build confidence instead of frustration. Seeing their relief reminds me how powerful access to the right tools can be.

Technology didn’t just improve my classroom experience—it transformed it. It taught me that innovation isn’t just about gadgets or screens; it’s about giving every student a fair chance to learn in the way that works best for them.

For me, that chance changed everything.