The Impacts of Increased Technology on Socialization and Relationships in the Classroom: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how technology integration affects socialization patterns, peer collaboration, and teacher-student relationships from teacher and student perspectives in high school Career and Technical Education classrooms. The study addressed the challenge educators face in balancing technology use with the development of interpersonal and communication skills essential for student success. Despite widespread technology implementation, limited research exists regarding its influence on social dynamics in Career and Technical Education environments. The conceptual framework combined technological and pedagogical knowledge with Bandura’s social learning theory, emphasizing observation, modeling, and interaction in learning. Using a qualitative case study design at a Career and Technical Education high school in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, data was collected from 10 teachers and 10 students through surveys and semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis with manual coding and triangulation to ensure trustworthiness. Findings revealed that technology plays a dual role in shaping classroom socialization. When intentionally integrated, technology enhances collaboration, communication, and professional skill development while strengthening teacher-student relationships through increased access to feedback and support. However, unstructured or excessive technology use may contribute to reduced face-to-face interaction, social disconnection, and inequities related to access and digital readiness. The findings suggest that effective technology integration requires intentional instructional design, active facilitation, and balanced development of both technical and interpersonal skills. This study contributes to educational practice by providing educators and administrators with strategies to support meaningful social interaction and career readiness in technology-rich learning environments.