Reigniting kids' love of learning — without relying on tech

By Evan Dawson,

Published March 10, 2026 at 3:27 PM EDT

Five people wearing headphones sit around a table in a radio talk studio: a bald man front left is wearing a grey suit, grey button-down shirt and tan shoes; a young woman front right has dark braids and is wearing a pink jacket, grey shirt and grey pants; a man at center has very short dark hair and is wearing a navy hooded sweatshirt with white lettering, jeans and sneakers; a man back left has short dark hair, a dark beard and is wearing a white button-down shirt and a plaid tie; a woman back right has shoulder-length dark blonde hair and is wearing a black shirt with green lettering. — (foreground) Ryan Clair and Harmony Davis, (background) Sean Coffey and Amy Stein with host Evan Dawson on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Research shows that Gen Z will be the first generation to score lower on standardized tests than their parents.

A number of educators argue that the arrival of technology in the classroom was the downfall. They say that the smartboards, laptops, and other technology geared at helping schools modernize and helping kids keep up has set students back.

What can reignite kids' love of learning? The leaders of the Rochester Education Foundation's Smile program say its hands-on learning experiences are boosting students' STEM skills and their passion for education — without relying exclusively on tech.

We discuss it with our guests.

In studio:

Amy Stein, executive director of the Rochester Education Foundation
Sean Coffey, Ed.D., executive director of science in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the Rochester City School District
Ryan Clair, principal of Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16 in the Rochester City School District
Harmony Davis, 5^th grade student at Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16 in the Rochester City School District