Education in Vermont has come a long way. From tiny one-room schoolhouses nestled in the Green Mountains to today’s virtual classrooms powered by the internet, the state’s journey in educational technology—or EdTech—has been quite the transformation. While Vermont may be small in size, its drive to innovate in education has been mighty.
Let’s explore how Vermont went from chalkboards and wooden desks to tablets and digital whiteboards.
A Look Back: The One-Room Schoolhouse Era
In the 1800s and early 1900s, Vermont’s children were mostly taught in one-room schoolhouses. These schools were small buildings where students of all ages learned together from a single teacher. There were no computers, of course—just chalkboards, slates, and lots of memorization.
Learning in those days focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Teachers often doubled as janitors and lunch monitors. Heating came from a wood stove, and kids walked miles in the snow to attend class. While simple, these schools were the backbone of early Vermont education.
Moving Into the Modern Era
As the 20th century progressed, Vermont began consolidating its schools. Instead of many small schools, students were brought together into larger, centralized buildings with multiple classrooms. This allowed for grade-level learning and subject-focused instruction.
By the 1960s and 1970s, technology slowly began entering Vermont classrooms. Film projectors, typewriters, and overhead transparencies were common sights. Though far from today’s digital tools, these devices began to change how students learned.
Then came the computer age.
Computers in Vermont Classrooms
In the 1980s and 1990s, Vermont schools started introducing desktop computers. At first, these were mostly used for typing practice or basic math games. But soon, they opened up new ways to learn. Programs like Oregon Trail and Kid Pix became classroom favorites.
Vermont educators began to see the value of digital learning tools. Schools invested in computer labs, and students took classes in keyboarding and basic programming. The state supported these efforts by offering professional development for teachers to learn how to integrate computers into their lessons.
The Rise of the Internet
The late 1990s and early 2000s brought a major shift—access to the internet. Suddenly, students in rural Vermont could explore the world with a few clicks. Libraries became digital, research projects more expansive, and learning more interactive.
Vermont schools connected to the web through the E-Rate program, a federal effort to help schools afford internet access. This was especially important for Vermont’s rural communities, where tech infrastructure was slow to develop.
Vermont’s Push for EdTech Equity
As technology advanced, Vermont worked to ensure all students had access. In 2004, the state launched the Vermont Learning Network, which supported high-speed internet access for schools and libraries. By the 2010s, many districts had moved toward 1:1 device programs, where every student had access to a laptop or tablet.
The state also invested in training teachers. Programs like Vermont Fest and Dynamic Landscapes gave educators a chance to learn about new tools, from Google Classroom to educational apps.
A Sudden Leap: COVID-19 and Remote Learning
The biggest test of Vermont’s EdTech system came in 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, classrooms had to go online overnight.
Thanks to earlier investments, many Vermont schools were already using digital tools. But the shift wasn’t easy. Not all families had internet access, and some students didn’t have devices at home.
The state stepped in quickly. Schools distributed laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots. Teachers received fast-track training on remote platforms like Zoom, Seesaw, and Google Meet. Parents became co-educators, helping younger kids navigate their digital classrooms.
It wasn’t perfect, but Vermont’s schools adapted. The crisis pushed EdTech forward faster than ever.
Today’s EdTech Landscape in Vermont
In 2025, technology is now part of everyday learning in Vermont. Students use Chromebooks and iPads for homework, writing, coding, and even virtual field trips. Interactive whiteboards, digital textbooks, and AI-powered tools help teachers personalize learning for every student.
Rural schools use video conferencing to bring in guest speakers, virtual tutors, and classes from across the globe. High schoolers can take online college courses or learn niche subjects not available in their small schools.
Even Vermont’s famous snow days have changed—some schools now switch to remote learning instead of canceling class.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Still, challenges remain. Rural internet access can be spotty, and not all students feel comfortable learning online. Tech fatigue, screen time concerns, and the digital divide continue to spark debate.
But the opportunities are also exciting. Vermont is exploring AI tools, virtual reality learning, and even blockchain for student records. As education evolves, Vermont’s small size could again be its strength—allowing for agile innovation and close collaboration between schools and communities.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth
From one-room schools heated by wood stoves to virtual classrooms powered by fiber-optic cable, Vermont’s EdTech journey is a story of progress, resilience, and creativity. The tools may have changed, but the goal has stayed the same: to give every Vermont student the best education possible.
With thoughtful planning and continued investment, the state is well-positioned to lead the way in the next chapter of digital learning.
