Hybrid learning can benefit students — but only if stress is actively managed through thoughtful adoption and support

Source: Daud, N. M. (2025). “From innovation to stress: Analyzing hybrid technology adoption and its role in technostress among students”. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 22(1).

Criteria for Selection: Peer reviewed article in a respected education journal. These findings are highly reliable in that the statistical model indicates a strong model fit (CFI: 0.942, RMSEA: 0.039), no data conflicts (VIF < 1.5), and statistically significant results (p < 0.05 for all 4 factors).

LEARN Brief and Infographic Credits: Dr. Jessie F. Aranda, Dr. Jeannie Haubert

Overview: 

The integration of hybrid technology in K-12 education presents both opportunities and challenges for student well-being. As schools continue to adopt digital learning tools, understanding the impact on students’ mental and physical health becomes increasingly important. This study explores the key factors contributing to technostress among students and offers practical solutions for educators and school administrators.

The study focuses on the dual role of hybrid learning technologies as both helpful a learning tool and a source of stress (technostress). Hybrid learning is often assumed to contain the best of both worlds by tapping in-person and digital engagement and many schools are using apps both in the classroom and at home to reinforce face-to-face instruction; however, this study suggests that the benefits of hybrid teaching depend largely on what is adopted and how it is implemented.  The author suggests “structured digital wellness programs” to mitigate technostress.

Key Insights:

What Contributes to Student Technostress?  The study finds that most technostress (72%) can be explained by four factors:

1. Health and Lifestyle Factors
2. Psychological and Behavioral Factors
3. The effectiveness of the e-learning
4. Institutional and technological support for e-learning

Applied to a K-12 Context, What Problems Can Result from Technostress?

• Too much screen time -especially when combined with screen time at home- can result in eye strain & sleep problems

• Students may experience frustration switching between apps and get distracted in their learning

• Younger students may struggle to stay focused in hybrid lessons

• Schools without proper tech training see more student stress

Are these results inevitable?

• No. The study suggests a relationship between hybrid technology adoption and technostress, where the level of technostress is significantly affected by the level of technology adoption. The stressors can be offset through implementation of digital wellness programs.

Action Steps:

Districts may use the recommendations to:

1. Assess the need for and implement digital wellness programs for learners operating in hybrid and other digital learning environments.
2. Structure digital wellness programs that include:

• Emphasis on the importance of technology-free periods
• Teaching healthy digital practices
• Mandatory breaks during extended online work sessions

Full Study:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-025-00529-x