As students prepare to head back to the classroom, many parents are looking for ways to help them stay focused in a world filled with constant digital distractions.
Bestselling author and math educator Vanessa Vakharia joined We Are Austin to share practical strategies for creating productive study habits and choosing technology that supports learning instead of competing for students’ attention.
Vakharia, founder and director of The Math Guru tutoring studio, host of the Math Therapy podcast and author of the bestselling book Math Therapy, partnered with Texas Instruments to discuss how purposeful technology can help students succeed during the school year.
One of her biggest recommendations is creating distraction-free study routines both at home and in the classroom. By setting aside dedicated study time and using tools designed specifically for learning, students can stay engaged without the interruptions that often come with smartphones and other connected devices.
Vakharia also highlighted the benefits of single-purpose learning tools, such as dedicated graphing calculators. Unlike smartphones or tablets, these devices allow students to focus on solving problems without notifications, social media or other distractions competing for their attention. According to Texas Instruments, 81% of teachers and administrators say students focus better on math when using a dedicated handheld calculator.
As families transition from summer schedules back into the school year, Vakharia encourages parents to gradually reduce recreational screen time, establish consistent homework routines and create quiet spaces where students can concentrate on deep learning.
She also reminds families that academic success isn’t about spending more time studying—it’s about studying with intention, using the right tools and building habits that encourage focus, confidence and long-term learning.
For more back-to-school resources and information about Texas Instruments education tools, visit education.ti.com/evo.