Chapter 1 traces the roots of the “EdTech tragedy” by examining how educational technology drifted away from its core purpose: supporting children’s learning. It begins by clarifying what education is meant to achieve and contrasts these aims with the commercial logic that has driven much of EdTech’s evolution. The chapter explores how early hopes for technology-enhanced learning gave way to an oversaturated market in which more than 500,000 so-called “educational” apps flourish without meaningful quality control. Against this backdrop, the chapter expands the definition of EdTech quality to include alignment with the science of learning, ethical data use, and measurable impact. It highlights how misalignment between learning sciences and product design has deepened the global learning crisis, with ineffective tools distracting children and burdening teachers. Finally, the chapter underscores the critical role of rigorous, ongoing research in restoring EdTech’s educational mission and guiding innovation toward real learning outcomes.