By Ella Stone
Technology is everywhere today, especially in schools. Here at Benicia High, every single student has their own Chromebook. Thinking about it, that seems like a good idea, but could it be a bad one?
Technology in classrooms definitely has its benefits—don’t get me wrong. It gives students the chance for more personalized learning, like when watching videos at their own pace, on apps like Khan Academy or Youtube. This helps students who grasp the concepts be able to move on and keep progressing without going too fast for others. It also gives immediate access to news or information you may have questions on. Being able to email your teachers from home or in class can help you to get your questions answered faster or get your work due-date extended. Teachers can also reach you about questions they may have or to let you know they need you to come in without having to physically track you down. If you ask me, I would way rather type out this article than hand write it, but I also recognize the down side.
Distraction in the classroom is the main reason technology is not always best. You have access to the whole internet, and it is easy to get pulled into it and get pulled away from what is being taught in front of you. Playing video games or scrolling through Instagram may seem more interesting than the lecture, but making that decision negatively affects your future. Teachers also try to limit time on computers by telling students to keep them put away while doing other work, but that doesn’t always happen. Ultimately it is the students choice, but it benefits you way more than getting your homework done during the time given in class, rather than at home. Mr. Hughes, a teacher at Benicia High School states, “I don’t not understand it. Get your work done in class and have free time at home. I understand procrastination, but at what cost?”
I’ve found when computers are open on your desks, it takes time away from talking with your peers. You feel less involved in the conversation and have less input on a project or discussion. It also tends to make students in your class struggle to make you feel included and contribute to your own great ideas. Having your computer open for quick access to look up unknown questions is great, but make sure to turn the screen away and be involved because it’s an important skill to know in life. Sami Segle says, “I enjoy being able to research certain topics, and find all the information in one place, but I also enjoy hearing opinions from the people around me, both are necessary things.”
Both technology being involved in teaching and not has its benefits and disadvantages. I think it is important to have as an option, for auditory or visual learners, but people who would rather learn hands on or through examples should have that option, as well.
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