Today, technology plays a fundamental role in everyday student life. Many schools across the nation require students to carry either a Laptop, iPad, Chromebook, or a sufficient electronic device. Student assignments are distributed digitally through sites such as Google Classroom, Canva, and other educational platforms. Tests can be taken on locked browsers such as Google Forms, AP Classroom, or WebAssign. With all this technology use, the question of easier student learning or deterioration of work ethic is almost impossible to avoid.
Use of technology in schools comes with many benefits. Information is acquired quickly, organization is easier, and backpacks become lighter. Students don’t need to break their backs hauling around huge textbooks because most have been converted to online. Videos to help with studying, and audiobooks are also a huge positive. Although technology has its benefits, it can also create problems.
“I use technology pretty much every day; it has been a huge part of my life ever since Covid,” said Junior Keeley Maloney. “I didn’t use to be on my computer as much as I am now, but ever since things started to become assigned on Google Classroom, I feel I am now constantly online.”
One of the biggest issues with the constant use of devices is Artificial Intelligence. AI can be used for many things: making study guides, checking grammar, or getting a quick response to any questions. However, some students abuse their power and rely on it to do their work. If this keeps up, we are going to have Doctors working on you who used AI, along with Teachers, Surgeons, etc. So, although AI can be a helpful tool, it is slowly frying the younger generations’ brains.
”I definitely take advantage of AI, I think it is so cool how it just always knows the answer,” said Maloney. “I try not to use it all the time, though, mainly just for study guides, and when I need help on simpler assignments.”
Despite the use of AI, many teachers still feel that the use of technology is a helpful learning tool. It allows them to assign assignments with ease and play interactive games in class. Common platforms are: Kahoot, Gimkit, and Quizlit. So when used correctly, going digital can make school more interesting, and learning materials become more accessible.
“I love when my teacher says pull out our computers for a Kahoot,” said Maloney “It makes learning so much more fun, and I actually feel motivated to study. Same with Quizlet, it makes studying so much easier.”
Overall, technology is neither good nor bad; it all depends on the way students and teachers use it. If platforms such as Chat-GPT are used the right way, technology can make school come with more ease. But when abused, it harms future opportunities and doesn’t prepare students for the real world. As the use of technology grows, students need to grow with it, understanding it’s not a cheat, but a helping hand.
“Although technology makes things ten times easier, I sometimes worry what my future entails,” said Maloney. “I get nervous that I may have been fully absorbing what I’ve learned, and abused the use of technology.”
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