In today’s classrooms, technology is everywhere from smart-boards and tablets to online assignments. While some see these advances as helpful in education, others believe they don’t help at all. Is technology truly helpful or just another distraction? To find out, I spoke with both students and teachers at our school to hear their opinions on the growing presence of technology in education.

Lonnea Miller

Q: Have you found yourself distracted by your phone or computer during lessons?

A: Yes. I’ve found myself distracted many times while I have my devices. During school I have many distractions around me like my Chromebook and other things, so yes I do.

Q: Do you believe technology helps improve students learning outcome? Why or why not? 

A: Yes, I believe technology does improve our learning. In many cases it can harm us but I think technology opens up a world of new things people can learn and know. With this availability, its easier to know things and figure out things we would have never known.

Jovani Dutremble 

Q: Do you feel technology helps you learn better in class? Why or why not?

A: I feel technology helps us learn better in our classes because our generation has become accustomed to the digitization of information.

Q: Do you prefer learning from digital apps like videos or online textbooks or traditional methods like printed books, face to face teaching?

A: I prefer learning through the traditional methods such as printed books because it helps me with fully visualizing and immersing myself in a story. I believe that it is more impactful for a teacher to teach someone face to face, and to inspire them to learn. Rather than giving them a packet to do or a slideshow online, students can make sense of what the assignment is aiming them to do.

Grace Roberts

Q: Have you ever found yourself distracted by your phone or computer during lessons?

A: I don’t find myself distracted by my phone or computer during class because I stay focused on my work and don’t let other stuff distract me. 

Q: Do you feel technology helps you learn better in class? Why or why not?

A:  Yes, technology does help me learn better in class because it gives me more resources to learn. 

Ms. Shaughnessy

Q: Have you noticed any challenges, like students getting distracted by phones or computers during class?

A : Well not phones as much anymore since the phone policy but for the computers I’m finding that they are playing games, when not monitored.

Q: Do you think students rely too much on technology for learning? Why or Why not?

A : Yes, because they don’t have to think about the answers anymore with AI. Although it’s a good resource, it doesn’t allow the kids to think for themselves.

Ms. Esqueda 

Q: How do you think technology affects students focus and participation in class?  

A :  I think they need to find a balance between it being useful and being careful that computers aren’t thinking for them.

Q : In your opinion what type of learning is better traditional or digital?

A : Hybrid (Both) because they technology is good but also traditional because many can cheat and use google translate and do more on the computer. 

Technology is undeniably changing the way we learn bringing incredible resources but also bringing distractions. Both students and teachers agree its all about balance. Mixing digital resources and traditional teaching helps us focus and think.

It was said “Technology opens up a world of new things, but we still need to think for ourselves.” The future of education depends on how we use technology, will it help us grow or hold us back?