the next of school tech

Technology has driven a line between students involving whether technology should continue to be used in schools.

Junior+Kendall+Culpert+uses+her+school-assigned+laptop.+

Junior Kendall Culpert uses her school-assigned laptop.

As the school year comes close to an end, questions arise about students’ laptops for the following year. 

 

Since the pandemic started, schools have opted out of traditional pencil and paper for a laptop assigned to each student to be used in class for assignments and activities. Almost everything has been online and as of now there is no foreseeable end to using technology in classrooms.

 

 Students are divided between whether or not schools should switch back to paper for all activities, but certain factors pose a roadblock in this transition. 

 

A printed K-12 textbook costs around $70 whereas a digital textbook costs $45-$55 according to the School Library Journal. Money is a big factor in why schools aren’t transitioning back. While the cost may be higher, children’s comfort is more important and there isn’t too much difference in the price. 

 

“Studies found that students exposed to large amounts of screen time are experiencing adverse health effects as well as learning deficits,” as stated by NW Commons.

 

Technology has also made students less connected to the real world which is causing more issues than solutions. Spending so much time a day on a screen is never good for health and if schools continue going down the technology route then students will find themselves worse off than before. 

 

Although it may be slightly cost-efficient and quicker, keeping the stress off of students and preventing health issues is the best option and technology should be put to an end.