By Rebeca Lee
Technology is being enhanced and modified everyday. It is not a new thing to Plymouth High School, but as technology advances, it has posed new problems, especially to the students.
Students have always faced distractions and time wasters. Distractions will always continue to challenge people by shifting their focus from what is ‘best’ to things that are momentarily satisfying and seemingly important. Computers, cell phones, tablets and other devices offer a constant stream of stimuli. This ‘instant connection’ poses a new challenge to focusing and learning. These tools of technology are designed to enhance learning and provide a mode of communication. They should have a positive impact on students doing their school work. However, students who were interviewed at PHS believe that technological devices can also get in the way of their studies and doing their work.
Of the six people interviewed, they agreed they spend a lot of time in front of some kind of digital screen. “More time than I’d like to admit,” says junior Michael Meyer. Mr. Masson, a teacher at the School of Inquiry, agrees he is in front of and or using a some piece of related technology everyday. When using the same or similar device for both school work and fun activities, it can be difficult to resist temptations when a student should be working on their homework. Sophomore Ashley Clemons explained that she is always tempted when using her computer to go on other websites that take her away from her school work and make it hard for her to focus. She said she would even prefer to go back to books and paper to help cut out some of her main distractions.
While using his computer, Mr. Masson works on his lesson plan and grading his students’ schoolwork and admits there are times he finds himself getting distracted and off task.
Technology is not just a distraction. It can also be a useful device for students. While doing her schoolwork, junior Morgan Hite admitted that sometimes she tends to give up when she cannot find the answer quickly. Hite also said, “If you have the resources, then why not use them to your advantage?” to explain why she uses Google or another search engine to look up answers when she has trouble answering them. Freshman Jenny Cutlacuatl explained that she uses google all the time, and also said, “whenever I don’t know something, I guess I kind of just give up on figuring it out for myself, [when] I have a computer to figure it out for me.”
On the idea of technology and whether it is helpful or harmful, Senior Kendall Fosler said businesses are going towards the way of technology and believes that it is helpful. “I think it is a double edge sword,” said Mr. Masson. “We have the world at our hands. I mean if you want to know anything pick it up and hit google.” In conclusion, when it really comes to technology overall Mr. Masson states, “Really it depends on the user and how they choose to use it.”