Nearly all aspects of student’s lives have become centered around technology. From managing bank accounts, to food delivery services, to getting news alerts, communication, and a million other uses, our phones are gaining a larger and larger presence in our lives.

Because of the growing prominence of technology, some teachers have begun to incorporate more and more of it into their lesson plans while still others are sticking to traditional lesson plans.

Junior Cade Commers commented on the positives of the rise of tech in the classroom saying that “It [educational apps] can help engage students.” Senior, Sam Bushong, stated additionally that “There’s a lot of apps you can use for educational purposes.”

As technology makes constant advances, teachers require training. Principal Dan Serrano revealed that he is sending six teachers to a Google training so that they’ll be able to come back and train other staff members. Serrano plainly states the necessity for the training. “It’s the way things are going,” he said. “It is the way we teach now.”

While technology makes more and more appearances in the classroom, it is evident that it has already established its importance in other aspects of our lives. The way that technology connects us is an example of this.

Social media is at the center of this new-found connectedness. Its part in students’ every-day routine comes with both positives and negatives.

Our generation spends the majority of our day at the like button. As soon as we have free time we reach for our phone. Senior Jasmine Young commented on this, saying “99% of the time I’m on my phone I’m on Twitter.” Bushong additionally added that he spends “two or three hours a day” on social media.

Is this kind of dependency and time toxic for students?

Some aspects of social media can be harmful. The whole concept of DM’s can be a great platform for predators. Private accounts are never completely private. Young commented that she gets into uncomfortable situations on social media apps “all the time.” She went on to say that “…weird people message me all the time.”

Students additionally brought up FOMO: fear of missing out. Seeing their friends on each other’s Snapchat stories, or even people they don’t know, prompts anxiety and stress.

On the flip side of this idea, the positives of social media are obvious.

Media platform apps can now be used to inspire thought and discussion through the spread of social movements online. It also can be a means of connecting a family, a community, or a student body. We’re seeing examples of this now, as Perry students plaster their support for Jacob Medina across social media platforms.  

On one hand, the implications of incorporating technology into our lives excessively presents new social issues to teachers, parents, and students. On the other hand, tech can be used to further our generation’s educational, recreational, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Principal Serrano summed up this idea: “If it [technology] is used the way it’s being intended it’s a benefit.”