Instead of teachers yelling at students to put away their cell phones, many are now inviting them to make their electronic devices as part of the classroom experience. Whether it’s watching videos online, using a cell phone to look up needed information, or practicing techniques such as ‘Flip the Classroom,’ technology has now become a more common part of the modern day classroom at SHS.

    Being allowed to use technology in the classroom  makes school a more realistic experience. In the real world and outside of the classroom, it is very unlikely for a student to pull out a textbook to look up the answer. A cell phone or other electronic device gives students the opportunity to quickly find the information needed in  a more familiar manner.

    Junior Mia Broderick said, “It’s faster than looking in a book and it’s more convenient and accurate.”

    Technology not only makes the classroom realistic and modern, but also more engaging for students. It gives them a break from writing down definitions and flipping the pages in a never ending textbook to find the answer. By watching a video, or looking something up online, students are able to switch it up and use their everyday devices in  a useful and helpful manner.

    Though it may give an unfair disadvantage to students who don’t own a smartphone or other device that allows them to quickly access the internet, those particular students are not hindered from the learning the information. They are not able to participate as directly as the other students, but they are still taking in the information being discovered. Also, a huge portion of the technology used in the classroom is not through personal devices but videos or presentations projected for everyone to see.

     Not only do students find themselves enjoying classroom time more when using technology, but teachers find it extremely helpful as well. Substitute teacher Carolyn Ciulla said, “I think it engages the students more and it’s an upbeat way to get the students motivated.”

    The Huffington Post reported a survey indicating that technology in the classroom is not only favored with students and teachers, but with parents as well.  The poll surveyed 883 parents and 812 K-12 teachers. The results of the survey indicated that 96% of teachers and 91% of parent’s believe that adding technology as a part of the learning curriculum is an important aspect of the education students are receiving.

    The decision to add technology to the classroom is now a  more upcoming and popular idea for many schools. It reflects the modern and rapidly growing society that we live in and gives students the opportunity to comprehend the material in various ways. Technology in the classroom is something that should be a part of every classroom in order to keep up with life outside of the classroom.