Technology in the Classroom by Abby

Technology in the Classroom by Abby - January 2020 Scholarship Essay

From being able to start start your washing machine from a speaker to locking your car doors from your phone, technology has progressed in the last decade. Kids are being entertained by phones instead of books, just as adults. But there are positive ways to look at technology. Schools have conformed to society and use an excess of resources out of technology.
In the classroom twenty years ago, there was only pen and paper. But over the years, the world sees a need for something new. Schools now use computers and the internet in their daily teaching. In my school, we have a one-on-one program with Fujitsu. This means that each student gets their own personal computer for each school year. We can take home the computer for further research on any papers or projects that we have. It is a quick accurate way to be able to complete assignments. There are sites such as USA Test Prep to help students prepare for test taking. Teachers are also now using Youtube at school. There are educational videos that can help students and teachers. If there is a visual learner, there is more than likely a video with real-time hand drawings to help illustrate a concept. Or if there is an audio learner, there could be a video explaining in a discussion about a topic.
Our computers are also used to keep the students in check and stay on task. Students can check their own grades to make sure that they are on track or to make sure that the next test is aced. From the teachers point, they can block certain websites that they require. This keeps students in the mindset of doing schoolwork and not becoming distracted. We can also communicate more conveniently with our teachers through a school issued email address. We receive emails from teacher, administration, and club moderators about meetings and daily announcements.
It also becomes handier to have one spot for everything than having to carry around heavy textbooks and notebooks. With a computer, everything is online; there is no more pen and paper. Using a computer keeps everything in one safe, responsible place. This allows students to understand responsibility to save documents and keep everything organized. You learn skills from a computer like typing and research skills that will prepare you for college and life beyond.
Technology has become a staple in the life of any student starting in middle school. Skills are taught to prepare students for life. Organization, prioritization, and independence are assets gained from school from the aid of computers and technology. Schools have adapted to how technology has influenced the world and applies it to education.