Opinions

Should Teachers use Computers Less?

By: Anthony DeLuca

One new addition to East Hills is that students are now carrying around computers in their backpacks from periods 1 to 7. With this, students and teachers are using Schoology even more, which is now what teachers are using to teach. But there is a problem with this; students are getting more screen time each day and can’t see things visually on the board. So there is a question to be answered: Should teachers not always use computers?

Let’s start with the pros of using computers. When students use computers in class, it saves on the computer so they can do it at home. Another pro would be that kids can easily look up information to use for their essay or project. I asked Matthew Toth from Team Cruize, and he said, “Well for starters you can’t lose your school material, and your work can’t be ruined. I would also say that everything is right there for you.” I would have to agree with Matthew on that. Now let’s move onto the cons of using computers in school. Studies show that extensive computer use cause sleep disorders, headaches, back pain, a poor attention span, and trouble multitasking. But above all, it is not good for your eyes and head, sometimes the computers in class give me headaches. I turned back to Matthew Toth and he responded “They can definitely be a distraction and they can sidetrack you from doing your work, because of the games.” That is true Matthew. So, taking the information that we gathered we must answer the question: Should teachers use computers less in class? What do you think?

The Pros and Cons of Chromebooks

By Ava Schwartz

With the new chromebooks, a lot of work can get done. However, it could be a problem for newer students to conquer. Chromebooks are very helpful tools for students to use, but it could get out of hand for certain students. The chromebooks allow us to do more work, much faster, but they might also be a distraction in class.

The chromebooks are efficient and progressive tools for students. They help students learn quicker, and they are also more efficient. The laptops mean that we don’t have to carry large, heavy, bulky textbooks around school all day, because we have digital textbooks to work with. It also helps students be more organized since they don't have to keep all the papers and notes. Instead, they keep all their work on the Google Drive and Schoology. Also, using the laptops throughout the day can teach you useful technology skills. I think it is a safer, easier way to get work done throughout the school day.

The chromebooks could also be distracting to the students, as well! A student could struggle with laptops if they don't understand how to work with a computer, and it could also be hard for someone to understand certain things regarding the device. It might take some time to get used to the new concept. It could also be difficult to use a chromebook in class, because it could also be a distraction to certain students that should be paying attention in class. When technology is put into the wrong hands, the students could be doing things against school rules, and they will eventually get in trouble for it. Lastly, laptops could take away the face to face connection that school and classes should have, but it is all about finding balance between both. And for these reasons, I think we shouldn’t use the laptops all the time.

Again, I love the chromebooks. They have so many positive benefits to our school, but they also do have some down sides to them. Chromebooks help us out a lot, but we need to make sure we use them well.