Technology use at VHS

By Grace Haskins, Reporter

Over the pandemic and throughout online school, students had to rely a lot on technology, whether for school, socialization, or entertainment. Returning to in person school has greatly impacted students academically, socially and emotionally, and big part of this could be related to the decrease in technology use.

“Being in person again is really big and you can really see the difference [from] being at home for so long and your phone is right there. You have to be really self motivated and self governed,” VHS English teacher Kevin McLaren said.

For some students, the decrease in technology usage that has accompanied the return to in-person school has been difficult.

“There has been a full transition from where almost everything is online school wise. [Especially with COVID while being home all the time] it’s easy to waste hours and hours watching TV or TikTok,” senior Levi Stahl said.

After getting used to having access to their phones all the time, some students have a hard time focusing in class when they have their phone with them.

“I think it’s a big barrier. For adults too, these devices are way too addictive and are designed to be addictive so having that in the way of things that students should be learning is from my perspective really obvious,” McLaren said.

DISTRACT. A student looks at their phone instead of doing their homework.

Technology is part of everyday life , and as more technology is introduced and brought into people’s lives, there will be more dramatic negative and positive effects.

“This whole generation and older generations as well are just relying on technology for everything: entertainment, work, socializing, and playing games. Everyone’s lives seem to be revolving around technology more and more,” Stahl said.

It can be a challenge for students to remain focused, especially when the presence of a smartphone or other device has lowered people’s overall attention span.

“It depends on the class, but honestly it is hard not to check my phone at least once in each class period. Which is embarrassing, I wish I had a stronger focus,” an anonymous VHS student said.

Having technology in the school system is not all bad; it can be an asset for students and teachers to keep track of work.

“Sometimes these things are amazing and can do so much for us and it can be used to harness learning so I think in some ways they are great,” McLaren said.