As the generations are advancing, so is our usage of technology. But is the progression of modern technology a good thing or bad thing? That’s the real question. Technology, in definition is “the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.” A simple translation to this definition would be, to make our everyday actions simpler. This causes dependency and which is causing us to not to use our straightforward logic on simple tasks, but instead depending on online sources, phones, touchpads, etc. Therefore, this is a target reason of why our education is taking a downfall.

Technology is something of which teachers are taking advantage, causing students to do the same. But a student’s idea of taking advantage differs quite a lot from a teacher’s idea of it. Teachers may be taking advantage of it by showing educational videos in class, and using sites such as turnitin.com to put a stop to plagiarism. Students on the other hand have a more cynical idea of it. They may be using it stay updated with the latest gossip on Facebook, or trying to text answers. According to sophomore Dina Mohammad, texting during class is a daily thing among her friends.

[Click here to read SHS’s new technology policy]

Any technology item can also be a huge distraction during class. Every technological item has a game or some sort of amusement. Even calculators can have Mario games on it. And it’s quite easy to play games such as these and not get caught. It’s also a huge distraction at home. It’s human nature to be intrigued into socialization, especially when it’s a few clicks away. And whenever a person says they will stay on for a minute, they end up spending an hour. Freshman Nadia Kabir agrees with this and says, “whenever I get on Facebook, I keep making up excuses and delaying my homework.” This causes lack of study, procrastination, and lowering of grade. Its also causing an increase in obesity. Teenagers these days are either on the computer or watching TV when they are at home. This leads them to be sitting most in front of a screen all day, which slows their reflexes and usage of their brain.

Technology isn’t quite necessary to be a successful student. According to an anonymous senior and Mu Alpha Theta member, “all serious secondary school math competition lacks the use of technology in competition.” This same idea applies to any educational competition. In other words, education is something which should be achieved by oneself, and not by dependency.