Is technology a good thing? Is it helping us or hurting us?  Should students be allowed to use their technological devices in the classroom?

Arrowhead senior Rebecca Frazier said, “Technology is one of the greatest tools in helping students succeed.”

The use of technology during class hours is a spreading trend according to U.S. News. At Arrowhead, most teachers let students use their devices in class, like laptops and iPads, to take notes and even follow along with presentations.

Chemistry teacher Cami Ley said, “I believe technology has its place in the classroom.  It makes learning tools and notes easily accessible and is convenient for students and teachers to use.”

Many Arrowhead students believe technology is indeed a useful tool for learning.

“It’s readily accessible for assignments and school work,” said Jake Hess, Arrowhead senior.

But has technology made our lives too easy? And are we using the ability to find answers at our fingertips as a crutch?

Ley said, “Using our technology when it’s appropriate is a great advantage. However, some skills are necessary and worthwhile to have.  It’s beneficial to have the ability to do things the good old fashion way.”

Hess agreed but Frazier said, “Technology is all good! There is no bad side to using our devices. It’s easier for note taking and gives us the capability of doing more advanced things.

The problem seems not to lie with using technology. Rather, the problem seems with the other use of these new devices.

What about our old technology like PowerPoint? Is it the best teaching tool? Teachers use PowerPoints daily to aid their lessons.

“Using PowerPoints may be good every once in a while, but listening to lectures and watching slides day after day in a dark room gets boring and I stop listening,” Hess said.

Ley believes PowerPoints are a good tool for staying organized and making sure the same material is taught to each class.

“Each of my classes will be able to cover the same topics, but class discussion varies from hour to hour. I believe teaching style does need to be varied in order to keep kids focused and attentive,” Ley says.

On the other side of the spectrum, students similar to Frazier enjoy being taught in a lecture type atmosphere.

“It’s the only way I can learn and really focus on the material. PowerPoints add to teaching because it provides a visual aid and key points for each lesson,” Frazier says.

Ley, Hess, and Frazier have a smart phone, laptop, or iPad, which they use in their daily life.  They each say technology is a useful tool in education and is the future of learning.