It’s no secret that the technological world is expanding. We are seeing it everywhere. From the increase of AI generation to the new iPhone 16, technology is changing, and we see it everyday. Most prevalently for teens, we are seeing it in the classroom. The in-school technology boom majorly started with switch from in-person to remote learning throughout the pandemic. According to Illinois.gov, in 2020 Illinois received $569 million to fund technology, teachers, and meals for prekindergarten-twelve schools. This funding for schools would provide students with the resources they need to continue learning through the pandemic, but now that we are back to in-person learning, should we as students be spending as much time on computers for class work and standardized tests?

When asked if more classes should require more pencil and paper work rather than computer work, Junior Bella Almodovar states that, though testing on computers is more difficult, and can cause distractions, but “in future generations they should start teaching with computers early because it is too late for people in our classes and because we have all been taught with paper.” It is quite inevitable that the world of online education is increasing, but if we are going to continue this process, there can be a process to start the transition earlier for lower grade levels. When asked about their options on online testing and class work, many students replied that they think it is faster and more efficient, but on the contrary, many high school level students are used to looking at paper for testing, so when asked to switch to computers it is more difficult. As well, many students stated that they experience physical symptoms like eye strain or headaches from excessive use of computers from class work or testing.

Though many students are not supportive of the increase of computers in school, there is a solution to the problem for future generations! With the advancement in technology in our daily life, it is possible to incorporate computers and other forms of technology into the school day earlier in children’s school career. With introducing online testing and work into students lives slowly at younger grades, increasing as they get older, the transition from paper tests and work to online tests and work will not be as extreme as it has been for other grade levels.