The use of technology in education has become incredibly important over time. However, the effectiveness of these tools often hinges on the quality of the technology provided. The proposed tech levy aimed at upgrading school technology seeks to address issues such as outdated computers and limited program capabilities, which many students see as a limit to currently available tech.
Understanding student perspectives on this proposal is crucial. Opinions vary across grade levels, with younger students expressing excitement about improvements and older students offering a more critical view. While some students highlight the benefits of enhanced technology, others emphasize the challenges of balancing technology use with paper and pencil. Despite these differences, there is a shared recognition of the need for better technology to support diverse educational needs.
To gain insight into how students feel about the levy, interviews were conducted with students from different grades. Students were asked for their opinions on using applications like Canvas, as well as computers and phones in school.
Freshman students expressed excitement about the potential improvements. As their first year in high school is almost over, they have experienced how computers and programs are used at Park High as opposed to SGMS. Many highlighted the need for updated computers, which they believe would enhance their learning experience. Freshman Kypton Vincent said, “If we had more capable computers and new programs, I think it would make it easier to be more creative and have broader research for assignments.”
Juniors and seniors provide a more critical perspective. Seniors Holden Bankert, Trinity Borquez, and Morgan Sites were among the first interviewed. Even though they all took a variety of classes, they all used technology throughout their classes and have different views on it.
Collectively, they, along with other seniors, did not like the use of Canvas very much. They saw how it was useful to turn assignments in and view work while they were gone. Most seniors preferred to do work on paper. Morgan Sites said, “I used my phone a lot to turn in assignments, but at times, for me and other people, it can be harder to turn things in on time.”
When asked if they were in favor of a levy to improve technology at school, they were all for it. Borquez said she is, “all for opening new opportunities for students and would like to see improvements in programs through more capable computers.” Holden Bankert relies heavily on using technology for writing essays, creating 3D models, and taking pictures. It greatly benefited his learning experience. He thought that new computers and updated programs would help not only students but also many others. Holden and Trinity are both library aides and are in charge of checking out books and school laptops to the many students that don’t have their own computers, and would like to see improvements to the available technology.