The Distractions of Technology

Many public schools, including Carter High School, have accepted more technology into their daily routine.

Carter High School and all other Knox County Schools gifted students Microsoft Chromebooks in preparation for “going red”. However, instead of students’ typical paper assignments, all classwork is done on a computer and submitted through websites like Canvas. In addition with the new Chromebooks, students are able to have their personal cell phones. Students are only supposed to have them during lunch, in the hallways, and if they are in aid to them during class. But, some students may think of these privileges as a distraction to their education.

Students at Carter High School struggle to not answer that text from their boyfriend or Snapchat their bestfriend during class. While many do not take advantage of the Cell Phone Policy, students like Katelyn White say that it is hard to resist Snapchat during classes, but she stays focused on her work. When asked about how she feels about the chromebooks, White said, “Chromebooks are more challenging because it is all still new.” White said they are not distracting for her, but learning how to submit all of her assignments virtually has been slightly difficult for her, only because that process is something else she has to learn on top of her lessons in school.

Senior, Aashna Desai, supports the switch to an in-person class with virtual assignments. Desai stated, “Chromebooks are not distracting for me in class because in classes we are using them for a purpose to learn better. It is easier to do my work on the Chromebooks.” She also said she thinks the Cell Phone Policy is great. She enjoys the fact that she can have her phone at lunch, in the hallways, and when the teacher allows them to have their device out. However, she struggles to stay off Snapchat, only because she always goes straight to it when she finishes her assignments.

Some students may find the new technology in school distracting, but for the most part, students enjoy being able to have online access during class time.