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Kirstyn Deschamps ‘ 20 Staff Writer
Can back problems caused by the heavy load many high school students carry around be alleviated through the use of technology ? Nearly everything we do with books and papers can now be done on computers . We can take notes , fill in worksheets , access online textbooks , and even take tests . So the question is , " Why are we not taking advantage of this ?" Taking off that weight and virtually reducing school supplies down to a laptop or tablet seems irresistible .
Many high school students develop back problems from those heavy loads that can last for years . According to a study done in 2003 by the University of California at Riverside , and cited by WebMD , there is a direct correlation between heavy backpacks and an increase in back pain in high school students . Students carrying upwards of 20 percent of their weight in their backpacks were likely to report back pain . Although their study did not follow the students into the future , the researchers believed it likely that teens with back pain could become adults with the same problem . Using both straps of your backpack can reduce visits to the doctors , but it doesn ' t completely eradicate the problem . Why carry around so many books when we could use online resources ?
Mrs . Crowley , the Abington High School ( AHS ) librarian , thinks
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that teachers and administrators might be concerned that too much technology in the classroom could be distracting . This is one of the reasons many teachers do not allow the use of cell phones , smart watches , or music devices in their classrooms . However , some students think the benefits would outweigh such concerns . " I think it would be better to give everyone an iPad or computer to take home ," said Olivia Sweeney ' 20 .
The cost of lost or damaged equipment might be another concern . A study at Princeton University reported by National Public Radio ( Mueller and Oppenheimer , 2014 ) showed that the process of writing notes was more beneficial than typing them into a laptop . Despite those findings , students are more likely to see the benefits of increased access to technology . Monticello High School , in Charlottesville , Virginia , made the switch from textbooks to technology , and found that the internet is far more up to date than textbooks are . Textbooks might be repurchased every few years , or sometimes longer , but the internet is updated constantly .
Purchasing laptops for the entire school may not seem like a realistic solution because of the the cost , however several students already have their own laptops or tablets . A solution could be as simple as adjusting how we use the technology we have readily available at our fingertips . In an eco-friendly
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environment switching to technology would also significantly reduce the amount of paper used , as well as eliminate the need for photocopying machines . The time spent regularly using these machines can be put towards furthering the education of students .
Many colleges have already transitioned into using laptops and tablets . By using this technology in high school , we are ensuring that students make more efficient and easier transitions into college learning . AHS Assistant Principal , Sullivan shared her thoughts on the increased use of technology , especially as we get ready to move into a new building . “ We will be transitioning into a seamless classroom integration with technology , and our current infrastructure is also going to increase dramatically . Each classroom will be able to handle so many devices , and there will be no interruptions ,” said Ms . Sullivan .
It is starting to make sense that the future will bring increased use of technology as a more realistic and cost effective solution to hauling around heavy textbooks , tattered notebooks , and a baffling number of handouts . Hopefully , that future includes Abington High School making the same transition that many other high schools have , into the growing world of technology .
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“ Backlit Keyboard ” ( Colin via Wikimedia Commons )
“ Why carry around so many books when we could use online resources ?”
Kirstyn Deschamps ‘ 20
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