Grand Junction High School has a mix of technology and textbooks, each with its own strengths and weaknesses for learning.
Most students and teachers at GJHS have said that technology is significantly helpful for learning in the classroom, though its usefulness depends on the person using it. They believe it makes schoolwork much more accessible, learning easier and more effective, and allows teachers to do much more than they would with a physical textbook.
GJHS business teacher Suzanne Dunlap believes technology can be very helpful if used correctly. She said that it’s much more organized and easier for both teachers and students to work through assignments in her Business class, and teaching is easier because the material is online. Overall, Dunlap thinks that technology is very helpful because of how accessible it is for students and teachers.
“It’s easier, more organized, I feel like, than old textbooks were,” said Dunlap.
GJHS sophomore Cayden Olsen said he prefers using technology for school over textbooks and paper assignments, and it’s much easier to make up work if he misses a day of school. It’s nice not to have to keep track of any paperwork, and it ensures that he can’t lose anything that may be important.
“In my personal experience, I remember a lot more from computers than anything physical, and it’s just easier to look back on,” said Olsen.
However, there are downsides to using technology. Things like technical difficulties with computers, such as internet connection issues, make work and teaching harder for some. Depending on the student, technology can be a big distraction with games websites and video platforms like Hooda Math and YouTube.
GJHS social studies teacher Mark Carris says that he likes paper assignments, but does use online textbooks just because it is easier. He has worked more with physical schoolwork and is more comfortable and used to using hard textbooks. He does use technology, however, to a lesser extent than other teachers do. He also believes that for easily distractible students, it is the biggest distraction in the classroom. In the end, it comes down to the preference of both the student and teacher for what they like better.
