Tenacious, Triumphant, Technology by McKenzi

Tenacious, Triumphant, Technology by McKenzi - January 2020 Scholarship Essay

The use and incorporation of technology has become exponentially more prevalent over the past few decades. Everyday life has become altered for the better as the knowledge of the entire world is placed within a few inches of our grasp, whether that be at our home, school, or workplaces. Through various applications of technology, my classroom experience has been governed to a more positive outlook.

The students at my high school have been blessed with the opportunity to be given free Chromebooks at the beginning of the fall semester to be rented out from our librarians for the remainder of the school year. This access to technology gives each student, regardless of income, to be given the same connections to the world around them as their peers. As for the benefits given to me from having access to these computers, they have been a time-efficient research supplier for various presentations, speeches, and worksheets that would have otherwise taken hours sifting through the library. Attempting to find books that not only address the topic of our research but one that specifically, directly addresses the questions we would have regarding the topic.

Access to school technology also gives students who may not be able to be physically present due to various medical, academic, or athletic reasons. In January of my Sophomore year, I attempted to ski for the first time. The resulting experience left me with a torn ACL, MCL, and Meniscus which required many subsequent visits to doctors and physical therapists prior to and following major surgery. Between doctor visits and the mandatory week of no school, I missed almost 2 ½ weeks of school, shortly before second-semester finals. What ultimately saved my grade was the ability for me to have worksheets, notes, and various other classwork emailed to me and I was able to stay relatively caught up with school work outside of the classroom.

Technology in the classroom should both be readily available and expected to be used often. The use of various technological devices not only allows for connection between teacher and student but to the student and the world around them. Technology can drive people together and connect them within seconds across cities, states, and nations; as long as a viable opportunity is given.