A Student’s View

By Joshua Stern

It is hard to remember a time when complex mathematical computations could not be performed by simply inputting numbers into a calculator, when reports were written, rather than typed, and when the word encyclopedia evoked images of volumes of books, as opposed to a tiny compact disk. Perhaps this is due to the fact that neither I, nor my student peers, were alive during such a time. In fact, students of the modern “information age” are often ignorant of the effects that technology has had on the ways in which we conduct our studies.

While far from obsolete, the traditional tools of a scholar, pencil and paper, have been slowly replaced as typewriters, and more recently computers, have simplified the often daunting task of recording one’s scholarly work. The great wealth of available technology has served to give students and educators alike more freedom and greater opportunity as they constantly strive to improve upon how information is disseminated to the youth of America. Televisions and computers have found their way into the classroom. With them have come documentaries, networks, Web sites, and even games which have revolutionized contemporary education. Learning has come a long way indeed. How often would a student of twenty years ago hear her teacher shout, “Send your extra credit papers to me tonight by e-mail,” at the conclusion of class?

In fact, the entire culture of public schooling has changed. High school is no longer viewed as an educational end point, but rather it is seen  as a springboard from which to jump into the waters of higher education. The turn of the century finds more Newtown High School students continuing on to college than ever before. Even something as simple as the traditional school schedule finds itself a victim of progress. Gone are the days when a long summer vacation was needed so that students could put down their books and pick up their plow in order to assist with the family farm. Even new holidays dot the calendar of the 20th century (much to the enjoyment of grade school students and more than a few teachers). Most importantly, January 1st of the year 2000 will dawn upon public schools which are open to young people of all sexes, races, and religions.

What changes and improvements will the 21st century student benefit from? Until I find my crystal ball I will have to withhold my answer to that question. The only thing of which I can be sure is that however greatly the schools attended by my children and grandchildren will differ from my own, a few things will remain constant throughout the ages. Teachers will always be priceless, dogs will always eat homework assignments, and students will always drift off to sleep knowing more than they did when they arose that morning.

Joshua Stern is a senior at Newtown High School.