My name is Reggie Rivers, a recent graduate from Prosper High School–now studying Neuroscience at the University of Toronto. I am here today to speak about an upcoming proposal that requires students at the Prosper High School to bring their own digital devices in order to participate in the newly advances learning that will be provided to the school later this year, if approved. As a student, I believe that the Prosper School Board should reject the proposed idea.

 The proposal entails having the students to bring their own devices to class. Whether that be a laptop, smartphone, or tablet–these devices are to be used for educational purposes only, as they are there to enhance a new way of learning for all. Although the idea of having a classroom set up completely paper-free gives the students and teachers the opportunity to reach out to new resources, there are challenges that are associated with the set-up–entailing more towards the financial aspect of things, and the risk of creating distracted learning for students and teachers. I hope that parents and staff members of Prosper High School consider rejecting the idea of becoming an institution based completely off of technology and take in some of the key factors that will be associated if this proposal does become approved.

To start off, recent studies have shown that even though technology brings new possibilities for the classroom, there is a likely chance that it can become more a distraction rather than a learning device. There is also the risk that involves having the students use their personal devices for the wrong reason(s): which is already evident in classrooms today where students use their phones to text and scroll through social media during class-time. This has not only been a recurring problem, but also something we as parents and the council have to consider. Although a teacher may be present in the classroom, they cannot regulate and monitor the activities of all the students.

Secondly, having a dependency on technology can impact a student and their learning capabilities later on in life. By being attached to a device not only creates an unhealthy lifestyle, but it also brings in health issues that may arise in the future, such as: having the inability to concentrate for long periods of time, and having cognitive problems that may arise when students are forced to do critical analysis and thinking. Apart from psychological and neurological problems, there are physical health effects that play a factor. Such as, having recent cases where prolonged users of technology face a painful and physical condition called ‘Carpal Tunnel Syndrome’. A condition in which the muscles near the wrist harden and restrict itself from movement, creating tension and pain in the affected area. Using this point, it should be evident that the Board should choose to fully reject the proposed,’Bring Your Own Device’ plan.

Lastly, technological devices are not  something all individuals and families can afford. Being a school that depends on the government for funds, how can we expect our students to have the mindset of being able provide for their own devices? This is a significant point that should be planned out. If a student is unable to purchase a personal device due to financial reasoning–not only hinders the students ability to learn in the classroom, but outside as well. Therefore, the idea of implementing a more ‘engaging’ and digitally enhanced class becomes obsolete for certain students that cannot afford to pay for a device, which can cause external problems that the school may potentially face later on.

To conclude, I believe that although bringing technology into the classroom may be ideal for some, it can be evident that the effects of technology outweighs the benefit on numerous of circumstances, as it does not ameliorate the conditions in the classroom. By prohibiting this proposal from being approved, we can ensure that all students, teachers, and parents can access a learning that is not only fair, but equal to all. Leading to better academic results and performance–which is a necessity in all post-secondary and higher education after high school.

Again, my name is Reggie Rivers and I’d like to thank you for listening to my speech today. I hope that you take in the points I’ve gathered today into consideration as it is critical when dealing with the education of our future.