Nisheeta: The fact of the matter is that our method of taking exams has remained largely unchanged.
“DID anyone bring their phones? Sign your name here and place your phone over there,” a teacher announced to students filing past, pointing at a table with a small pile of phones on it.
Out of habit, my hand shot to my pocket before I remembered my phone wasn’t there.
Instead of carrying my usual tablet and a few notebooks, the weight on my shoulders had now multiplied with a backpack stuffed to almost bursting with six different textbooks.
I was in a new school, in a new environment – one where we could not use any form of technology apart from the computers in the computer rooms.
As I started to get used to my new surroundings, I couldn’t help but notice the stark differences between my new school and my previous one, where technology was omnipresent.
The only piece of technology in the classrooms in my new school was a television through which a teacher could display a presentation or show us a useful video.
Instead of typing notes on a laptop or tablet, I found myself diligently jotting down information with a pen and paper. Just like the old days.
Having to painstakingly write down all the information given to me was initially difficult to adjust to. I couldn’t simply copy and paste a paragraph from the presentation slides into my online notes or take a picture of the board with my phone.
I was forced to actually interact with the information I was given, summarising key points concisely and unconsciously rewriting the information in a way that was easily digestible and understandable for me.
Rather than mindlessly typing away at my tablet, the act of writing my notes down helped me remember the information learnt in class far better.
At lunch, we couldn’t isolate ourselves with our phones. My lunchtimes were now spent chatting with my classmates and playing badminton and volleyball on the field.
I learnt a great deal about my classmates and grew much closer to them than I otherwise would have.
But perhaps the most striking difference was the quality of classroom interactions. Without the distraction of screens, we were far more engaged in class activities, with almost everyone contributing to discussions during lessons.
I vividly remember a history lesson where we debated the causes of the Cold War, with students from opposing groups passionately presenting their arguments and making rebuttals. The absence of screens encouraged us to listen to and interact with one another, while still making school entertaining.
However, it would be inaccurate to say that my time at school was perfect. Despite many things I grew to love about being in a technology-free environment, there were definitely drawbacks.
Not allowing students to use technology in school is a simplistic solution. While it ensures that students aren’t distracted by devices in class, it means that we don’t learn self-control.
There won’t be anyone to regulate and control how we use technology in the future – whether in college or as adults.
Being in a technology-free environment means living in a bubble that isn’t realistic at all; in the real world, there aren’t restrictions all the time.
Excluding technology from education doesn’t necessarily mean a return to the dark ages either.
Multiple information and communications technology lessons during the school week helped me gain key skills, such as using Microsoft Excel and even learning to build websites.
My time at a technology-free school became far more fulfilling than I could ever have imagined. Although it does not directly foster self-discipline around technology, this skill can perhaps be developed through other areas, such as remembering to do chores around the house, caring for a pet, or simply completing homework on time.
It may be tempting to buy into the belief that newer is better and aim to incorporate technology into the lives of students in as many ways as possible.
However, the fact of the matter is that our method of taking exams has remained largely unchanged.
Most students sit for major exams with a pen, paper and a calculator. Every student still has to interact with people face to face.
It may seem contrary, but the skills needed to function in both exam environments and in social settings without technology are skills that continue to remain essential to this day.
Nisheeta, 17, a student in Kuala Lumpur, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 How important is the use of technology in your schooling experience?
Rate it on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest.
Then, discuss your stance with your friends.
2.Do you think exams should evolve with the times by incorporating the use of technology?
Why or why not?
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
