Martha’s Vineyard News from The Vineyard Gazette

Island High School Teachers Struggle to Capture Students’ Attention in Screen-Filled Environment

As Island schools transitioned to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, technology became a lifeline for students. However, four years later, teachers are facing a new challenge as personal devices have become pervasive in and out of the classroom, leading to onscreen distractions.

High school teachers recently shared their concerns about the impact of constant cell phone and screen use on students’ education and social development. They highlighted the difficulty of maintaining students’ focus and fostering meaningful connections in a digitalized, post-pandemic environment.

To address these issues, the high school committee is considering a new policy that would prohibit students from using personal devices throughout the school day. Instead, students would be provided with identical Chromebooks and required to keep their cell phones in locking pouches, only unlocking them at specific locations when leaving campus.

Teachers emphasized the negative effects of social media on students’ self-esteem and confidence, leading to a reluctance to engage in face-to-face discussions. They also expressed concerns about cheating and the challenges of competing with screen-based distractions in the classroom.

Despite these challenges, teachers remain committed to supporting students and helping them navigate the digital world. They believe that by implementing new technology policies and involving students in the decision-making process, they can create a more focused and engaging learning environment.

As math teacher Michael Innes stated, “It’s part of our job to find out what interests them, and push them to uncover more.” The teachers are determined to overcome the obstacles posed by technology and continue to inspire and educate their students.