The world around us is advancing more and more every day.

The first car was invented in the late 18th-century and had a maximum speed of 10mph. Now some cars can reach speeds up to 200mph plus. The first mobile phone could only make calls. We are now able to read, write, watch, listen to and sometimes even create from anywhere at any time with a smartphone of today’s generation.

The world around us is changing like we’ve never seen it before, but why aren’t our schools embracing these technological changes?

In the 18th century, teachers used to write on blackboards and students would copy. Now, 218 years later, the teachers write on whiteboards and students copy. Technology needs to be used more in schools across the Isle of Man. And here’s why.

Technology is an enjoyable way to make students digest information.

From my experiences, as a year 10 student at Ballakermeen, I’ve found that I learn quickly and more effectively on an electronic device. It is just a simpler way to get information.

Many students do not interact in class because they do not like to speak in front of there fellow students or they are worried that they might share an incorrect answer.

Technology means that students can answer privately through their electronic devices and this enhances full participation in classes. This also enables students of all abilities to learn at their own pace, which is important to fulfil their potential confidence.

A great proportion of workplaces around the island contain electronic devices. Schools should be preparing students for the future of work and technology is the future. Schools need to utilize more iPads and computers in school life.

iPads are a great way to learn. Students can use iPads to carry out the majority of their literacy and numeracy tasks on the devices, as well as completing online quizzes and taking part in interactive games. There are many online websites that can provide essential information for students’ courses.

The internet could provide teachers with lots of useful teaching resources that keep kids interested. In my opinion, I feel like textbook work is extremely dull and out-dated. Textbooks were used when there was no other way to find information. The internet holds almost all the information any student would need.

I just can’t see any reasons why we aren’t updating the school system. Using the internet would be easier and a lot more convenient for both students and teachers.

Danny Mareco from Securedge Networks wrote in an article ’10 reasons today’s students need technology in the classroom’: ’Integrating technology in education helps students stay engaged.

’Most students today have been using mobile devices like tablets and smartphones to play and learn since they could crawl. So it only seems logical to align today’s classrooms with the way that your students want and are used to learning.

’Technology empowers students to be more creative and be more connected.’

School should be a place where kids are desperate to learn and at the moment I find that this is not the case. Many students across the island are very stressed with work overload, revision and exams. Using technology would help to reduce this unnecessary stress and provide a healthier mindset for the students when it comes to their education.

As Professor Albert Einstein once stated: ’Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving.’

Technology is the future and schools have to up their game and keep moving to prepare students for the future.

â?¢ Charlie, a Ballakermeen High School student, was on work experience with Isle of Man Newspapers.