From Chalkboard to Keyboard by Anyssa

From Chalkboard to Keyboard by Anyssa - November 2025 Scholarship Essay

Technology has changed my classroom experience in many meaningful and positive ways, shaping how I learn, communicate, and stay organized. One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is how much more engaging lessons have become. Instead of relying only on lectures or textbook reading, teachers now use videos, interactive slides, online simulations, and digital demonstrations to explain difficult topics. Visual elements help me stay focused, especially when we’re learning something complex that’s easier to understand when I can actually see it happening. For example, watching a science animation or participating in an online simulation makes certain concepts click more quickly than if I were just reading about them. This kind of interactive learning keeps me interested and helps break up the routine of traditional classwork, making it easier to stay motivated.

Another major benefit of technology is how much more convenient and flexible schoolwork has become. Most of my assignments, notes, and study resources are available online, which means I don’t have to worry about misplacing papers or forgetting important information. If I need to check a due date, download a worksheet, or reread a lesson, everything is stored in one place and accessible from anywhere. This also helps me manage my time better, because I can easily see what I need to finish and plan ahead. When I’m confused or need extra help, I can look up videos, articles, and practice tools that explain the material in different ways. Learning independently at my own pace makes a huge difference, especially when I need more time to understand something or want to review a topic before a test.

Technology has also made it far easier to collaborate and communicate with both classmates and teachers. Group projects used to be difficult because everyone had to find a time to meet in person, which didn’t always work with different schedules. Now, we can share documents online, leave comments for each other, and add ideas whenever we’re available. This makes group work feel more organized and less stressful. Communicating with teachers has become more efficient as well. Instead of waiting until the next class to ask a question, I can send a message or email and often get a response much sooner. This helps me stay on track and avoid falling behind, especially when deadlines are approaching or I’m unsure about an assignment’s instructions. It also creates a stronger sense of connection, because teachers can give helpful tips, feedback, and reminders outside of class time.

Overall, technology has made my classroom experience smoother, more flexible, and much more personalized. It supports different learning styles, gives me access to helpful resources, and keeps me organized in ways that would have been difficult before. It has improved the quality of the lessons I receive, made studying more efficient, and helped me communicate more easily with others. Instead of feeling limited by traditional methods, I now feel like I have more tools available that help me succeed. Technology hasn’t just changed how I learn—it has improved the entire learning experience in ways that continue to benefit me every day.