As a member of the digital generation, I am aware of how ironic it is that I find Blackboard intolerable. The moment that we got the school laptops, I immediately foresaw how dreadful my future high school years were going to be.  Now, as a second-semester senior, I see that my concern was legitimate: These laptops have proven more of a curse than a blessing.

Blackboard is more burdensome than useful. Not only are Blackboard tests anxiety-inducing, but there really are too few benefits to using it. As if tests are not nerve-racking enough already, I constantly fear that my laptop’s battery will conk out on me in the middle of a 100-question test. Then what? I would have to take time out of the period to stand up and put my laptop on a charger and wait until it turns back on.

As soon as I see a matching section on a normal test, I’m overcome with relief. However, if it’s on Blackboard, I internally cry at the sight of matching. A computer screen can only fit so many matching questions before forcing us to scroll down and then back up just to take in all of the options.

For a teenager prone to migraines, staring at a computer screen for too long can trigger a headache. Looking at tiny print on a computer screen can damage your eyes and eventually have long-term negative effects.  It’s enough to make wonder whether the district is trying to push technological advancement too fast for our own good.

Additionally, I’ve noticed that some teachers complain about cheating on Blackboard tests. However, if a test is given on a laptop without being on lockdown (which happens more frequently than one would think), the school is practically saying, “Go ahead. Just use google to ace this test.” Not only is there internet access, but students can stay on the answer page after the test and share it with others. Of course, it is wrong for the students to abandon their integrity, but it is not entirely their fault if the temptation is so strong.

Also, I try to not check my phone and computer at all times, though some teachers encourage us to do. They change homework assignments or add to them after school and expect us to check it. After school, I go home, eat dinner, and go to work. There is no time in between to check Blackboard every night to see if an assignment has changed in the hours since I sat in class.

Returning from an absence is challenging to begin with but is rapidly worsened when the teacher responds with the signature line: “Well, did you check Blackboard?” Some valid absences make it especially difficult to find the time to check Blackboard.  I miss the times when you could ask a teacher what you missed and they would give you a straight answer along with any papers that you missed.

Although I understand why the NA staff believes that Blackboard is a step forward, the disadvantages need to be brought to light. Blackboard tests need to reconsidered before they become the only test format.  Not only do the computers add weight to our backpacks, they also add weight on our shoulders through unnecessary stress.