Former Student- Emina

I'm sitting here, trying to make sense of everything that's happened since my graduation in 2028, and I can't help but feel lost and confused. The world around me has changed so much, and I'm struggling to comprehend it all. I miss the nostalgic feeling of gazing down at my bright phone screen, tapping away on social media apps, forgetting the passing of time as if I were being transported to an alternate universe... a digital universe.

I grew up in a world where technology was omnipresent. Suddenly, the prohibition of technology beyond school grounds was made effective, it almost felt like a death sentence. Depriving students of something that we used and relied on in our everyday lives, is now suddenly forbidden. The Accountability Storm Troopers gave a dreadful presence; it instilled a sense of fear in us all. The slightest suspicion of cheating led to a series of unwarranted consequences: detention, confiscation of our tech devices, and being transported to a traditional education system to be deprived of modern conveniences. Back when I was in school, students and parents seemed to hold all the power in shaping the educational system. It was chaotic, with teachers constantly bending to accommodate everyone's demands. Accountability was virtually nonexistent, and consequences were rare. Then came the era of technology, promising to revolutionize education. But instead, it brought about a decline in critical thinking skills and human connections. We became overly reliant on AI-driven systems, and before we knew it, society was on the brink of collapse. In the present year 2050, the government has imposed a ban on technology outside of educational institutions. It's like a whole other world, where students like me, who grew up with technology as a crutch, are suddenly forced to navigate without it. Whether it was to check the time, text a friend, a quick Google search It was apparent that teachers were thrilled with this change brought into the education system, they didn't have to take up class time focusing on classroom management. Instead, they were able to teach students without disruptions, as parents had to be committed to parenting and not leave it to teachers responsibility to teach mannerisms and life skills at school. In the beginning stages, I couldn’t come to terms with such drastic measures. Why punish an entire generation for the mistakes committed by a few? The pendulum swung too far to the left, with students stomping all over the education system and avoiding accountability for their actions. I used to rely heavily on ChatGPT to help me complete my homework and assignments. It was like having a personal tutor at my fingertips, guiding me through every problem and concept I didn't understand. But now, I feel, unsure of how to even begin tackling my work without its assistance.

The skills that I once thought were crucial in the digital age of the workforce are now considered useless. Critical thinking has been replaced by reliance on AI, and the overuse of ChatGPT has left everyone to lack original thought. What pains me the most about the current reality is the loss of autonomy. Our choices are no longer our own; they're dictated by strict rules and regulations. I struggle to process the notion that I am unable to make decisions freely, as I remind myself that the world used to be much simpler.
I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of uncertainty. Without my tech, I don't feel equipped to succeed or even to understand what's going on around me. My critical thinking skills are practically nonexistent, and I'm struggling to make sense of the new reality I find myself in.

And then there's the invasion of my space. Without my tech, I feel exposed and vulnerable, like my privacy has been stripped away. I miss the days when I could retreat into my little world, free from surveillance and constant distractions. But perhaps the hardest part of all is the loss of freedom. In this new world, choices are no longer mine to make. Instead, they're dictated by a government hell-bent on enforcing its strict rules and regulations.I can't help but wonder if this is what it means to be truly accountable. Is it about following orders without question, or is there more to it than that? And what does it mean for the future of education—and society as a whole? Through all the confusion I bear, one thing becomes apparent to me: the world I once knew is gone, replaced by something entirely foreign and unfamiliar. As I struggle to find my place in this new reality, I can't help but fear what the future holds.

However, I find that somehow hope emerges after hearing the experiences my younger brother faces currently in school. Like he was also apprehensive about the ban on technology outside of school, but his experience has been surprisingly positive. Unlike me, who grew up in a world where technology was omnipresent, my brother was born into a society where the overuse of tech had reached a tipping point. For him, the prohibition of technology beyond school grounds wasn't a death sentence but rather a chance at a different kind of life— that was not attached to their screens but focused on reality. At first, I couldn't comprehend how my brother could adapt so seamlessly to a world devoid of the digital distractions I had grown so accustomed to. But as he shared his experiences with me, I began to see things from a new perspective. For him, the absence of social media increased his connections and face-to-face interactions and genuine human connections. Instead of staring at screens, he spends his free time playing outdoors with friends, exploring nature, and pursuing hobbies that foster creativity and personal growth. Without the constant attachment of technology to lean on, my brother has built on his critical thinking skills and developed a sense of independence and self-reliance that I envy. He tackles challenges head-on, relying on his own intellect and resourcefulness rather than outsourcing his thinking to AI-driven systems like I once did with ChatGPT.

My brother's school experience has been transformed for the better. With fewer disruptions caused by technology-related issues, teachers can devote more time to meaningful instruction and personalized support. Classroom environments are more conducive to learning, fostering a sense of focus and discipline that was sorely lacking in my day.

As I listen to my brother's stories of adventure and discovery in this new world, I can't help but feel a sense of hope amidst the uncertainty. Perhaps the loss of technology isn't a punishment but rather an opportunity for growth and renewal. Maybe, just maybe, there's a silver lining to be found in this brave new world after all.