Hoofprint Staff

CON

Life360 is a mobile phone app created in 2008 which allows family members to track each other’s locations and driving information. The app has been highly praised for its real-time alerts that inform parents when their children are speeding, moving locations, or have even gotten in a car crash. According to the App Store, Life360 says that users will “get automatic notifications when your family comes and goes from home, work, and school, and when they complete drives.” While Life360 may seem like the best way to keep your family safe, just because you can access all of this information doesn’t mean you should. 

Life360 requires users to sacrifice all privacy in order to deliver the safety it promises. The ability for parents to track their child’s every movement throughout the day can become a tiring and unfair process for the child. Part of growing up is having the freedom to make your own choices, make mistakes, and then learn from them. This is what every generation of teenagers experienced while growing up, except for the current generation. Although it promotes safety, Life360 is limiting the lives of teenagers everywhere by alerting parents of their every move, regardless if it is good or bad. 

In my experience, teenagers will try to find ways to avoid parental supervision. An app can’t stop a teenager from doing what they please, which only leads kids to think of creative ways to outsmart the app as well as their parents. This can lead teenagers to end up in situations where they are without their phone since it is common to leave a tracked phone behind at a friend’s house before going to a location not approved by a parent. If a parent really wants to know where their child is, they can use programs such as “Find my iPhone” which solely shows a device’s location and not invasive information such as driving speeds.    

    I understand the appeal Life360 offers to parents such as high speed, real-time updates of your child’s whereabouts in order to ensure their safety, but I think this kind of tracking is too invasive to have a completely trusting family relationship. With Life360, teenagers are not given the opportunity to live their lives freely and are instead tied down by an app that gives their parents real-time updates according to their every movement. The app Life360 should be used only in special circumstances to ensure safety and not as a daily tracking device to hover over and control teenagers.            

PRO

Many teenagers argue that the Life360 app has had more negative impacts than positive; it makes them feel restricted, and it exacerbates the “helicopter parenting” style that has become more and more common. But looking at the bigger picture, Life360, as surprising as it may be, benefits teens by allowing them more freedom. Also, the app has developed new features that protect teens when they’re on their own, and it can be an effective safety measure if used with restraint.

For most teenagers, there comes a time when they yearn for freedom, and for many, it can be a constant struggle with their parents to gain independence. With the Life360 App, parents who feel hesitant about letting their teenagers roam uninhibited can be reassured. Having the app doesn’t mean that parents are obligated to check it all the time, but it is a great way for them to check their child’s location in an emergency. Sure, in the wrong hands, Life360 could be seen as helicopter parenting, but the main goal of the app is safety, and it achieves that. Parents might even feel more inclined to let their teenagers go out on their own because they would be able to contact them immediately in the case of an emergency. Life360 provides young people with a small taste of what freedom is like, without giving them the overwhelming responsibility of having to completely fend for themselves. 

There are countless examples of Life360 helping to save peoples’ lives, from connecting family members amid a terrorist attack to tracking a missing kidnapping victim. Even if the situation isn’t as drastic, it can still be a big help for teens to have that resource on hand. For people starting to drive on their own, the app’s new technologies can be a big help; Life360 offers 24-hour roadside assistance for minor incidents such as flat tires, running out of gas, and engine jump-starts.

Many people argue that Life360 restricts teenagers’ basic freedoms and puts a strain on the trust between them and their parents. But the system doesn’t have to be confining. With the right parameters in place, parents can preserve the trust they have with their children. First of all, parents need to begin by having a conversation with their kids about what the tracking means. It isn’t meant to be something that makes people uncomfortable or puts a strain on relationships; parents shouldn’t be compulsively checking the app to try and “bust” their children. Parents should give their children the benefit of the doubt. At its core, the Life360 app is a valuable tool that can keep people safe and even potentially save lives, but it must be treated with caution and not overused.

Lincoln’s Haberdashery:

Lincoln’s Haberdashery describes themself as an “artisan market that serves sandwiches and coffee in a chill setting” and after being there more times than I can count, I can safely say this description is entirely accurate. It is located on South Boulevard and is complete with the new, hipster vibe that most places in that area have. Inside, the interior follows a quaint, soft aesthetic that is very relaxing as well as great music to accompany your studying. The sandwiches are amazing and have something for everyone, whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or a meat lover. The coffee is also very good and they always have a special latte that is guaranteed to make you smile from a butterbeer latte to a Ron Swanson themed latte. The only downside to Lincoln’s is the prices for food and coffee are a bit on the steep side but don’t let that stop you from stopping by and grabbing a coffee. 

Mugs:

Mugs is a small coffee shop on Park Road and fits the stereotype of a coffee shop almost perfectly. The smell of coffee, insanely comfortable brown leather couches, quiet jazz music playing from the speakers, plus insanely good (and cheap) coffee are all things you’ll find here. They are a local business and it shows. The owner is almost always there and won’t hesitate to make sure that your experience in his coffee shop is as good as possible. The staff are also incredibly warm and will almost always ask how your day is going or compliment your outfit. The coffee is always good, tasting even better than the big brand coffee that Starbucks or Caribou may serve, and is less expensive as well. Although the coffee is amazing, the food menu is not as extensive as other coffee shops and is mainly pastries, cookies, and bagels, so if you’re looking for a meal, this may not be the best place. But if you’re looking to feel like you’re in a coffee shop from a movie, Mugs is the place to go. 

Amelies: 

Amelies is a classic study spot for many Myers Park students.  With three convenient locations, it is frequently visited by students thanks to its ambiance, productive energy, and exceptional food. Inside, the style of decor can only be described as chaotic; chandeliers are haphazardly hung on the ceilings and clocks randomly adorn the walls.  There are many different options for tables, from smaller booths to large tables for bigger groups. Amelies has delicious baked goods and a wide selection of coffee and tea. From macaroons to eclairs to baguettes, the food options are exceptional. In addition, for non-coffee drinkers, there is also delicious tea and other drinks. While it can be expensive, Amelies is always a great option for students who want to be productive while enjoying delicious food. 

Starbucks: 

While Starbucks may seem like a basic coffee shop option, it has an exceptional work environment. Whenever I have a big assignment to do, my first stop is typically Starbucks; I am incredibly productive in an environment surrounded by people who are working hard.  The baristas are always friendly and helpful, and refills are cheap. While Starbucks typically doesn’t have good food options, typically, they are located close to other restaurants. For example, the Starbucks located on Providence Road is next to Laurel Market, a delicious neighborhood store.  Starbucks is a convenient option for both coffee and a workspace for students who want to productive. 

Lucy Georgius: Pro Phones in School

As the technology behind smartphones continues to evolve at lightning speeds, technology in the classroom has become a hot topic of debate. There are strong arguments for each side of the issue as each side has its pros and cons. While phones can definitely be a source of distraction, especially with new apps coming out every day like Instagram, Snapchat, and even TikTok, they can also revolutionize the learning experience of students.

Over the past few years, Chromebooks have become widely used for students to use for research and writing. Although these can be helpful, personal phones allow the student to conduct research and type papers with the convenience of being able to fit in his or her pocket. Once class ends, the Chromebooks must return to the cart to be plugged in and left in the school overnight. In some cases, students might start to associate working and researching with using the Chromebook, which could keep students from doing work at home. On the other hand, people keep their phones in their pockets 24/7. In addition, students will be more familiar with their personal cell phones, which reduces the learning curve. Using a phone in contrast to a Chromebook allows the student and the teacher more flexibility within the classroom. 

One major backlash and argument against having phones in the classroom is the considerable risk of distraction. Phones nowadays are filled with different games and apps that keep us constantly stimulated and entertained. Here’s the difference: phones should not be allowed at all times throughout the classroom; cell phone use should be regulated, and only used when a teacher gives permission. While there should be obvious exceptions to this idea in execution, for the most part, this concept is a way to get the best of both worlds. Learning will be advanced through this innovative technology rather than be brought down and hindered by the distraction.

Not only does utilizing mobile devices enrich the academic experience, but there are other benefits too. In case of an emergency, it is beneficial to have a phone. Say there is a real fire—having to deal with handing back phones to students in such a stressful time can make an already chaotic situation much worse. Not only will this be a stressor in situations like these, but it also makes the threat much more dangerous. When students already have access to their phone in scary cases like these, it eliminates an extra step towards solving the problem and dealing with the situation at hand. In addition, if a family emergency occurs, a student will have more access to information and stay in the loop; if the student has to leave because of this, they will know immediately, which could be vital. 

Cell phone use in schools is highly controversial because of the potential risks, but using phones in a controlled way could lead to an innovative and enhanced classroom experience. 

Chole Wilson: Con Phones in School

Our attachment to our cellular devices has grown rapidly over the years. Not only can we not put them down during a family dinner or while doing homework, but it also seems that we cannot put them down at school. Maybe it’s because Candy Crush is too tempting, or perhaps it’s ingrained in our brains that we must have our phones on us at all times. 

Numerous studies have proved that our addiction to our phones can be related to the amount of dopamine in our brain. According to Trevor Haynes of Harvard University, “Smartphones have provided us with a virtually unlimited supply of social stimuli, both positive and negative. Every notification, whether it’s a text message, a “like” on Instagram, or a Facebook notification, has the potential to be a positive social stimulus and dopamine influx.” Our attachment to our smartphones has become an addiction that we just can’t shake. As a result, this addiction is now affecting our work ethic in the classroom. Dr. Sahlberg, who will join the University of New South Wales as professor of education this year, said smartphones were distracting students from reading, school-related work, physical activity, and high-quality sleep. With every notification we get, we are forced to unlock our phones, and in turn, we miss part of our teacher’s lecture. We are fortunate for our education, so should we really be decreasing its value at the expense of our smartphones? 

According to The Atlantic, The University of Michigan found that in schools that permitted students to have cell phones, 71 percent of students sent or received text messages on their cell phones in class. This staggering percentage is what is costing students their education. Although many students argue by saying that they can multitask or that they are simply listening to music while doing their work, this reasoning can be shot down quickly. Peter Bregman wrote in the Harvard Business Review Blog Network that multitasking can reduce productivity by 40 percent, while also increasing stress and causing a ten-point fall in IQ. The point is that teachers cannot be naive when it comes to cell phones in the classroom. If teachers think that their students aren’t quietly texting under their desk while instruction is going on, they would be sadly mistaken. At the same time, while students are missing parts of the lecture, they are only hurting themselves and their grades. 

According to The Atlantic, “In a recent New York Times article titled ‘A Silicon Valley School That Doesn’t Compute,’ Paul Thomas, a former teacher and an associate professor of education at Furman University was quoted as saying, ‘Teaching is a human experience. Technology is a distraction when we need literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.’” All in all, if teachers want success in the classroom, cell phones must be banned due to student’s unwavering addiction to them.

In Favor of the Use of Continued Paper Documents in the Classroom

An announcement of online testing is usually met with rolled eyes and long sighs from the class. No one wants to be staring at a screen for an hour and a half reading passages or doing equations. No matter how you look at it, reading off a computer is very different from paper, and not in a good way. According to the American Optometric Association, eyes start to get fatigued due to the glare and reflection on the screen. Additionally, a study done by the American Psychology Association shows that computers promote a less work-oriented state of mind, which can affect how students analyze information while testing. The internet can be used for many recreational purposes, which can be very distracting for an easily diverted test taker.

It is especially important for visual learners to be able to write, annotate, and otherwise mark up text or problems on the test. Circling questions allows one to come back to them more easily, and annotating and highlighting English passages is a reading strategy that most, if not all English teachers recommend. While technology does offer some substitutes for highlighters and pencils, the technology can often be clumsy and hard to use. In summary, it can never compete with an actual pen or pencil.

For math, it’s undeniably easier to do work for a test on a separate sheet of paper without having to transcribe everything from online. In addition, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, students are much more likely to guess on computer-based tests than paper tests. When you circle a random answer on a paper test, chances are you’ve crossed an answer or two off or have a reasonable guess for the correct answer. However, on the computer, you’re less likely to cross answers off, and the process of eliminating incorrect answers is usually ignored.

For students, it is also countless times easier to cheat on online assessments. The internet has the answer to pretty much any question you could ask, whether it is math or history. The temptation to cheat doesn’t require pulling out a phone or flipping through a notebook; it just takes some typing. While the issue of cheating shouldn’t be blamed on technology and rather the personal failure of the student to adhere to the honor code , it is definitely an aspect that should be considered when choosing paper versus computer tests. There are various security measures that the school and various testing sites employ, but they are often easy to get around, and with creative, intelligent students, they pose no obstacles.

While testing on the computer does pose less work for teachers to grade, testing on paper is beneficial for students. Hopefully teachers can consider this when they are planning their next assessment.

In Favor of the Continued Use of Technology in the Classroom

In this day and age, some aspects of technology are integrated into almost all classrooms. Math classes require the use of calculators, while History and English classes require the student to scour the internet for research; Other classes will probably require the use of a computer or tablet to work on. Why? Teachers prefer to quickly communicate with their students. They can assign paperless work to be environmentally friendly, test more efficiently, and use multiple online resources for assignments and lessons. With technology, students can even catch up quickly if they miss school.

“I get to maintain a connection with my students and their parents, adults, and guardians at home,” Theatre Arts teacher, Amanda Roberts said. In an age of technology, if a student isn’t using it, they could lose the connection they could have with their teachers.

Again, technology can be beneficial to students and teachers, especially in a flipped classroom. A flipped system is a classroom where the learning is done at home, and the actual classroom portion is used for questions and reviewing curriculum. AP Statistics teacher Leigh Evans runs a flipped classroom. “Students have an outline to do with the book and they go through and do their own notes at night and that’s their homework. And then there’s a short video they watch to supplement that,” Math teacher Leigh Evans said. Learning at a comfortable pace for the student is vital in being able to fully understand what is being taught to them.

Additionally, the use of technology is beneficial to the environment. The amount of paper used in classrooms can be cut down tremendously if more and more assignments were left to be done online. One could argue that they need a paper and pencil to work out math problems or annotate articles. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Nowadays, computers are touchscreen with programs for note taking and writing with a stylus or your finger. Thanks to various technological advancements, lots of new mediums in the classroom are possible.

Controversial as online testing may be, in the end, it really helps the teacher and the student. Teachers can grade tests more efficiently and accurately, saving them time for other responsibilities.If tests are online, the anxiety of waiting for grades will go away much faster since the teacher will be able to easily grade it. Missing a day of school can set students really far behind, and they would most likely prefer to be able to catch up while they’re out.
Students may prefer not using technology in the classroom, which is okay in some situations. But why would one not prefer easy communication, quick grading, efficient ways to catch up, and do-it-at-your-own-pace ways of learning?

Pro

Plain and simple, I agree with the death penalty. Now, I am not a proponent of using the death penalty in every situation, but I definitely believe that it has its place.
From an economic standpoint, taxpayers should not have to support the financial burden that people with multiple life sentences have become. There are mixed reports of whether the death penalty or life in prison is more expensive, but either way, the cost of death penalty needs to go down. It should be an extremely swift process that is definitively used as a consequence for the most gruesome of crimes.
8,032 people have been sentenced to death (from 1977-2012), but they are not being killed willy-nilly; according to the Bureau of Justice, 67.1 percent of death row inmates had prior felony convictions. Why continue to support a person with multiple life sentences in prison? It is true that serial rapists and mass-murderers have been sentenced to thousands of years in prison, but why? No one receives a sentence that large if there is a chance of innocence.
Of course, I realize that there have been cases where death row inmates have been proven innocent, but with increased use of surveillance, such as body cameras and security cameras, and other advanced technology being used, the number of these cases has decreased dramatically. Executions are at their lowest in 20 years, according to a new report by the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Capital punishment should not be on the table in all cases, but should be considered in those that would land someone behind bars for an improbable amount of time.
The death penalty provides a definitive act of closure for victims’ families, ridding them of further pain and grief caused by a heinous event. Recently, Dylann Roof, the 22 year-old who used a .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun to kill nine people at a Charleston church in June, was sentenced to death for his actions. His cold blooded murders were premeditated, he outright admitted that he killed those innocent people, and there was even video evidence of him practicing the crime. What other answer is there for someone who causes so much harm to our society? A person who would kill innocent people so viciously has absolutely no place in our city or even in the worst prison this country has to offer.
As a society, a balance must be found between the power of the government and its right to impose the capital punishment. At the same time, what does it say about our society if we let mass murderers and serial rapists walk away with their lives?

Anti

The number of executions is on the decline, and rightfully so. Not only is the practice of sentencing another human being to death morally wrong, but there are many other alternatives that provide a more effective route for punishment, such as life imprisonment. All of the flaws with the practice of executions are obvious indicators that it is not an effective method to punish criminals.
Using the death penalty as a punishment for criminals who have committed murder has many parallels to the outdated Hammurabi’s Code and the logic behind the “eye for an eye” ideology. Our society has become more modern, and our punishment methods must follow suit. While on the surface it may seem like the purpose of executions is to protect the general public by getting rid of the most dangerous threats, our lives are actually left in the hands of the government. There must be limitations on the power of the government, and allowing it to play God by deciding whether people live or die is dangerous.
Not only is the death penalty morally wrong and has proven weak compared to other alternatives, but it has also been found to enable racism. A study by Professor Jack Boger and Dr. Isaac Unah from the University of North Carolina found that defendants whose victims were white were 3.5 times more likely to receive the death penalty than if the victim was nonwhite. This clearly shows inequality regarding who is sentenced to execution.
It is also important to consider the fact that there are plenty of cases in which felons are found to be innocent after years of waiting on death row or even being executed. In fact, a study conducted by a group of legal experts from Michigan and Pennsylvania found that at least 4.1% of those sentenced to death are actually innocent. Any margin of error that results in wrongful persecution or execution is a good enough reason to stand against the death penalty.
The death penalty also has many economic disadvantages. A study published by Philip Cook, a professor at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, finds that North Carolina spends an estimated $11 million on the death penalty every year. Millions of dollars spent on executions could be used to improve our state’s quality of education or environmental initiatives, but are instead being wasted on killing people.
Sentencing a prisoner to life imprisonment over the death penalty is not an act of mercy or a condonation of their actions. The death penalty has numerous flaws that make it an ineffective method of punishing our worst criminals. Life imprisonment serves as a much better alternative both morally and economically.