By: Caden Choi
To every high school student, the motion of picking up a device and scrolling is automatic. Countless hours are spent mindlessly droning over green screen skies and AI-generated mountains. The art of the doomscroll— the erasure of humanity. Students at Orange Lutheran experience no shortage of this impending issue. Devices can impede day in and day out, dictating the lives of many. Although faculty have implemented a phones-away policy during class time, means of minimizing distraction are limited. A true solution to the digital epidemic has seemed lost. That is, until Opal arrived. In the 26-27 school year, OLu announced the implementation of Opal: a screen time management program designed to block distracting apps. Opal is currently being installed on students’ phones across OLu, creating a more engaging school environment.
Principal Jessica Raba is eager for students to experience Opal. She states that “the idea is that we want our entire community to be supporting one another with shared discipline.” She notes that having Opal on the phones rather than iPads will allow students to omit distracting technology, and focus on tech that will help them in the classroom. Because iPads will not have the same restrictions, it is pertinent that Opal be used strictly on phones. The Opal app blocks disruptive apps, but allows students to keep in contact with their families, friends, and faculty through messaging and phone calls.
On iPads, AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini will not be blocked. With that in mind, students are expected to maintain a level of AI caution. Mrs. Raba notes that as a school community, we must “make sure we’re not giving all of our cognitive load to digital tools that can hinder our growth, development, and conscious decision making.” At the same time, she recognizes that AI can be a powerful educational tool. Students must understand how to responsibly utilize digital assistance tools and how to properly leverage the resources handed to them. She, along with all OLu faculty, would like students to ethically process information, both inside the classroom and out.
In response to the rise of AI, Mrs. Raba acknowledges that certain tools are designed to take students’ attention away from what’s important. She expresses that Opal redirects emphasis on what’s most valuable: for students to understand that God has created us with our unique gifts and talents. Mrs. Raba also notes common student misconceptions about Opal, including the notion that faculty are trying to take away something valuable or comforting. In reality, this app is being implemented to allow students to unapologetically express themselves. Mrs. Raba reflects on today’s social pressures: “It’s disheartening to hear a student say they are concerned to be a kid and to experience fun because they are afraid someone will capture them on video or photo.” She emphasizes that high school should be a place to take risks and explore passions without the hindrance of social media embarrassment.
Ultimately, Opal is beyond the app that limits distractions and generative AI usage. It’s a fresh start for the OLu community — a chance for students to bond and faculty to thrive. As Lancers continue their trek through high school, it is essential that they do not forget to express their true selves. Opal allows students to stroll, rather than scroll down the halls of OLu.
