Valentina Baldini, Arts and Tech Editor
@vbaldinicourant
On September 20, Apple released the iPhone 16, a modern and high-tech model with many advanced features such as increased battery life, the new AI tool, Apple Intelligence, and a 20% better sustained performance than the iPhone 15 pro. Furthermore, the rise of screen time amongst teenagers and the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to spread across New Canaan High School, affecting student life and creating a strong connection between art and technology at our school.
The New iPhone 16 comes with many new and different features that can influence students across the high school. “The improved camera quality can help submit photos from assignments to Schoology, and the battery life is helpful for getting through long school days,” junior Victoria Greer said.
“Out of school, I believe the grade five titanium exterior that helps the sturability and strength of the iPhone limits my stress about cracking it,” she said. “Most importantly, the Apple Intelligence feature seems like a huge leap in AI and could help me with my writing skills without cheating.”
With the continuous advancements in developing apps and AI, especially with the arrival of the iPhone 16, students can enhance their schoolwork. “An app that helps me in school is Photomath. It is an AI app that provides answers to math problems from just a quick photo of the problem,” Victoria said.
“Plus, it gives a step by step procedure of how to solve it so I don’t just get the answer, but also can study with it and get a better understanding,” She said
AI-powered apps also include math and English based websites that also help with students understanding of their schoolwork. “I find AI-powered study aids, such as Quizlet and Khan Academy to be especially useful in my academic life,” said sophomore Scarlett Stewart. “These platforms offer interactive learning tools, flashcards, and personalized quizzes that help my understanding of complex information I learn in school.”
Scarlett also believes that the new updates in the iPhone 16 can help with school and time management. “Features like smart suggestions and automated scheduling definitely enhance my study time and management,” said Scarlett. “For instance, Apple Intelligence would help me prioritize my tasks and calendar based on deadlines and importance, which helps me with my study skills.”
The new technological advancements in the iPhone 16 and AI come with some downsides and distractions for teenagers, one main lies in the ethical problems between artificial intelligence and students in school. “The increase in AI use makes us more dependent on the internet and limits people’s ability to learn information through research,” Victoria said.
“I don’t like when students use chat GPT to write or cheat on assignments because I think it’s immoral and unfair to the students who actually tried,” she said. “I also don’t like the idea of not knowing what is and isn’t real in photos and writings, since it’s very difficult to tell when something is AI generated.”
Additionally, leading factors such as price also make students more reluctant to purchase the new iPhone 16. “For me, the high cost makes it less appealing. The new iPhone is insanely expensive and I don’t believe the high price is worth the new features,” Scarlett said.
“I’m unlikely to switch phones right now because I’m satisfied with everything my current iPhone 15 offers,” she said. “It meets all my needs, and I don’t feel the need for any additional updates or features at the moment.”
Conversely, the iPhone 16 appeals to many users, thanks to its advanced features. Given how frequently people rely on their phones, this makes it a compelling choice. “During my school days, I rely heavily on my phone to support my studies, manage my schedule, and stay connected with friends and family through texting,” Victoria said. “Getting the new iPhone would enhance my technological experience, making all of these tasks easier and more efficient.”
The recent updates in technology also play an important part in shaping the high schools art electives, a main tool being Photoshop. “The Adobe updates include bug fixes, tools, and other AI features intended to make the app more streamlined, innovative and user-friendly,” said art teacher Maggie Pennoyer.
“Advancements in Photoshop technology make the app more efficient and can allow for more creative freedom. In those cases, I see a positive impact for my students in developing their artistic vision and technician skills,” she said.
Some believe that the use of such advanced tools and AI can sometimes overshadow the fundamental principles of art and design. “The use of new and advanced tools can provide a more manageable approach to editing and doesn’t overshadow the basics of art,” Ms. Pennoyer said.
“However, when artists use the new AI “generate content” options, and falsely state that they are the creator as opposed to the computer, that can have negative consequences,” she said. “The College Board’s rules on using AI for all AP Art and Design Portfolios is simple and clear, It is not permitted under any circumstances.”
At the high school and all around the world, technology has broadened the scope of what is considered art. “Technology is a tool that enhances and elevates human expression, and the results can shape and change culture around us,” Ms. Pennoyer said. “Hundreds of years ago, Da Vinci and Rembrant used a camera obscura to help understand the way the human eye sees light in terms of geometric perspective”
“In today’s age, artists use Photoshop in class as a fine art tool to respond to the world around us and communicate in the language of imagery. The question shouldn’t be if technology has changed the way people define art but how,” she said.
