Freshman year, Dr. Brewer always recites his customary speech to students, “iPods and phones should stay in your locker from 9:00 a.m. to 3:48 p.m., and if we see them they’re taken away.” However, it appears that things have changed this year.

            The instructional council for Dominion has decided to reflect on something that many students find to be a pressing matter: music players in Titan Time. In previous years, this matter was always dismissed, but this year, “The council has decided that as our generation moves more towards a more technologically advanced era, our school should make amends to fit the time period. In other words, we don't live in the stone age anymore,” said senior, Alvis Hunyh, a member of the IC.  

            “We have known this as a reality for a long time, it just took time to think about the pros and cons,” said assistant principal Michelle Quirin.

            The administration has decided to institute a new electronics policy which will go into effect second semester. It has been decided that the students can use personal laptops and tablets during Titan Time and in class if the teacher allows the student to do so. Students will also be allowed to play music, although headphones cannot be shared among students. Cell phones can be used for texting in between classes and during lunch.  

            The administration of Dominion is beginning to see iPods and cell phones in a new light. “Cell phones would benefit many students’ studying and homework habits. If a teacher discusses an upcoming deadline, students can now open the calendar on their phone and know when their deadlines are,” Quirin said.  

        Nevertheless, not all doubts have been alleviated. “My concern with the iPods, is that students will keep their ear buds in while walking through the hallways, being ‘plugged in’ and oblivious to the rest of the world,” Quirin said. 
        “I think everybody recognizes that silencing a Titan Time for an hour and a half is impossible. Our theory is that if people have ear buds in they will keep to themselves instead of engaging in conversation,” said band and orchestra teacher Sean Hartmetz.

        Some of the staff at Dominion may have their doubts and questions, but students associated with the instructional council believe that, “This is an important matter because it brings a lot of change and gives students more privileges. Teachers trust that students will be listening to only music on their devices. Allowing iPods in Titan time is only the start to slowly allowing more technological devices that have an instructional purpose at school,” said senior member of the IC Kavya Mathur.

            The Student Council Association has been a main supporter of iPods in Titan time on the instructional council. In order to prepare students for the news, they will provide, “Guidelines in which students are allowed to use iPods, laptops, tablets, and texting. This is to clarify any confusion with the students and to cover any loopholes,” said senior Kaitlyn Chun, another IC member.

        Students no longer have to worry about secretly hiding ear buds, or doing the fancy maneuver of concealing ear buds in jackets. The school has finally allowed technology to play a role in education.