Chromebook initiative changing the way students function in and out of school

Students+Elaine+Gregory+and+Amanda+Dougherty+use+their+new+Chromebooks+to+complete+work+in+Media+Studies+class.+

Ms. Sarah Chaga

Students Elaine Gregory and Amanda Dougherty use their new Chromebooks to complete work in Media Studies class.

Andrew Young and Peter Fay, Contributors

 
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Chromebooks are a considerable change being brought to the school following the start of the new semester, and with this change comes new opportunities for both improvements and distractions. School officials spent some time preparing for the distribution of these devices to students and worked hard to integrate the laptops into the school’s system, configuring them to work well with both students and staff in day to day classes, as well as special tasks and projects.

The new chromebooks were not given out haphazardly, with preparations taking over a year to fully complete.

“We determined that the best way [to distribute the chromebooks] was to use the database that is currently being used in the library,” tech department head Mrs. Joanne Hayes said, stating also that the department worked closely with the director of technology and library staff to, “try to iron out what the best way to process, check out, and distribute [the chromebooks would be]”.

When asked about the current condition of the chromebooks, Mrs. Hayes stated that she believed the chromebooks were in good condition currently, and while they present new responsibilities for students, they open great learning opportunities for both students and staff.

While there are some members of the teaching staff who see the chromebooks as a distraction, many teachers see the potential and promise that this technology brings to students, both in the classroom and beyond. Many teachers have already implemented the chromebooks into their daily routines, and their user-friendly functions allow them to be easily accessed by most students and staff, regardless of experience with technology in the past.

“I think there’s been a positive reaction from my experience,” History teacher Mr. David Detweiler said when asked about the chromebooks. “The great part about them is being able to share with Google Drive, my being able to give feedback, and them being able to print things out; there’s never an excuse for not being able to turn something in.”

While stating that he didn’t believe that the chromebooks would be a distraction, he did stress the importance of student responsibility and knowing when and when not to use the chromebooks.

Despite many students enjoying the new freedoms and advantages of chromebooks, there are those among them that see the  benefits, but also the disadvantages of this new technology.

“I use them a lot in English and we take our prob stat tests on them,” junior Kevin Liney said. “I don’t think that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.” He went on to say that “they’re definitely a distraction.”

Though most students have used and enjoyed the vast freedoms and abilities that chromebooks offer, there are some who see them as more of a hinderance than a helpful tool, choosing to not use them in general.

“I don’t think that they’re too useful to class activities,” junior Christopher McCleod said. “I think that they have some uses and can help in a lot of different situations, but, in my experience, they really aren’t worth their weight.”

While some may praise the chromebooks and others may tear them down, the significant change and opportunities that they bring to the school cannot be disputed, and, for better or worse, have changed the way we will function both in and out of class.

 

Additional resources and information: 

Haverford School District Chromebook Initiative

5 Free Apps that Every Chromebook Classroom Needs

10 Apps that make Chromebook Feel Like a Real Desktop

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