Students look forward to full semester with laptops, as administration continues to work out kinks

Since the rollout of the MacBooks in September, students have had a chance to get used to the technology and get an idea of how the computers can be used in class. Teachers can now put syllabi and assignments on Canvas, the website students use to connect with teachers.

Positive reactions are abundant from students and teachers alike.

“I see the future of the laptops being successful because we have great leaders in the school to keep improving them,” senior Laura Harris said.

Sophomore Andy Chance agrees the program has been successful thus far.

“I think we [have] handled the computers in the best way possible,” Chance said.

Online sources have become more accessible to students, which makes research for projects easier. In many classes, work that requires students to type or go online can be completed faster, allowing more time for instruction. Creativity is also encouraged with the use of applications such as iMovie and PowerPoint. Foreign language classes use GarageBand to practice speaking the language.

The old-school paper and pencil have become nearly nonexistent in some classes. Papers are turned in and quizzes are taken online. This may be easy for some students, but it raises questions for others.

“My biggest concern with the laptops is that we might become too dependent on them,” Harris said.

Students may go a whole class period without opening their backpack except to get out the computer. With the use of the MacBooks rapidly increasing, the concern of off-task students goes up.

Chance worries that games may be distracting students during class, an issue trying to be reigned in by blocking the websites of the popular games.

Teachers feel social media could also be an issue.

“I was pretty shocked that Facebook isn’t blocked,” newly-hired English teacher Ms. Maddie Kind said.

She admits that having to walk around the classroom to monitor laptops takes away from would-be learning time.

Even though the kinks of the system are still being worked out, there are many things the school is doing to keep it running smoothly. Mr. Chris Adcock, the school’s “Apple Guy,” is on hand frequently for technical problems.

The students whose computers are not functioning properly are assigned laptops to check out daily so they do not fall behind in their classes that use them frequently.

Despite minor issues to be worked out, the MacBooks could have a long life at Bearden High School.