In the last few years, computers on wheels and Chromebook carts have been introduced into the classroom, with plans to incorporate apps like Google Classroom, Quizlet, Remind, and Kahoot into everyday learning.

Students had mixed responses to this new way of learning. Some said it was helpful, and some preferred paper.  “Personally, I would rather use a laptop over a Chromebook, but I totally understand that Chromebooks are cheaper, easier to get access to, and I would rather use a Chromebook than use nothing at all,” said freshman David Shoemaker.

“It only has a web browser,” said Shoemaker “but for most classroom activities, that’s all you need.”

Many students also brought up the fact that sometimes the internet signal doesn’t work in some parts of the school, especially in the portables, and that most applications used in the classroom require a strong internet connection.

When the curriculum is all on the computer, it makes it hard to learn without one. Some suggestions were to have a blended learning approach, with some computers and some traditional paper assignments, or always having a backup assignment, just in case the computers don’t work.