One to One Chromebooks Come to Wall High School

By Ryan Sy
      As part of a new initiative, all Wall High School students have been given their own Chromebook this school year.
    Gone are the days students have to rely on computer carts in a classroom. This one-to-one technology is similar to what Wall Intermediate School does, but a big difference is that students at the high school students are able to take their Chromebooks home with them to do work. 
   “The idea was a district-wide initiative,” wrote Wall Vice Principal Mrs. Kristen Scott and Humanities supervisor Dr. Tracy Skinner in a joint statement. “The plan was rolled out over two years. The Intermediate School kids were year one, with a ‘carry’ model and the high school was year two with a ‘take-home’ model. The goal is to give students more access to technology, use the Chromebooks in classrooms to enhance student experience and allow for further student collaboration.”
    The Chromebooks were distributed during gym periods and unit lunch. Students also had the option to pay $30 for insurance in case their Chromebook breaks or malfunctions. Lost or stolen Chromebooks are not covered by the insurance policy. Students should report lost or stolen Chromebooks immediately to the main office so the matter may be documented, investigated and the device potentially deactivated. Chromebook cases are labeled to avoid confusion about whose is whose. 
    “I think they’re a good idea but, overall, they weigh so much in backpacks and the cases are so bulky,” said Wall senior Chad Mahoney. 
    “I think they are very helpful because you do not have to write everything out and it easier to manage and stay organized,” said freshman Kendal Amitie, who was in eighth grade when the Intermediate School distributed school-wide Chrombooks. “I think it is a great addition, but it has its downsides because people get distracted while using Chromebooks because they could play games.” 
    Other schools in the area such as St. Catharine and St. Rose have implemented this one-to-one technology the past few years. The Chromebooks are a great addition to the high school because they minimize the use of paper and could potentially reduce the amount of books needed to be purchased and, in turn, reduce the weight in backpacks, which tend to get overstuffed. They are a helpful tool for students to become more organized as well. The Chromebooks will help advance the use of technology and be a beneficial tool for students during the school year.