A new technological development has been issued at the Joliet Township High Schools: district-distributed laptops! This contemporary approach directly affects the class of 2016 and afterwards, allowing them to use Bytespeed Netbook/Tablets in place of textbooks, work sheets, and certain learning methods. The initial investment was motivated by a strategic plan to incorporate twenty-first century skills used to encourage students to become active participants in learning. The laptops spark a modern and relatable interest in the students who use them since they have grown up with similar technology. They supply factual sources, unlimited information, and infinite access to educational devices, granting them superiority over outdated textbooks. Many adults wonder if schools are becoming too technologically dependent. “Many echo the thought that it [the laptop investment] is an instructional tool to advance education,” responds Freshman Academy Administrator, Robin English, “If the computer becomes the teacher, that is clearly not our intention.”
The enactment of the laptops called for a redirection of funds, legal contracts with parents and students, personnel training, and maintenance procedures. The total investment cost the school over $1 million, not including the additional training. According to English, there have surprisingly been no financial losses or gains, considering the immense price. She describes the technical advances as, “a very exciting time; I feel bad you and the rest of the upperclassmen can’t experience it!”
A majority of the seniors, however, seem nonchalant about not being given laptops after all. “I think it’s a cool idea, but I’m not really jealous. It seems like it would be too distracting!” says senior Michelle Ringo. “I personally like being able to open up a book and look for information rather than look into a computer screen all day,” adds Matt Hall. Although the laptops are a step forward in the improvement of education, many of the seniors are glad that they got to stick to the old school learning process (even though an ELMO isn’t really “old school”). Tangible textbooks are valued to the class of 2013, and even though they can be a tremendous hassle to lug around during school, they link them to the traditional methods of learning they grew up with in elementary and middle school. Despite the nostalgic significance of textbooks, the laptops are inevitably implemented from now on, and will soon become the new norm. With a bit of luck, they will be a superb success this year and will continue to expand the means of education at the Joliet Township High Schools for years to come.