A Step Into the future
niamhrussell'19
Source: digital trends (digitaltrends.com) |
This year Bedford High School took a step into the future with new technology. Sophomores and Freshmen are adapting to a new style of education as they open the lids of their Chromebooks!
Chromebooks were brought into Bedford High School to give “students the ability to connect to the ‘world’ at anytime and support the curriculum that is being taught,” says our technology integrator, Mr. Sheil. According to our database support teacher, Ms. Lunn, the “one-one” program offers “more flexibility for how teachers deliver their content in the classroom… the chromebook’s price point was the deciding factor. This would allow anyone to afford this device.” |
One common question is why only two grades get to explore this new program. Freshmen and Sophomores were the “guinea pigs” this year, Ms. Lunn says. “It was important to start our new program slowly and be deliberate about our approach. We want this program to succeed, so deploying Chromebooks to Freshmen and Sophomores would allow us to do just that. Once we are confident our network is configured and working properly we will reassess adding more to the network.”
One positive effect Chromebooks have given students and teachers is the ability to have “spontaneous exploration,” as Mr. Sheil describes it. Also, students do not have to wait for computers to free up in the library or in the tech room when they need to use the Internet. Ms. Lunn believes that the biggest change with Chromebooks is classroom management. “It is important that students realize the appropriate time to use their Chromebooks and use them properly,” she says. Another change is the adaption for teachers, “Think about it, most teachers were not trained when they were in college on how to deal with technology in the classroom. This is something completely new to them. We are fortunate to have staff at the high school embrace the technology and not hide from it.” Eventually, the goal is that the whole school will be able to embrace and adapt to this new innovative system.
Like the teachers, the students also have many opinions about the Chromebooks. One student said, “It makes things easier, especially when doing homework.” In a survey of a group of students, every single one agreed that their notes and homework benefitted from their Chromebook.
Although the Chromebooks are proving successful, there are a few negative aspects to using them. Many students agree that their least favorite parts of these devices are the wi-fi connection and the limited battery life. Although the school offers connection, all the laptops being used at once can cause problems. Also, by the end of a long day full of Internet use, Chromebooks need to be charged.
Overall, the attitude towards chromebooks is positive. Students and teachers are exploring new ways to teach and obtain information, even if it takes a little while. Technology continues to advance, and before we know it we will be taking the next step into the future!
One positive effect Chromebooks have given students and teachers is the ability to have “spontaneous exploration,” as Mr. Sheil describes it. Also, students do not have to wait for computers to free up in the library or in the tech room when they need to use the Internet. Ms. Lunn believes that the biggest change with Chromebooks is classroom management. “It is important that students realize the appropriate time to use their Chromebooks and use them properly,” she says. Another change is the adaption for teachers, “Think about it, most teachers were not trained when they were in college on how to deal with technology in the classroom. This is something completely new to them. We are fortunate to have staff at the high school embrace the technology and not hide from it.” Eventually, the goal is that the whole school will be able to embrace and adapt to this new innovative system.
Like the teachers, the students also have many opinions about the Chromebooks. One student said, “It makes things easier, especially when doing homework.” In a survey of a group of students, every single one agreed that their notes and homework benefitted from their Chromebook.
Although the Chromebooks are proving successful, there are a few negative aspects to using them. Many students agree that their least favorite parts of these devices are the wi-fi connection and the limited battery life. Although the school offers connection, all the laptops being used at once can cause problems. Also, by the end of a long day full of Internet use, Chromebooks need to be charged.
Overall, the attitude towards chromebooks is positive. Students and teachers are exploring new ways to teach and obtain information, even if it takes a little while. Technology continues to advance, and before we know it we will be taking the next step into the future!