The use of technology is on the rise in all aspects of our lives. Specifically in the classroom, where the use of computers are constant, they are viewed as easier to give access to resources and less work to print paper all the time.
Many students talk about how social studies teacher Frank Obiesie faces issues around his slideshows not working and how his device will give out on him mid-class.
“I think my tech issues are first-world problems,” said Obiesie.
This is true, there is not much you can do about the internet going out or the technology disconnecting.
Chenne Fox, a lower D wing teacher, also faces complications with his different devices.
“I use this iPad and it often freezes up,” said Fox. “I joke that it is tired and I have to restart it.”
Teachers are not the only ones facing new technology and the different obstacles of devices. Many teachers with academic mentors or teacher assistants have their students go work at the big printers around the school.
Spanish teacher Daniel Nolan-Welsher constantly needs papers for his classes, so he puts his academic mentors to work.
“It’s complicated and it’s a big machine,” said Nolan-Welsher.
LHS library technology assistant Sammy Bok handles all the technology for students. Many students come upstairs to the library to use the printer.
“[The printer] is a headache, it’s a constant issue and it breaks down and I have to create a tech-ticket,” said Bok.
“The printer in the library is the best out of all the printers.”
Why is it that all LHS printers have issues? LHS Principal Kevin Mills understands the behind the scenes of the printer problem.
“Printers are tough because of who we get our stuff from,” said Mills. “We are supposed to get a new supplier because the printer is going out of business.”
At LHS not only do teachers face issues with their own technology, but also with how students use their own devices in the classroom. The recent statewide phone policies allow for more control over the use of personal technology, but it is not completely monitored.
Many LHS students have MacBooks and Apple iPads, but why, when the school already provides chromebooks?
Quinn Massari, a junior at LHS is a MacBook user.
“It’s not restricted by GoGuardian,” said Massari. “It’s nice being able to communicate with my family when I need something.”
However, it should be said that using a MacBook to text is technically not approved and against school policy, and can result in the MacBook being confiscated. Also, this privilege is not always accessible to everyone. Alex Dyer uses a chromebook provided by the school district.
“The chromebooks are slow, and there are a lot of blocked websites by the district,” said Dyer.
Even though people have different types of devices that are used within the classroom, for many teachers, they are all viewed as a distraction.
Chenne Fox works to monitor screen usage the best he can with his students.
“I don’t let people have any devices in class,” said Fox. “I just assume that if people have their devices open that they are playing games or watching videos.”
When students are occupied with their technology in the classroom, teachers are quick to assume that what they are doing is unrelated to what the teachers are teaching.
Even though devices and technology are allowed in the classroom, it doesn’t mean they are always cooperative and helpful.
