District-provided laptops offer equal access to resources for freshmen
District still hopes to distribute laptops to all CHS students in the future.
District-issued laptops, like the one seen above, help all students achieve.
March 9, 2014
Laptop usage at Carlisle High School has had both a positive and negative impact on the students.
For the 2013-2014 school year, the Carlisle Area School District gave all incoming freshmen a laptop to use for school-related purposes. CASD hoped to give students more resources and opportunities by giving out a laptop and internet access.
“The best aspect is that every student has equal access to resources to communicate, collaboration, research, and present their learning through online tools assuming the student has access to the Internet outside of school,” said Stephanie Douglas, Director of Digital Learning.
Although the hope was that all freshmen would benefit from these laptops, some do not feel this way.
“With the school year going by I haven’t even touched it more than ten times. None of my teachers use it except for writing essays so it stays in my locker,” said freshman Bryanna Morrow.
There is discussion of distributing laptops to all CHS students next school year but this has yet to be passed by the school board.
Many are hopeful that it will be approved. “[A laptop] will make it easier to access your work and you wouldn’t have to carry around as much stuff like binders and papers,” said junior Cameron Loose.
Most students are excited to experience the usage of laptops, and are ready to take on the challenge of this addition.
Sonja DeSario • Apr 1, 2014 at 2:18 pm
I think having the ability to supply all students with laptops at the high school could be extremely beneficial; especially with those students who cannot afford their own laptops. But, I do not believe they should carry it around all the time in case of damage,etc. but should keep it at home/bring it into school on occasion when a teacher needs the students to do so.
Jennifer Schaeffer • Mar 14, 2014 at 8:43 am
Even though I am a senior I don’t believe that I would have enjoyed carrying around a laptop even if I had to chance. I understand the ease it would bring to student’s, allowing them to have their work with them at all times, but I don’t believe they would get the full learning experience. Teachers give students the chance to go to the computer lab, as well as the library. It is all up to the student to actually do their work when they’re given the time.
Emma Hotra-Schubert • Mar 10, 2014 at 9:51 pm
I worry that full laptop access would allow teachers to become more passive as educators. Even as a senior this year with BYOD, I have had a teacher tell me multiple times to Google something because she didn’t want to explain it. I have mixed feelings about laptop usage.