The one-to-one initiative has been implemented, and students’ daily lives are showing the change. Every student who chooses to has received a school-issued chromebook. These chromebooks have a variety of features such as touch screen, camera, and art capabilities. 

Most classes have now adapted to including the chromebooks into the schedule. Some teachers now require students to use their chromebooks for the warm-up and expect the computers to be brought every day. 

Considering a majority of students opted to receive a chromebook, the day-to-day life of students has altered, now including charging cords, blocked websites, and extra weight. With any change, students have contrasting beliefs and opinions. Here’s what the students are thinking: 

Out of a survey of 122 students at Perry, 95.9% of those surveyed choose to get a computer. The 4.1% of surveyed students who choose against receiving a computer based the decision on already owning a computer. 

The survey also shows that out of the students who did choose to get a computer, 68.1% say they use their chromebook everyday. 27.4% use it a few times a week, and three  students saying they use the chromebook whenever they have to. 

When asked if the students prefer a technology based curriculum or paper versions, the results are divided, but still favor the chromebooks. The majority being, 62.8% of the students surveyed preferring to use technology, and 37.2% having a preference for paper. 

Many students say that their favorite part of the chromebooks vary. “It’s very convenient to use when a teacher assigns  work for google classroom,.” “They are convenient in spell checks, and they keep all your work in one spot.” “They have faster internet, and I can get more done than I can with a school chromebook.” 

Some other common features that students commented on were the touch screen feature, as well as the overall convenience of having a personal computer opposed to the previously used “COWS”- or computers on wheels.

However, there are still some complaints students have about the computers. “Sometimes it takes a very long time to sign in because there’s no WiFi.” “Lots of things are blocked off (not surprised just wish they weren’t), and I can’t change the wallpaper,.” “The chromebooks add significant weight to my backpack and increase the amount of time I spend a day looking at a screen.”

The most often seen complaint, however, is the weight of the computers. Thirty-one students directly mentioned the weight of the chromebooks in their response. Some other commonly seen responses were that of the blocked websites and the need to charge and bring the computers everyday. 

Overall, it seems that the student body has mixed opinions on the necessity and functionality of the computers. One student said, “They are a great addition for some assignments but things like notes and other papers are better to be written with a pencil.” Another student responded, “It wasn’t needed, and I know a lot more people who would rather have free food than computers.” 

Regardless of the complaints some students may have, the chromebooks are here to stay as a permanent fixture. Any students with technical difficulties can visit room C113, via the QR code that should be posted around the campus.