By: Andrew Paul
This year OHS has started implementing a program called Bring Your Own Device, in which students are given mini iPads or Ipads (it hasn’t been decided yet) to use in class with their teachers. OHS is leading this program as it’s the first school to do so, which is fantastic.
Ten years ago, technology did not play a big role in the classroom, but nowadays, it’s hard to imagine teachers teaching without smart boards or computers.
Back in 2005 when Smartboards started to be implemented into classrooms at OHS, people were skeptical, and for good reason.
Teachers would have to change the way they presented their plans, they would have to learn new technology and students would have to get used to learning in a different way compared to before.
Eight years later, teachers can now fit more into their lessons, they are able to present their powerpoint and lesson on a smartboard and it’s hard to imagine learning without it now.
So despite all of the worries about the new Smartboards, teachers were able to learn how to use them well and efficiently. The entire school has benefited now because of the transition to new technology.
It is also the same with the introduction of powerpoints and computers. It was rough at first, but now it makes teaching more efficient and better for students.
With the new iPad Minis/Ipads, students will now be able to be more interactive in the classroom and have all of their books and notes on one device, instead of having to haul four 30-pound books home in the beginning of the year and haul them back to school at the end of the year.
In addition, all of the assignments will be on it, so no need to be worried about the extreme amount of easily losable papers given by your teachers ten times a day. No need to worry about shuffling through your notes either, as they’ll all be easily accessible.
According to classiclink.com, schools that have implemented the BYOD have seen increased test scores and lower dropout rates in their schools.
When we look back on this, we’ll be known as the first school to have done this in the district and we will see how successful it was.
So while the new changes may seem intimidating at first, we’re given the opportunity to be the first school to do this, so we need to take advantage of this change and embrace it.