Paper, pens, a new notebook or two, and a ruler were the usual list of back-to-school supplies I used to present to my parents. It was a shock to me when I hefted the bag of supplies at the end of the shopping blitz and realized I had to schlep that stuff around every day. That shopping trip always symbolized summer ending and the start of school.
This weekend my girls logged into their school with their personal login information and had a copy of the requirements e-mailed to my phone. The school they attend keeps an online record of current grades, GPA, class schedule, and syllabuses. In addition, teachers and students can communicate and exchange term papers and homework over the network.
Many colleges utilize Blackboard technologies to manage their interaction with students. Blackboard is a company that started in 1997 and currently has annual revenues of half a billion dollars. On its most basic level, professors and students can collaborate; however, when used to Blackboard’s fullest potential, it provides additional methods for students to learn.
Within the past few years many schools have started requiring students be equipped with tablet devices. Some schools have adopted the policy of providing students with iPads or Android based devices, while others require the students purchase their own. No matter personal beliefs about students using such equipment, schools are imparting more requirements on students.
Without fail I will inevitably have teachers bring their school-supplied laptop or tablet to my business for service. I have a handful of returning customers who are teachers tell me the school district they work for requires and supplies laptops but doesn’t provide service. Due to budgetary restrictions within their district, there is enough money to supply equipment without support.
One of the more expensive items on my oldest daughter’s “suggested” list of technology equipment is a $200.00 graphing calculator. Though she already owns a calculator which is more than satisfactory for a senior in high school, I decided to look up the specifications to see if perhaps it truly is better for her. I couldn’t help compare it to my first PC which had a quarter the memory and less than half the processor speed as the pocket calculator on her list.
If your son or daughter’s school requires students have a laptop it’s a good idea to consider that whatever college they attend will also have very specific requirements. Purchasing a $1,000.00 laptop for a 10’th or 11’th grade student is something that should be carefully considered. Last week I received a visit from a family whose daughter is attending my alma mater. Rochester Institute of Technology is now requiring entering students purchase a $1,500.00 laptop.
Depending on your family’s financial situation, tablets may be an option. I was told by someone in a local school department that if the student receives free lunch (an indicator of the family’s finances), they will also receive use of a tablet. Some students may also be eligible for reduced pricing if the school requires students own their own tablet. The same person also told me schools are restricting smartphone use as a replacement for tablets.
Technology has become both a burden as well as a great way to communicate with and educate students. Districts with limited budgets are able to supply equipment they can’t service. Schools are requiring students have access to computers to enhance their learning through Blackboard and similar technologies. I’m not convinced my daughters are going to be any better students or receive a better education; but it’s a fact that my wallet’s going to be much thinner by the end of the week.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can call him directly at (978) 919-8059) or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.