Since school started rumors have been going around about what technology students should be expecting to receive next year.  It seems like no one can give a straight answer.  There has been talk of iPads, eBooks, and even a bring-your-own-wireless-device policy, but nothing is for sure.  It would seem logical for students to receive iPads next year since almost every high school teacher was given an iPad last year to learn how to utilize it in the classroom.

“The goal is for the teachers to have an adequate amount of time to have the professional development they need in order to use an iPad or any other device to improve teaching and learning,” said District 5 Superintendent Dr. Hefner.

Many students have noticed that some teachers use their iPads more often and more effectively than others.

“I have access to a lot more sources readily available in class; however, it is difficult to use them when every student does not have one,” said Spanish teacher Kathy Murphy.

Although the mode of technology may be uncertain, the goal has been made clear: one to one computing.  This means a computer or wireless device should be available to each teacher and student at all times. The district is working to implement this plan, but it is going to be spread out over a number of years because it is very costly.

“It is a five year plan and step one was to get high school teachers their own wireless devices and step two is to get all high school students that and next year we will begin giving devices to middle school teachers,” said Hefner

  The technology advisory committee, a group of teachers that meet to make decisions about technology, will meet after first quarter and receive input from teachers and learn about the experiences of two neighboring districts that have already done one to one computing. A decision on the technology for the next school year is going to be made by the first of this year in order to allow ample time to prepare for it.  The students are very excited about these advancements for many different reasons.

“I feel like technology is such a big thing in the workplace so it only makes sense to use it more often in the classroom,” said junior Taylor Rister

The future of technology at CHS may seem a bit uncertain at this point, but it is hopeful.  As long as it is continued to be used appropriately and effectively it will assist in helping students do their best learning and teachers do their best teaching.