iPads or Chromebooks

By: EmmaLee Hillman

The Culver School Corporation has used iPads for years. However, students
regularly debate whether or not the school should switch to a different personal device
like Chromebooks.
“Before I was an administrator, Culver decided to move into the direction of iPads to
offer a 21st Century skill to our students. Improved technology in schools was just
starting at that time. Culver was one of the first schools in Indiana to offer a 1:1 initiative
for iPads,” Principal Brett Berndt said.
Since iPads have been used for so long, some departments have mastered their
benefits. With iPads, students in Culver’s fine arts programs have hands-on technology
to work with. Students use iPads for sketching, drawing, inspiration ideas, and more.
Having Chromebooks doesn’t give students the opportunity for hands-on art.
Some students seem to think iPads are easier for other reasons as well. Students
feel that iPads have been used for so long, that it’s not worth switching to computers.
Junior Abbi Kisela says, “I’d rather have iPads because they are easier to use. We’ve
used iPads since elementary school, there is no point switching now.”
Computers have benefits in our adult life. For instance, a lot of jobs use computers
now. Some students think having computers will help with careers we have in the future.
“I’d rather have Chromebooks,” junior Maegan Pearl said, “because I believe that all
students should learn how to use a computer for future uses.”
There are some students who have mixed feelings on the matter. Both
Chromebooks and iPads are good in their own ways.
“I like iPads because I feel like they are an easy thing to carry around with you at
school and something small to put in a backpack,” Avery Keller said.“ I think
Chromebooks could be a good idea because it could be easier to do work and easier to
type on if we are doing an essay.”
Every student has different reasons on why they like the iPads or want the
Chromebooks. It is always an option for students to inform the administration what they
want.
However, according to the I.T director, Mr. Collin Stevens, students will have to
wait, “…about another 3 to 5 years,” before another decision is made.