Technology has become an unforgettable part of modern life. When it came to technology in education, schools had to make a choice about the tools students use in the classroom. Some schools provide the devices, while others request that students purchase their own devices. Schools also must choose what kind of devices students use, whether that is iPads, MacBooks, or PCs. At Seven Hills, students use school-provided iPads to take notes, complete homework, and in some cases, take tests. While the iPads work well for younger students, they might not make sense for high school students.
For many students at Seven Hills, the iPad does not offer enough functionality. The answer for them is secondary devices. 60% of Seven Hills students own a second computer, like a Mac or PC, in order to get their work done. For me, the iPad’s keyboard is just too small, along with its lack of desktop apps. For other students, it might be the iPad’s limited functionality. Simple things, like using Google Sheets, can be frustrating on the iPad’s small display. Another limitation students pointed out is the limited power of the iPad. Even using simple apps like Safari or Notability can feel slow. Some iPads lag with just three or four tabs open and have to be totally restarted before use. Other students complain about poor battery life that often barely lasts one day. For many students, the iPad’s hardware isn’t enough to complete even simple tasks.
Another issue with the iPad is the software. Three-quarters of students want a desktop environment rather than the iPad’s cramped 2-app split screen. The app availability on iPad is also seen as abysmal. Not only do iPads have fewer apps than a real computer with full access to the App Store, but Seven Hills limits the selection further, meaning there are very few apps students can use on the iPad. All of these limitations mean Seven Hills students have to use other devices to get their work done. In a survey of 40 Seven Hills students, 60% of students need to use another device every single day.
The iPad is not all bad, though. Students often overlook the device’s many benefits. The Apple Pencil and touchscreen interface works well for teachers and students alike. Writing down answers and drawing images with the pencil works better than typing for students, and teachers don’t have to edit the documents they’ve already been using to make them typing-compatible. The iPads also work well with many students’ existing technology, like AirPods. The school has also invested a considerable amount of money into Apple TVs for every room, which the iPads can easily mirror their screen to. The iPads enable teachers to use Apple Classroom to monitor students’ displays, as well. The iPads also cost less than a normal computer, retailing for less than $500. So what should Seven Hills do to rectify the issue?
It’s unclear what Seven Hills should switch to rather than their current system. In order to preserve functionality, Seven Hills could look into Windows devices that offer a full suite of professional apps and a desktop interface while also having a touchscreen and compatible pencil. But, Seven Hills has invested a considerable amount of time, energy, and money into the Apple Ecosystem, so MacBooks could be another option, though they lack the touchscreen students and teachers have come to love. The second question Seven Hills needs to answer is whether students should bring their own devices or be provided one. Some say they’d prefer that they bring their own laptops because if the school handed out laptops they would be stuffed with software which limits their functionality. Others say that students should be provided with adequate technology as they pay plenty of money for this school. Neither of these opinions seems to matter, though, as Seven Hills has already ruled out home devices with their controversial personal technology ban.
Personally, I believe that Seven Hills should switch to student-provided devices with touchscreens and pens that run Windows, as this provides the most freedom and function for students. But, from an administration perspective, iPads are the best choice as they align with Seven Hills’ established investment into Apple technology while providing the touchscreen and pen that works so well for all things notetaking.
