Google Classroom, Managebac, MyBackpack, Kognity. These are only a few of the seemingly infinite online applications that students at North Atlanta must use everyday in order to learn and succeed. Students at North Atlanta are taught through a digital world that requires computers, chargers, headphones, and more. Yet for some reason, these resources are not provided to all the students, leaving the students that are unplugged stranded in confusion. The only technology that North Atlanta provides is a low grade google Chromebook which at first glance appears to be an average functional laptop. However, upon logging in and trying to use the computer, students find themselves staring at endless loading screens and the sporadic total shut down as the computer crashes on its user.
The year is 2025, two decades ago many thought cars would be flying by now. Yet in an urban city, at a high school within an 11-story tall IBM office building, students are left waiting five minutes just to open a google doc. Not only is it frustrating, but also risky when it comes to academics. Students are forced to take life-altering standardized tests like the SAT and ACT on these devices…any malfunction is inexcusable. Imagine taking a timed test digitally while knowing your computer is a glitch away from complete shutdown. It would be one thing if everyone was using the same devices, but even teachers are given a completely different brand and type of laptop that is much more functional. What’s worse is the fact that when these computers fail us we are told to “just restart it” or “go grab a different one from the computer cart.” They act as if that is a true solution and the laptop will magically fix itself and as if any computer in the cart is more operable then the one that just crashed. The problem won’t solve itself.
Notes, assignments, quizzes, tests, and more are all consistently distributed to students online for their completion. Due to the low quality and unreliable school computers, many students opt to buy their own personal computer that they know will cooperate with them. This is where the true issue arises. An average high quality laptop can cost anywhere from 200-800 dollars and most feel that the purchase is worth it but not everyone can afford a chunk out of the paycheck like that. This predicament creates a clear inequality in technology amongst students which arguably gives those with better technology an unfair advantage over students. Should all students be required to use the school computer in order to ensure fairness? Many would argue it is the school’s responsibility to upgrade their technology and supply students with the resources necessary to succeed.
If North Atlanta High School wishes to uphold and maintain their standard of “academic excellence” then it’s time to invest into their technology and by doing so invest in their students by supplying them with the level of technology that they need. Students should not have to worry about their computers failing them or face the consequences that come with it when they do. Students are expected to excel within our “high-tech” academia but are provided with low tech tools. In this digitalized world our laptops should be our greatest learning asset, and yet we find that they are many’s greatest learning obstacles instead. (556)
