Technology and electronics have become a very important part of today’s education. In many classrooms across the United States, the usage of technology and electronics such as Chromebooks have become the norm for teachers and students. The use of paper has been reduced at a high rate as technology continues to grow, making it easier for educators to track academic progress.
At Patrick M. Villano School, students are allowed to use Chromebooks, a laptop made by Google, in their classes. Some teachers give assignments, tests, quizzes, projects or other assessments electronically. One of the responsibilities that all students have is to charge their personal Chromebook every night to use daily. If not, students in fifth grade sign a “Responsibility Slip” which parents must sign and return to school.
Use of Chromebooks at recess, however, is different. Laptops can only be used by students under teacher supervision in the Learning Lab. Some people say that recess time is supposed to be when students can engage in activities they enjoy such as playing board games, reading, chatting with friends. There is a difference of opinion as to how that time should be spent.
“Taking a break from the use of Chromebooks is needed as many hours are spent using the device and the brain needs to disconnect and connect with the world by interacting with classmates and teachers by socializing in person instead of behind a computer,” said parent Antonio Vasquez.
On the other hand, Claudia Guzman stated,”Many students can take a break from classes by distracting themselves by playing games on the Chromebook and have some time for themselves during recess time.”
Jeremiah Mathew, a fifth-grader, agrees. “Kids should have computers during indoor recess because it will be more fun for them, and the teachers won’t have to tell the kids to be quiet as often,” Mathew said.
The debate on using Chromebooks during recess will power on.
