Hackley School is implementing a new technology program for middle school students this fall. Each sixth grader will receive their own Chromebook in September, and will use this technology in their classes as an educational tool.

Similarly, Upper School students have been given iPads to use throughout their high school years. This initiative supports Hackley’s attempt to become a more eco friendly community, with the end goal being to go completely paperless.

The addition of Chromebooks to middle school classrooms is beneficial to not only the environment, but also both the students who use the laptops and the teachers who instruct them. A paper written by Kevin Costley, a professor at Arkansas Tech University, outlines the many ways in which technology in the classroom creates positive experiences for students: “Technology causes students to be more engaged; thus, students often retain more information [from their classes].”

Costley continues by explaining that laptops and other devices provide opportunities for students to be involved in hands-on situations that can be integrated throughout every subject. Finally, because of the growing role that devices such as Chromebooks have in the world outside of school, the paper also mentions that introducing these gadgets early on is crucial to students being able to find jobs once their formal education is complete.

Using laptops in the classroom is also advantageous for teachers because it allows able students to learn material independently, therefore giving them time to help those who are struggling. An article published online by Capella University reinforces this idea by stating that,  “Using technologies like virtual lesson plans and internet resources can help free up time — both in developing and delivering curriculum.”

Middle School Principal Cyndy Jean explains that Chromebooks will change classroom learning in that they give students more opportunities to take ownership of their education. This entails organizing their own Google Drive and Gmail accounts and collaborating with their peers, rather than just asking the teacher for help.

In addition to allowing more one-on-one time with teachers, this technology is slowly eliminating the use of textbooks and worksheets. Transitioning Hackley to a paperless community is a crucial step in a world where saving the environment has become a top priority. The average high school student at a New York City school uses 28 pounds of paper a year, which is neither environmentally friendly nor cheap.

Ms. Jean has high hopes for the technological and potentially paperless future of the school and remarks that “A lot is changing in academia, and devices are helping us to do good work and to get the job done….Many of them [the students] are using personal devices already – from cellphones to computers. We want to build some education around their use of the technology to give them a stronger foundation.” Chromebooks offer Middle School students the foundation that they need in order to be successful both in the classroom and outside of it.