USD 497 technology policy provides equal access

New+district+technology+policy+offers+wifi+hotspots+and+computers+for+check+out.+Students+can+go+to+the+library+if+they+are+in+need+of+a+computer.+

Christina Craig

New district technology policy offers wifi hotspots and computers for check out. Students can go to the library if they are in need of a computer.

This year the school district took new steps to incorporate technology in learning. Textbooks in AP U.S. History classes and Algebra I classes are now being used online. One concern that arose out of this new policy was how the district is going to accommodate for students who do not have access to computers or internet.

As a solution for this, the district is offering wifi hotspots and chromebooks to check out so all students have access to the resources they need.

“[The computers] first [went] to algebra and APUSH students, ” principal, Myron Graber said. “Once we kind of vetted out who needed it there, we decided then we could open it up to the rest of the student body.”
The hotspots and computers are available through check out at the library. WIth the district moving towards a technology oriented educational system, there are concerns about whether or not students will abuse the privilege.

“[Misuse] is an ongoing debate. I think what we have to do is we just have to teach people responsible use,” Graber said. “We’re going to have people who misuse the technology, yes. But is that a good reason to limit the technology from everyone?”

The district’s main goal in instituting new technology is preparing students for what is ahead.

“Ultimately we want students to be prepared,” Graber said. “We want them to have the skills necessary to be successful in college and career and in every walk of life. So its everywhere its ubiquitous, technology is everywhere.”