By Meghan Proctor ’16

With the rise of technology in everyday lives, there comes a growing demand for use of that technology to better benefit students. Chromebooks help satisfy that demand by providing more options for both teachers and students while taking very few expenses out of MCPS’s budget.

Especially in high schools, Chromebooks act as extra computers for when teachers set aside time during class for students to work on projects. With the Chromebooks, teachers do not have to worry as much about reserving a computer lab. Students also have more time to work on the projects, as students can start working in the classroom right as the bell rings, rather than having to start class in a different room. Even if MCPS allows students to bring their own devices in the future to work on projects in class, some students may not want to bring a $700 laptop to school with them, where it could get lost or stolen.

All students have methods of studying that works best for them. While some prefer printed work, others may find it easier to type on a computer than to write on paper. Through the use of Google Drive, students can use Chromebooks in class to work on activities or worksheets online if they wish. Using Chromebooks in the classroom gives students different options for working on the activity. Not only will students have the option to work in a way that they are more used to, but students who are more accustomed to working on paper can experiment with different methods.

At first glance, having more Chromebooks in schools across the county appears expensive. This year, it costs MCPS $3 million to provide middle and high schools across the entire county with these devices. However, given MCPS’s budget of $2.39 billion, Chromebooks are relatively cheap, taking only a small chunk out of the budget. With only a tenth of a percent of the budget going to Chromebooks, MCPS can easily afford them with other goals in mind.

Chromebooks provide more options for student work in the classroom without taking a toll on the budget. By adding more of them into high schools, students can only benefit from the use of this technology and its expansion. Teachers and students will have easier access to these miniature laptops, and classes of all subjects will be able to take advantage of technology and the services it can provide to better students’ education.