The students

With printers that can create 3-D objects, cellphones that can broadcast to Youtube in real time and even self-destructing computer chips, the world has progressed in its ability to create lasting and efficient tech. With the introduction of new technology to the district, many students have come forward with mixed reviews.

In addition to school-monitored Apple Macbooks in many classrooms, students also now have access to Chromebooks — Google’s laptop — as well as iPads, on which students can use their new school-sponsored Gmail accounts which are linked to the new Google Classroom feature, to which teachers upload assignments and students directly submit their work.

Although Oak Park is still in the formation stages of its tech program, many find these innovations to be helpful, and many do not.

For some, like sophomore Garrett Olsen, the inclusion of more technology in school is “beneficial” and simply reflects students’ technology usage outside of school.

“Since the majority of us grew up around tech, it feels natural to incorporate it in to learning,” junior Harrison Wos said.

Teachers have the option to use the new technology in their classrooms, and some choose not to implement the iPads or laptops into their everyday curriculum.

However, some classes, such as Anatomy, depend on the use of technology and online-collaboration within class.

“It’s super convenient for me to be able to work on assignments anywhere and to collaborate with classmates. I love how it allows me to stay better organized by having less loose papers to deal with,” senior Arielle Sunshine said.

Even so, Sunshine said that the increased focus on technology might, for her, detract from the overall learning process.

“[Technology] on its own makes learning more difficult,” Sunshine said. “I choose to write my own notes whenever possible because I know it’s how I process information, and I think physical writing needs to remain an important focus in the classroom.”

These complications inherent in technology also frustrate senior Sarah Koep.

“I hate the new technology because I like having paper,” Koep said. “I’m a pretty simple person and technology just complicates things; I just hate technology altogether.”

Despite these criticisms, technology-assisted education may be here to stay.

“I like [the new technology implementation] because it helps the environment and it pushes us to keep pace with the advancing in technology, plus it shows us how schools will likely continue to progress in the future,” senior Amanda Mertzel said. “Schools will probably continue to get more and more technological.”