Student column: iPads would be a good addition in schools

Talk about it

Many things have propelled us into the future and helped the expansion of technology. From the cell phone to the iPod and now on to tablets, there is no stopping the computer revolution. So, why just limit the accessibilities of a computer just to the home or workplace? How about we, as students, trade in for an upgrade ourselves?

For us to be able to carry around an iPad instead of numerous amounts of books and notebooks would not only be kind to the environment, but kind to our backs as well.

The average college student uses roughly 320 pounds of paper a year. I understand we’re high school students, but come on, it works out to be about the same, if not more. From getting random syllabuses or homework in general, we go through so much paper it’s enough to make your head spin. Folders can help only to a certain extent and then stuff just gets either lost or messier than before. However, with iPads in our reach we could carry around a light, portable device that allows us to have all our books, papers and, quite possibly, Angry Birds all in one place.

With a new innovation like this, starting out can be the most difficult part. Besides the mountains of paperwork to go through, the underlying question still is, “Can we be trusted with a $500 piece of equipment?” The answer could lean both ways. High school students are still teenagers, and we aren’t exactly the pictures of responsibility. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if there were good enough protocols then we could be probationally trustworthy.

When it comes down to it, it is up to the school board to decide our fate. So if by chance we do end up receiving iPads, I’ll be one of the people in the hallway jumping around because I won’t be carrying around my Pound backpack anymore.

To be honest, I find it hard to believe my parents understand how much stuff we actually have to carry around. The other day my mom tried to pick up my backpack. Note, I said tried. But that’s the thing. Times change and we are in need of a big one. Not just for the students, but also for the school as a whole.

Hannah Seitzinger is a student at Farmington High School. Her column appears every other week. If you are interested in being a student columnist next year, call editor Nathan Hansen at 651-460-6606 or email editor@farmingtonindependent.com.

Tags: high school, opinion, farmington, commentary