In Student Scoop, we hear the real, first-hand accounts of the private school experience from the students themselves.
Adam, Gr. 9
Learning with Laptops
Recently, a significant advance in technology has taken place. This overwhelming upsurge of technology has impacted the environments of home, work, and school. My school, Royal St. George’s College, is a laptop school There are a plurality of ways that this technology can be used advantageously. Personally, I have become adept with Macintosh computers, as these are the computers my school uses. I have developed expertise in many software suites. I recognize that there are many advantages of using laptop computers at my school. Students have access to a plentiful amount of software to use. Using computers is great preparation for future jobs. Computers are the best way to learn electronic communication skills. Students can use the many programs that have already been installed to their advantage.
Every student here, when working on a project or assignment, has the ability to produce a product using the plethora of pre-installed software suites on their laptop. Most projects that teachers assign students allow them to choose from a variety of options. The result is that students will eventually develop the skill of knowing which programs to use in what circumstances, and gain expertise in these programs. This can be ensured when teachers encourage students to do each type of project once, and to refrain from repeating the same one. I am predisposed to methods involving design like brochures and presentations. Students who gain expertise in most of the programs on their computer will be more prepared to pursue a relevant career, if they choose to.
Students who wish to pursue a career involving computers will now have an advantage in doing so. In this generation, there are many jobs involving computers. It is likely that the job they are applying for will require some type of computer experience. Firstly, knowing how to operate a computer is a great skill to possess. Computer and software skills range across a vast number of different devices – not every career is working with a specific one. Also, students who use laptops in grades seven to nine will have an advantage if they wish to take engineering and programming courses in grades eleven twelve, and through university. Some students may realize earlier that they want to do this once they have the opportunity to regularly use computers. By using computers, students will also become competent in electronic communication.
When students use laptops at school, they learn how to communicate effectively with other students, staff, and the rest of the world. Knowing how to communicate with computers is usually helpful in a business milieu. Most schools have an intranet email system, consisting of email and conferences. At some point, students will need to effectively transfer files, inform themselves about important news, and communicate with teachers. They will have to develop proper e-mail etiquette in order to do so. They will then be able to always produce a message that is professional, whether it be for business or sociality. Communication is likely to constantly advance. It is important for our generation to develop a foundation for future use of more advanced communication technology.
I have always had a good experience with laptops at my school. I have had access to a laptop computer ever since I was four years old. My first experience with laptops in school was in third grade. Here, it is obligatory for students in grade seven to purchase a laptop, so they may take it home and use it in the coming years. The use of laptops at RSGC will prepare students for the real world of technology. Whether it is now or in the future, they will always gather expertise in software, learn to communicate electronically, and universally be prepared for the real world of technology.
