At institute day today, Friday, March 2, technology director Ryan Miles announced that both Lakes and Antioch Community High Schools will be going one-to-one with technology for students next year. This means that each student will be administered their own personal piece of technology by the school to aid them in their studies. Although the type of equipment students will be receiving is still unknown, this new learning tool will be starting for all students next fall.

This decision has been in the works for awhile and was recently brought to a vote among faculty; the staff voted that both the teachers and the students are ready to embrace and apply this new technology in the classroom.

Having easily accessible technology in the classroom is meant to be beneficial for both students and teachers. Not only will each student having their own device allow for more flexibility for teachers to have more face-to-face conversations with students, but it creates a new element in the classroom since not every teacher normally has access to a laptop cart.

On top of that, not every student has access to a laptop or similar-made device outside of school. Making technology to every student both in and out of school encourages more opportunity for learning and forms the idea of equal access for everyone. Ideally, if a student has their own personal device, they will be able to better complete schoolwork in a timely and less stressful manner.

“For students it’s [about] equity and ownership,” Miles said. “I want kids to feel [that they’re] all in the same playing field and I want them to feel empowered about taking control of how [technology] is used in the schools.”

Though there are many benefits to ACHS and LCHS going one-to-one, the change will require a lot of ownership and responsibility. But when used correctly, technology in classrooms will allow students to experience a new type of independence while learning about what their digital footprint truly looks like.

Ultimately, by going one-to-one, a new learning opportunity is being made available to both students and teachers. The schools are extending their digital footprints into the lives of students to equalize opportunity for all.