Waiting several minutes for websites to load on Chromebooks has become commonplace for students. Paired with PVHS’s poor Wi-Fi, Chromebooks struggle to keep up with students’ needs with issues ranging from lack of speed to productivity and outdated technology.
Many students have resorted to using personal computers, but the new Chromebook policy requires the use of only school-issued Chromebooks during school hours. The district introduced the policy to justify the increased cost of the software used to monitor students’ screens, however, students find this policy problematic. “Chromebooks are way too slow for me to get any work done,” expressed senior Himanshu Jangid. “My MacBook is much more efficient and quicker when it comes to everything. I don’t have to wait an eternity for my assignment webpage to load!”
Jangid, like most students, despises the new Chromebook policy. It particularly affected students who needed their computers to do more demanding tasks such as programming. AP Computer Science teacher Jason Landa encourages his students to bring their personal laptops to school, as Chromebooks lack the capability to install and run programs needed for the class.
Current seniors also face complications due to another policy: Chromebooks should get replaced every four years, during 7th and 10th grade. This policy was implemented in 2023, leading seniors to miss the three-year mark.
As a result, seniors missed the opportunity to replace their 6-year-old Chromebooks, which are falling apart from the screen to the keyboard. “It doesn’t help that repairing Chromebooks costs over 60 dollars. If I had known that before, I would have just brought my personal laptop, ” senior Arush Kachru emphasized. “It doesn’t help knowing that our outdated Chromebooks will be thrown away after we are done using them this year. So why do we have to pay the school if they do get broken?” questioned Kachru.
Personal computers allow for multitasking, while Chromebooks struggle after opening more than five tabs. This issue causes many students to feel that personal computers are the most cost-effective, efficient and productive way to get schoolwork done, compared to the underpowered Chromebooks.
As the frustration around the policy grows, many students hope that the school will reconsider its technology policies. So all students can access devices tailored to their needs and help them be productive without the setbacks of outdated Chromebooks.
