The freshmen at Tyrone High School were issued their Google Chromebooks on Friday, November 8th.

Since the start of the school year the freshman have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new laptops. The class of 2017 is the first to get these devices.

Both the students and the staff are curious to see the outcome of incorporating this new technology into their curriculum.

Most of the students were excited to own a computer that they could personalize and carry from class to class.

From a freshman’s point of view, the modern concept of owning a Google Chromebook makes learning sound more engaging and could help the students complete their assignments.

“Some assignments I need a computer to do and normally I have to wait until I get home, now I have one right there to use,” said Azia Barnett, a freshman.

Barnett feels she has a slight advantage towards students who don’t own a Chromebook because now she can get started on her assignments as soon as she gets them.

Freshman Gary Weaver agreed.  “They are very helpful with writing assignments and they are great for study guides,” said Weaver.

“We can also use them to surf the internet if we have a problem with our homework” said freshman Brett Robison.

Although the freshman students seemed to appreciate the Google Chromebooks, some upperclassmen still think it’s a bit unfair.

“It’s not that big of a deal, but it is a bit irritating. Why not give it to our grade too?” said Nick Bonsell, a sophomore.

Senior Rhett Everhart had a different take on the situation. “It is fair. The freshmen need the tools to adapt to the schools changing curriculum and the other students have the ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) policy available, so everyone has an equal advantage.”

“It’s a good opportunity for them and they should utilize this privilege,” said Everhart.

The teachers have also been anticipating the rollout as well and are excited to integrate their use into their curriculum.

“In Honors English 9, students used their Chromebooks to draft, share, peer edit, revise and email their science fiction book reviews,” said English teacher Leah Deskevich.

English 9 students also used their Chromebooks toto take notes via Purdue’s Online Writing Lab, draft a cover letter, email the letters to their teaher, and conduct research about a future career via the Occupational  Outlook Handbook Online, according to Deskevich.

Social Studies teacher Suzy Burket has already used the Chromebooks a lot for research in her US history class.  Her students have also used them for testing.

“The students are constantly teaching each other and me new things about how to use them,” said Burket.

One concern, according to Burket is that students sometimes forget that they cannot get them out without teacher permission.   “There is a tendency to think it is okay  to surf the web while your teacher is explaining something,”  said Burket.

But overall, both teachers and students reported having a positive expereince with the new technology during its first week of use.