In a typical classroom at McNicholas High School, every student is equipped with a Tablet PC and can be seen clicking and typing away. Thirty years ago the idea would seem like something out of science fiction movie but here at Rocket High, it’s the norm. Instead of using paper and pens, students here use tablets, providing a wide, new range of tools for students.McNicholas launched its Tablet PC program during the 2011-2012 school year with the freshman and sophomore classes. “The decision was made because we are becoming a technological society and education is changing,” said Dan Rosenbaum, Director of Curriculum.
Having the tablets helps many students who wouldn’t have a computer otherwise, and it gives them the opportunity to become more efficient with technology. Students are expected to be ready to use their tablets in every class and many have the chance to take technology courses to learn skills such as coding.
In its fifth year, the program, has not been without some obstacles. Every student at some point has had technology problems whether it’s from their tablet shutting down and restarting in the middle of class, to their homework not saving from the night before, or having problems charging their tablets. “Technology isn’t perfect. There is going to be a learning curve for all the students and teachers,” Andy Ey, Director of Technology, said. “They will just need to learn to adjust and find out what the best way to use the tablet is for them.”
Even if a student has never used a computer daily for academic work before high school, by the end of their four years at McNick they will be proficient in using one. It’s impossible to ignore the fact the world is now a technology-based society.
The McNicholas Milestone 