The Use of Laptop Computers in High School Classrooms

Laptops in high school classrooms have advantages and disadvantages.

Laptops have revolutionized the way people use computers. This portable option and ever-increasing access to wireless Internet connections have made bringing a computer to high school a reality for many students. While it is far from a universal trend today, many classrooms allow and encourage the use of computers at school. Still, there are varying attitudes toward the use of the laptop in schools across the nation. Variables, such as the school's location or the parents' ability to supply a computer, dictate whether laptops are a regular part of the school day.

School Policies

If your high school students would benefit from carrying a laptop to class, then you might want to buy her one. Weigh several factors before buying a laptop for this purpose. Make sure your child's school allows personal computers. Some schools permit the use of laptops in class, but many others ban the use of computers outright. In addition, inquire about online access through the school. Unless you supply your child with a portable wireless device for accessing the Internet, he will need to be able to connect through the school's network. Most schools have a strict policy on outside computers gaining access to the network.

Improved Grades

In some instances, using a laptop in class can improve a student's educational experience and grades. According to a 2004 article in USA Today, a pilot program at Yankton High School in South Dakota showed that 25 students who were randomly selected to use laptops or handheld computer devices in school got higher grades on average than students who did not use such technology: a 3.26 grade point average with laptops versus a 2.82 average for those without in the same classes.

Surf or Study

One argument against laptops in high school classrooms is the potential for distraction from school work. According to a 2007 New York Times article, a high school in Liverpool, New York, reported that its servers were often overloaded during study hall times because of the number of students who used their school-issued laptops to surf the Internet instead of getting help from teachers or working on assignments.

Unintended Use

One major concern about the use of laptops in high school is unintended uses. According to the New York Times article, students were found to be exchanging test answers, downloading pornography and even hacking into local businesses and sidestepping improved network security by the school.

References

• Laptop Magazine: Laptop High
• USA Today: High School Teachers -- Handhelds, Laptops Improved Grades
• New York Times: Seeing No Progress, Some Schools Drop Laptops