Brooklyn Moving Into the New Age

By: Gino Pallotta, Ariana Rojak, and Danielle Shehee

January 31, 2020

Many schools around the country have embraced technology and have become one-to-one; this means that every student has a Chromebook or a similar device. With so many classes using Chromebooks, is it possible for Brooklyn to join the movement? 

Students will be able to keep track of school-work much easier, do missing work much quicker, and develop technology skills that colleges and career jobs require.

Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Michelle Kalish, who is leading the charge to make Brooklyn a one-to-one district, had plenty to say on this matter. The following is our sit-down interview with her.

How are Chromebooks useful in the classrooms?

“It is important for students to have access to technology because college and many careers have requirements for technology. Being able to develop those skills is important.”

What restrictions will the Chromebooks have?

“We will have firewalls and content filters. This will prohibit students from searching inappropriate sites. Nothing is foolproof, but we can see what students are searching. Chromebooks will be school only; students won’t be taking them home.”

What happens if a student breaks a Chromebook?

“That depends. There are different levels of device damage. There are accidental damages, and we will probably wave the fee the first time. Repeated damages, however, there will be a talk. Finally, there is the possibility of taking the Chromebook away.”

How much would it cost for Brooklyn to become a one-to-one school?

“It depends. There are many variations for one-to-one options. There is the technology backbone; can the Internet take everyone? The first part is upgrading the Internet. Then, buy the Chromebooks. That can vary because we want a more robust computer. We have to have conversations with students, staff, teachers, and parents.”`

She also wanted to explain the ideal plan for how students would get the Chromebooks. A freshman would get a Chromebook, and they would keep the same Chromebook until he/she graduates. 

If there is community and school-wide support, our school could be the future of education.