Lauren Mushro ’14
Staff Writer

C.O.Ws, otherwise known as computers on wheels, have been a popular topic in the past few District Strategic Technology Committee meetings.

The question is will C.O.Ws leave the classrooms? The answer is unknown. “We are in a state of flux,” Julia Roberts, a Staples Librarian, said.

“Staples has invested in expensive, sturdy laptops. We have a plan for the laptops, and we try to stick to it,” Roberts said.

The current replacement plan for C.O.Ws is three years, and for desktop computers, it’s five.

However, C.O.Ws might not be in Staples’ future. With the new inventions of Apple iPad, Kindle, and Nook, a different type of technology may be used.

With forever changing inventions, the future of Staples technology is completely uncertain.

Principal John Dodig created a survey about C.O.W usage that was sent to English teachers to conduct in their classes. The results of this survey may have an impact on what the next step in the process is.

Although the outcome has not been determined yet, a trend that must be considered is the popularity of students bringing their personal laptops to school. The ability to write essays, take quick notes, and read textbooks is very convenient for modern day society. The weight of textbooks on the backs of students is unbearable; personal computers allow kids to access heavy textbooks virtually.

Unfortunately, not all students have their own laptop. Technology at Staples allows those students to research, take notes and write papers. Without C.O.Ws, they may fall behind the other students.

Recently, Staples board members discussed different ways of technology use at high school. One topic discussed was the idea of decreasing the number of C.O.Ws and allowing the high school’s technology system to become more universally friendly. By making the technology system more “friendly”, kids with their own laptops will be able to do the same things C.O.Ws can do.

Ms. Carrignan, the head of the technology department, expanded upon this idea. In order for this to happen, “all curriculum software will have to be delivered on platform-neutral, web-based platforms,” Ms. Carrignan said.

While the Staples technology department is moving toward updating school electronics, it won’t be for three to five years until any plan actually commences.

Since there is an increase in the use of personal technology, the plan for C.O.Ws may change drastically. For now, the District Strategic Technology Committee will just keep planning for the future.