In every stereotypical movie around, the scene is always set the same: The new kid in school walks in on the first day, an unknown source of wind whipping their hair around as they strut down the hallway to some horrible pop music. Looking much more sleek and elegant than the other kids, the other students and teachers alike whisper their name and gawk at the new student. Believe it or not, this is often the same way with computers.

The IMC just received a brand new shipment packed full of computers, which sparked some curiosity, so we went down to the IMC to find some answers. When we got there we were greeted by all of the IMC workers telling us their contributions to the project. We found Technological Paraeducators Steve Guider, and Lisa Veer, who helped answer some of our questions. When asked why we got new computers they both said “the tech levy had passed”.

The tech levy is a grant that was paid for by the taxpayers, or our parents, after they voted for it a few years ago. Each year, Blaine High School gets new technology to keep our learning as up-to-date as possible. The first year, we had received audio enhancements such as the surround sounds located around the building. The second year Blaine got a new Mac lab and LCD projectors. We are in our third year of the tech levy now, so we went together with other schools from the district to purchase four more labs. We counted this as year four as well, so with that money Blaine High School has received nine labs altogether. “We were able to do a savings.”, said Deb Maaske, a technology teacher and coordinator. Projections for year five are to get more labs, and she hopes that in years 9-10 the new computers purchased now can be replaced.

“Most of the computers were repurposed around the building, and others were sent back to the district.” Lisa Veer said when we asked her where the old computers went. Some of the advantages of the computers include speed, and appearance. “They are a lot more faster, nicer looking with bigger screens, but the main thing is that they are more faster so kids don’t have to wait forever to log in which makes it more productive.”, said Lisa Veer.

When students were asked about the new additions to the technology at this school, they were not shy with their answers. “The old computers should have been left behind in the ice age with the rest of them,” said Sophia Kassela (9), “Thank goodness for new technology…”. We also asked Madi Sinclair (11) what she thought about the new computers. She said: “I think they’re great. I’m glad this school is using money to buy stuff that can be used and appreciated everyday,”

On the other hand, some students thought that the money should’ve been used elsewhere. Avery Troy(10) said, “I’ve seen people and all they play in the morning is Halo on the new computers. I think we should use the money for other things. They added a new scoreboard in the football field, and it doesn’t even work in the rain.” He agrees with the fact that the money could’ve been used to help students in other aspects of school. Other students we questioned said that they have never even noticed the new technology.
We as a society are becoming more and more dependent on technology. As technology keeps improving, we students need to be able to be learning with the most resourceful and up-to-date equipment that money can buy. Blaine High School is one of many schools around that are preparing us for for the future;  these computers can be a key point in drawing our path to success. The future is upon us, let’s leap into it.