McPherson High School introduced a new way of learning this year by bringing in 700 new chromebooks into the school. Every student Freshmen through Senior received a chromebook after paying a rental fee of $40.00, that would pay for use of the computers during the nine-month school year.

    The chromebooks, which first arrived late August, were distributed at the beginning of September. Each student collected their chromebook using a barcode which was scanned, and then checked out to students. This way administrators could identify the owner of each device, and the school could stick to the method they use when renting out kindles and library books.  Before collecting their chromebooks, students had to have an agreement form signed by their parents and themselves. The agreement form stated that the students were responsible for their own chromebook, and outlined how damage costs were to be addressed.

     The program, later named Project Connect, was taken over by Brad Plackemeier after former principal, Bret McClendon, resigned.  Initially, there was a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ option open, although that was dismissed later. This decision left students who had already bought their own device upset.

  “We were told we could opt out of the school’s computers, so when I found out that I had to rent a Chromebook from the school, I was a little upset. “ Caleb Houghton, Junior said. “After cracking my chromebook sophomore year I decided to upgrade, and purchase a brand new Macbook Pro. I had purchased the computer one month prior to finding out we couldn’t bring our own computers to school.”

  After a final decisions were made, and distribution of the devices were completed; students began using the chromebooks to their advantage.

  “I felt more connected to teachers and other students. Writing, and taking notes became faster, and more efficient” Emma Ellet, Junior, said. Next year it is planned that students will receive the same chromebook that they will use this year.