As a recent high school graduate of RSU 16, I am very concerned about the district’s decision to select Apple iPads over standard laptops starting next school year. I question the reasoning behind this decision, as I cannot envision an iPad being more educationally productive than a laptop.

With production, creating a document on a word processor immediately becomes more challenging to students on an iPad versus a laptop. The size of the iPad touchscreen keyboard becomes impractical for assignments or taking notes. RSU 16 will provide wireless keyboards to one out of every eight students to be signed out. In reality, many more students will require a wireless keyboard.

In terms of applications, more can be downloaded on an iPad than a laptop; however, students don’t need flashy apps to produce great work.

I see the iPad as more of a toy than learning device for students.

The decision to select iPads won’t prepare students for college as a laptop would. Most students in college have laptops that are required, not tablets. That won’t change soon.

It’s disappointing that RSU 16 failed to provide outreach to students and gather data in what option they would have preferred, considering students don’t feel comfortable speaking at board meetings.

Although I am not a current student of RSU 16, I am a citizen who still cares deeply about the educational value students are receiving. Unfortunately, students will now see the value and their experience regress rather than progress.

Elijah Breton, Poland