Freshman utilize iPads in the classroom

Annabelle Mirhashemi
Staff Writer

This year’s incoming freshmen are starting to bring their iPads to Mira Costa due to last year’s innovation at Manhattan Beach Middle School which requires all students to bring iPads to school.

Starting last year, MBMS required all students to buy or rent an iPad with a set of required applications for their classes. However, since Mira Costa doesn’t require that all kids own or rent iPads to use in class, students can use the iPad however they like to fit their needs as students.

“I use my iPad mostly for research,” freshman Andrew Liu said, “I do the most research for Intro to Model UN, and the iPad helps a lot.”

Some freshmen claim that the iPad is more neat and organized than a paper and folder. Some also think the iPad is more accessible because they can type rather than struggling to read their own handwriting.

“I use my iPad mainly for English when I type my essays and reports,” said freshman Michai Clinton. “The reason why iPads are better than traditional pen and paper because usually my handwriting is illegible.”

Many of the teachers at Mira Costa are still learning how to use and implement all the new technology into their teaching. According to Principal Dr. Ben Dale, it will take time and patience because several of the technology devices are new.

“We have given the teachers the tools, and they all have different backgrounds in terms of their abilities with technology,” Dale said. “They are all ready, willing, and able to implement the technology into their teaching.”

According to freshman Andrew Liu, the organization aspect of the iPad is incredibly helpful. Even though documents can be lost easily, there are always alternatives with the iPad.

“My iPad saves all my things to my iCloud account,” freshman Andrew Liu said. “I mostly use my iPad for a planner though.”

According to Mira Costa teachers and students, the new iPads at school are both an exciting and new addition to the school and are an excellent addition to the high school. It is one step closer to a more technologically advanced school.

“The school needs to learn how to truly innovate or motivate the students with technology,” said freshman John Damarillo. “As an iPad user, I agree that iPads are a phenomenal help so long as we can use it correctly.”