The privilege of the usage of netbooks in the classroom is being taken advantage of by students when games and applications on the desktops are in use during class. As the STA website states on the netbooks: ‘…laptops will serve as a tool for students to access information and technologies necessary for advanced instruction and learning.’ Without enforcement of the purpose of netbooks, the tool that is meant to advance and assist learning will be wasted by students who choose to play games during class instead of taking notes.

In order to decrease distractions, administration must enforce the Acceptable Use Policy that students signed before receiving the netbooks, ensuring students will not use the tool in a non-scholarly manner. Teachers must take responsibility in making sure students are paying attention in class and concentrating on the lesson, not using applications on the desktop. Administration must monitor applications used during school hours in order for the classroom tool to be effective because many students have been able to get past the Lightspeed internet block.  Even though students signed the Acceptable Use Policy, they are still able to access these sites and the administration needs to crack down. While the temptation to access these other non-school related sites is there, students could be on the internet instead of taking notes in class. 

Many students are finding the netbooks to be a pain to carry to class. Some say the extra weight is just adding to their daily book load. While not all classes have gone completely online, most students still have to carry around at least two heavy textbooks. Add in the laptop weight, and most students have a heavier backpack than last year. The netbooks were supposed to make the backpack weight lighter, when they have yet to do just that. The netbooks cannot be placed in the backpack either. Some students have complained of  neck pain due to the added weight. The administration’s goal was not to cause the students’ pain, but this is what is happening. 

    On the other hand, Lightspeed has blocked some sites helpful for homework. This makes students homework load longer. Teachers have had to print out papers for class because of the Lightspeed blocks, which is not complying with the new eco-friendly STA.  The bottom line is STA needs to enforce the Acceptable Use Policy and loosen up on the Lightspeed blocks for academic purposes.