The great new addition of computers for each student in our school is extremely convenient. But, what happens when you have to print out that five page research paper in school, which is due the next period? Oh, all you have to do is go through the process of emailing it to the media center specialist, and you’re good! But, why can’t we print out our assignments directly from our computers?

Students should be able to print directly from any school printer, so that the entire process is made effortless and uncomplicated. Everytime we have to print out an assignment we have to send an email out to the media center specialist, and he, or she will print the document. This process takes a long time, and is inconvenient for students, and the specialist.

The infuriating thing, is that sometimes, the specialist is absent! This can make a student more stressed out, because they might have to hand in the assignment in 5 minutes. Unfortunately, there is enough homework to stress us all out. But, when we need an immediate print, we should be able to get one by the click of a single button, in school. Many students do not own printers. Instead of going to the public library to print for 15 cents a page, I would rather print for free in school.  

When I had to print out a 10 page research paper, I was out of ink. I decided to come to school early to print it out, since I had to hand it in during the first period. The desk where the specialist usually sits was empty, and I desperately needed to print. I tried to use one of the middle school computers, but I was told that I couldn’t, because ‘I was in the high school.’ I frantically got my print, by going to one of my teachers. All this time, I wondered why I couldn’t just use my laptop! Using it would’ve saved me more brain power!

In our generation, technology is thriving and blossoming. Most schools don’t operate without it. Some students argue that if printing directly from laptops was accessible to students, they’d misuse the resources. Also, others argue that going paperless is the key. But, in today’s world, it is de rigueur, meaning requisite, for people to avoid using phones, laptops and computers in their lives. Whether we like it or not, the world is advancing, and soon, we might have robots doing work for us, and driver less cars!

Did you know that one student can use up to 10,000 sheets of paper annually. Whether it is printing a last minute history research paper, or going through three or four notebooks per school year, we use a lot of paper…too much paper. In fact, one of the main reasons why students in Glen Rock High School cannot print from their personal school issued laptops is because of the need to save the environment. In my opinion, not being able to print from our school laptops has reasonable benefits.

Although we are not able to print on demand, our teachers give us the option of sharing documents via Google Drive which later can be printed in the school’s library. One main reason why not being able to print from our laptops is a good thing is because many assignments have been shifted online. For example, Financial Literacy assessments have been moved to Google Drive.

Many students claim that not being able to print from school laptops is actually better because if they were responsible for printing assignments, they would easily forget. Also, they wouldn’t be plagued with printer problems that hold them back from finishing homework or projects. Now, many students can just simply turn in their completed work.