The iPads are still relatively new to Northmont, and are now being used by the entire freshman and sophomore classes. The minis were introduced in an effort to help students by serving as a resource, giving them them quicker and more immediate access to the internet and educational apps. However, going into the second year, are the iPads really benefiting students’ education, or are they more of a hindrance?

Juniors and seniors who did not receive an iPad are extremely skeptical of the younger students receiving such prized technology.

“They are just going to be too distracted. They (the students) would play their games too much,” said senior Clarissa Rockey.

But even though some people are doubtful, there are plenty who think students are doing well with the iPads, especially compared to last year.

“They’re doing good this year. They were horrible last year, but the school’s come down this year,” said science teacher Ms. Mary Ann McInnes. “They needed to teach us how to approach it.”

Students as well as teachers have noticed improvement this school year.

“Last year, everyone played games,” said sophomore Jordon Meriner. “We were just getting used to it. This year, we have more work to do.”

The iPads help students with that work, too.

“It give you connections to resources,” said junior Dylana Harris. “So instead of just using notes you can get a better, in-depth understanding of things.”

The outcome, however, ultimately has to do with the user.

“It depends on the kid,” said science teacher Mr. Matthew Shaltry. “It also depends on the teacher, and how they use it.”

With every year, teachers and students alike are learning how to better use the iPads to make teaching and studying easier, and the iPads are likely to only get better as they find new ways to use them.