Chromebooks are issued to every student at Fauquier High School (FHS) and have become a staple of digital education. While Chromebooks are a great option for schoolwork, many complain that they are too slow and break easily. Many students question whether Chromebooks are the best option for them.

Craig Gilmore is a support analyst who takes the lead in the Information Technology (IT) department at FHS, as well as other high schools in Fauquier County. He has over 25 years of experience in the IT field and has worked in Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS) for eight years. One of his most important responsibilities at FHS is managing and fixing student Chromebooks. He stated, “The most common issue students have with their Chromebooks is overheating due to lack of ventilation. This causes the Chromebooks to trigger a shutdown mechanism to protect the motherboard, preventing the Chromebook from turning on until it has cooled off.” That, followed by broken and cracked screens, are some of the most common issues students face with their Chromebooks.

That raises the question: Are Chromebooks the best option for students? Gilmore stated, “I do think Chromebooks are the best option for students as they are easily managed from an IT perspective and are 100% internet-based. While they aren’t the fastest machines, they integrate seamlessly into Schoology and Google applications.” Another added benefit is that they are a cost-effective option for taxpayers and reduce the amount of money students owe if their Chromebook needs to be replaced or repaired.

Despite this, there are alternatives, like students bringing their own computers. Some students argue that bringing personal computers would help improve their productivity and leave them responsible for their own devices, saving taxpayer dollars. However, a downside would be that students not fortunate enough to own a computer would not be able to complete their school work online. While some students see the upsides, teachers argue that their lack of control over a student’s device allows them to be easily distracted and not focused on their work.

While Chromebooks have many advantages and disadvantages for students, they are currently the best option for completing their work.