Since the beginning of the school year, there has been one lingering question that students, parents and even some faculty and administrators have been asking: Why have Google Suite apps been removed from student iPads?

There is an entire group known as the educational technology committee who made the collective decision to remove Google apps altogether. Considering this information, one can understand the service the technology committee is doing for the entire student body! What the technology committee has forgotten is who is truly affected by this executive decision. For those thinking of this from a faculty point of view, it seems like there shouldn’t be too much of a difference between the online version and the in-app version. However, many students disagree with this opinion. Students have voiced their opinions, and they have not been in favor of the change.

     According to Alison Igbaroola, who is incredibly passionate about the topic and has gone as far as to make a petition to reinstate the Google apps, “we understand the concern with the glitches previously occurring on Google Docs and Slides; however, it’s absurd that the whole student body has to adjust to this inconvenient switch. The issue prior was that a few students and teachers could not read their comments. Making everyone switch because of a few students is unjust. If they have that problem they themselves can switch to Safari. For the following reasons this switch should not continue and [GC] should allow students to at least have a choice in what they use!”

     Igbaroola’s petition, which has garnered over 251 signatures, highlights several issues:

• Crowding of tabs
• Makes splitting screens difficult
• If we split screens we can lose all our tabs on one tab group
• Glitches when multiple people enter a document
• Very slow
• Trouble zooming in
• WAY more steps to even get into a document
• Confusing
• Inconvenience
• Long commutes make working on the go difficult
• Safari runs more slowly
• You CANNOT DO work offline, which could lead to inadvertent late and incomplete work
• Lag time can be very slow
• Students do not like it!

     Evidently, Igbaroola is not the only student who holds these opinions – When interviewed, several students shared similar sentiments:

~ Kate Miller ’25 believes that “forcefully getting rid of it [Google Suites] without giving students a choice is wrong. It’s one of our most important apps!”

~ Nina Hyat ’25 states that “it’s inconvenient to not be able to work offline.”

~ Keira Jones ’25 feels that “students should be given the option to choose. Deleting the app completely doesn’t make sense.”

     All things considered, the majority of the GC student body should be commended for voicing their options. Based on the concerns, students understand that the app doesn’t provide the vast tools as the online application. However, just because it seems better doesn’t mean that it’s better.

“The decision to take the the Google Apps off the Self-Service portal was a decision made with the students’ best interest in mind. The web services off much more to the students and teachers in terms of feedback. The tech committee understands that there is a learning curve to this process, but we believe the benefits outweigh the costs. On top of that, no change is permanent. It is very easy to switch back if the costs ever begin to outweigh the benefit. I urge students to give this a try instead of falling back into what’s comfortable rather than what’s better,” said Mr. Rapposelli, English teacher and Varsity Rugby coach.

     Fortunately, there is a solution to the issue. Here are some tips and tricks from Ms. Crowell:

For Teachers:

     Within the first two weeks of October, there will be a meeting where the technology committee will meet and ask for teacher input on this matter. Teachers, your students implore you to be their voice. Please consider your students’ points of view and provide input on the matter.

For Students and Parents:

     Please continue to voice your complaints to the technology department. Your opinions are being taken into consideration.

     In conclusion, it is crucial for the technology committee and school administration to listen to the voices of the students they serve. Engaging in open dialogue and considering alternative solutions can foster a more inclusive environment where students feel heard and empowered. By valuing student input, the administration can ensure that technological changes enhance rather than hinder the learning experience.