Lo and behold, being over half a year into having iPads in the school, students have figured out several ways to use the tablets in ways that were not originally intended. Whether it be watching movies during homeroom or playing games in between classes, students throughout the school have been using their iPads to do things that are not inherently educational or helpful in class. But is this a bad thing?

Sure, the iPads were bought with the intention of use in and out of class, but it could be argued that there was no avoiding the technology being used for other purposes. One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking iPads is games, so of course people would hop on the opportunity to play games when they could not before.

Yes, the school district has tried their hardest to keep students from spending too much time on undesired websites (apps must be downloaded through Self-Service, there is a smoothwall preventing access to certain websites and bluetooth is turned on in most classes to allow teachers to see what students are doing), but there is always another website out there.

There is not much harm in letting students play games in their downtime. Most students are involved in many activities, in and out of school, and a couple minutes to lay back and relax is not too much to ask for. Hex FRVR is harmless, as are plenty of the other popular games out there. For many, the alternative would be simply falling asleep, and that is technically less productive.

It could be argued that playing games and watching movies have a negative effect on the student, as it detracts from learning. This argument is valid, but the only ones who are truly affected about it are the students who would rather play games than learn, as their grades will reflect what they put into class. As long as students manage how much they put into studies and leisure, there is no real issue with having some downtime every now and then.