With the implementation of the new phone policy at Lumen Christi, laptops and chromebooks have become a greater focus in the classroom. While many classes have adapted to the phoneless learning environment by largely cutting back on digital assignments, a significant number of classes still require this online element as an essential teaching tool. With cell phones out of the picture, teachers and students are left to rely on computers for this part of learning. However, the computers that are provided by the school are insufficient to fulfill the role they have come into. Whether it be a lack of computer resources, or faulty electronics, the computer scene at Lumen Christi has left an astoundingly poor taste in the mouths of those who rely on them.

While many classes utilize online tools for learning, only a few classes actually have access to these computers on a daily basis. With chromebooks in short supply and high demand, teachers are often left scrambling to borrow chromebooks from other classrooms in order to complete very basic tasks. It seems that there are more computer-oriented tasks than there are computers, and when this is the case, everybody struggles.

For teachers who are fortunate enough to have their own coveted classroom set of computers, however, it still isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Computers are often faulty or broken, and in large numbers. Mr. Ryan Cole, German and Publications teacher, was lucky enough to get a set of laptops at the beginning of the year, but it seems they are at times more of a hindrance than a help. When asked about his experience with them, Cole noted that “We had almost every computer that was draining energy constantly,” adding that there is “always something unique with every computer that you have to be aware of.” In a class like Publications where online work takes centerstage, a lack of functioning computers causes a major disruption to the learning environment.

The shortage of computer resources is not entirely the administration’s fault. The phone policy came directly from the Diocese, and Lumen was left to figure out for themselves how they would adapt to the new rules. However, as issues become more and more apparent, it is a disservice to students and teachers to let them go unaddressed. Hopefully, the Lumen Christi administration will continue to make advancements in areas that are lacking to ensure the best experience for everybody, faculty and students.