They allow the user to see the entire Milky Way Galaxy with the swipe of a hand. They can store hundreds of books and applications on a device that is only 0.37 inches thin. They are iPads, and now, WCA’s middle school has them.

While Westminster continues to become more technologically advanced, new changes are popping up each year. Just last year, WCA moved into their new campus at Maryville Centre Drive. This year, iPad carts have appeared in the classrooms of middle school teachers, and they come with great advances.

“Before, a lot of times, if we used technology, it would be me up in the front using it. Now, we can get it into the students hands. It’s more hands-on,” said Katie Long, seventh grade science teacher.

With some exceptions, the responses of seventh and eighth grade students have been very positive.

“It’s a lot more interactive and every unit you do something different with the iPads. They’re different ways of learning,” said Emily Zell, seventh grader.

What many do not get to hear is the opinion of the teachers. Most of the teachers themselves are also enjoying the new benefits of the tool and are incorporating it into their everyday lives.

“I’m using it daily as a teacher. I’m constantly using it,” said Jeremy Scott, eighth grade Bible teacher.

This device is still fairly new with teachers, so they aren’t completely sure about what the iPad can offer them just yet.

“I take most of my notes now on my iPad. I’m using it so much more than pencil and paper, and I like it.  However, I feel like while I’m enjoying some things, I don’t know all it can and can’t do—the benefits and problems,” said Scott.

There are some problems with the iPads and technology in general at the moment, and potential problems are seen on the rise. Teachers are willing to offer solutions to some, but others have yet to be completely solved.

“One of my biggest concerns is screen time. If we have too much, we can lose some things that are valuable like people interaction and quiet time with God,” said Andy Kerckhoff, seventh grade geography teacher.

Technology has made itself such a part of our culture that individuals are starting to question how much is too much in our lives.

“We spend a lot of time with stuff in our faces. People are not in front of our eyes anymore. Sometimes I worry that there’s a disconnect taking place between people,” said Scott.

Use of the iPad appropriately is also a problem that needs to be addressed. That is up to the teachers to direct the students towards forming good habits with the computers.

“We have had issues with students not using the tool as instructed by the teacher like playing with the camera. We have to think about two things: how to manage our classes and how to train kids to use them well,” said Deana Vandegriff, seventh grade Bible teacher.

Apple is known for coming out with the next big thing every year or so; the next impending question is what happens when something completely new comes out.

“I worry about how we might adopt this device, and then in three years, something new comes out. What do I invest my time in learning?” said Scott.

There is also the issue of whether a tool like an iPad can hold up to the kind of use and potential abuse students can dish out. However, Westminster has thought through this and taken protective measures accordingly.

“Right now, our cases are pretty robust, so we haven’t had much damage to them,” said Dale Beachy, eighth grade algebra teacher.

Westminster’s future with iPads is not yet decided on. With Macbooks and iMacs the school is fully equipped at the moment to help each student succeed. iPads are adding a little something new, but could not replace the standard computer.

“There are advantages and disadvantages, but they don’t seem to replace the laptop. Laptops are more powerful and can do more than iPads, but a Macbook costs twice as much as iPads. And, they’re portable,” said Kerckhoff.

All of the questions that come with the iPads are simplified into being a matter of how to use what Westminster now has to best teach the students in accord with WCA’s mission statement.

“The question isn’t if the iPad is good or bad. The challenge is how we can enhance the learning experience but keep it in a good perspective,” said Vandegriff.