Our society is constantly growing more advanced with technology. We can see incredible technological advancements in our always-updated smartphones,  paper thin computers and smart TVs.  It may have taken GHS longer than some institutions to upgrade to better technology, but nonetheless we’re here, with a much needed update from the unsupported Windows XP to Windows 7 complete.

To get more insight into this change, I spoke to the director of the Gloucester High School IT department, Mr. Paul Donovan.

Thank you for heading the always changing IT department this year. What do you think is the difference between using the old XP software and using the newly upgraded Windows 7 program?

Windows 7 has increased search capabilities. So if you are looking for a document, you can easily find it in the search inside the application of Windows Office 2013 or Excel – a huge benefit for students.

What specific updates have occurred with the upgrade?

The computers have been updated with more memory and a bigger hard drive, which will lead to a lot more productivity.

What else do you think will change with a bigger hard drive and more memory to use?

Having more memory is like being in class writing on a dry-erase board instead of writing your study notes, which will be better in the long run. You have a clean slate and space.

What are you planning on doing with the wifi? Will you possibly make it available for students in the future?

We are opening up the student wifi and that will be usable for those owning tablets like iPads, iPods, laptops and so on.

Lastly, how do you think the new computers will help change how the students learn?

Gloucester schools had old technology that caused a lot of problems for connecting data to the internet but with the new technology students have access to updated programs that successful businesses are currently using. It’s been great.”

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With advancements in technology come many opportunities, especially for students. Donovan says if the IT department is given the budget, then incoming classes will be receiving Chromebooks for one-on-one technology for schoolwork. This is currently uncertain. Considering the big steps the GHS IT department is taking, there is no doubt in my mind that we are headed in the right direction.