I am a student in Medford, MA, who takes pride in my work. I believe that my assignments should reflect my personality and creativity. However, the current restrictions on school Chromebooks prevent me from doing so. Specifically, we are not allowed to use slideshow websites like Slidesgo, SlidesMania, and SlidesCarnival which offer unique templates beyond the basic Google Slides options.

This ban is limiting our creative expression and potentially impacting our grades negatively as we are unable to present our work in a way that truly represents us. Elementary and middle school students do not have access to professional graphic design platforms; these slideshow websites provide an accessible alternative for us to enhance our presentations.

According to EdTech Magazine, visual aids can improve learning by up to 400 percent (EdTech Magazine). By restricting access to these tools, we are potentially hindering academic progress of students who learn better visually or wish to express their knowledge creatively. The Medford school system is taking this away from us, and it is harder for us to do our work and do it well, and harder for classmates to comprehend it when we present. 

We urge the decision-makers of Medford schools' IT department and the school board system as a whole reconsider this ban. Banning games, I understand, but this website assists students in their learning. Let's foster an environment where creativity thrives alongside education. Please sign this petition if you support lifting the ban on slideshow websites for school Chromebooks.