I’m a Grade 6 student in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and I face the frustrating problem of trying to use a slow, outdated Chromebook for my schoolwork. These devices freeze all the time, need constant reboots, and interrupt our learning. This makes me question the TDSB's promise to use technology to “engage, enhance and support learning.” These devices have insufficient RAM, extremely limited storage, and an outdated budget processor. 

Unfortunately, I’m not the only one facing these issues. My classmates are dealing with the same tech problems, which only adds stress to our school day. We need devices that can handle multitasking, like working on projects with multiple tabs and apps open, without becoming unbearably slow.

It's not just about speed; the lag affects our ability to fully engage with the lessons and hinders our overall learning experience. And with faster and more reliable computers, we could quickly access educational resources, complete assignments efficiently, and engage in interactive projects without any technological interruptions. 

The OECD reports that 90% of students in developed countries use computers in school, and that students do best when technology is well integrated into lessons and teachers know how to use it. Right now, our old Chromebooks are a big step back from the tools we need to have a good learning experience, as suggested by experts.

That’s why we’re asking the TDSB to replace these old Chromebooks with newer, faster models that can handle multitasking without getting sluggish, otherwise, they aren't enhancing or supporting our learning but are actually taking away from it. We need better devices to do our best work, and we’re demanding change now. Let’s make sure every student has the tools they deserve to succeed.