Oftentimes students try to access email to send themselves a reminder or an assignment. In the past, Rockwood has established student emails though a Microsoft program called Outlook, but will now use Google programs.
Rockwood made the switch this summer, and students have begun to access their new accounts as the school year has gotten under way.
Principal Dr. Greg Mathison said the main reason for the switch is for cloud computing. Cloud computing is a chain of different programs that can all be synced together into one account.
“It saves server space, and the teachers say it’s easier,” Dr. Mathison said.
Students will also now be able to access documents and other materials saved to their student drive at home through the Google drive, and Dr. Mathison said he thought student would use it much more.
The decision to switch from outlook to Google documents was made by the District Technology Committee.
“All of the feedback we’ve had has been positive so far,” Dr. Mathison said.
One source of this positive feedback is Roopal Goel, junior.
While she liked outlook, Goel said Google will be more efficient and is a more credible program.
“I used to have to email myself all my documents, so using Google’s much easier,” Goel said.
Dr. Mathison said the change would hopefully help prepare students for a more technologically advanced world.
“We’re trying to embrace technology,” Dr. Mathison said. “We want to promote the accessible use of technology.”
Contributing information collected by JP Morray and Ali Main.
