During a recent meeting of the House Labor & Commerce Committee, discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by students in Alaska regarding access to educational technology. A key focus was the provision and functionality of wireless telecommunication devices in schools, particularly in the Anchorage School District.

Committee members expressed concerns about the disparity between students' personal devices and those provided by schools for educational purposes. Representative Sadler sought clarification on the types of devices issued to students, prompting a detailed response from Kelly Lisonbee, a member of the Anchorage School Board. Lisonbee explained that the primary device used is the Chromebook, which has become essential for students, especially since the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, budget constraints limited the availability of electronic devices, leading to shared resources among students. However, with federal COVID relief funds, the district was able to purchase a significant number of Chromebooks, allowing for a more structured 1-to-1 device initiative for grades 6 to 12. Currently, about half of the students in the Anchorage School District have access to a Chromebook, which they are required to bring to school daily.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Lisonbee noted that students sometimes forget their devices or fail to charge them at home, which can hinder their participation in class activities. Additionally, there are concerns about the adequacy of electrical outlets in classrooms for charging devices, which can further impact the quality of instruction.

The discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that all students have reliable access to the technology necessary for their education. As the Anchorage School District navigates the post-pandemic landscape, addressing these technological gaps will be crucial for supporting student learning and engagement in the classroom.