Ah, the age-old question of computer labs in schools. Do they still make sense in 2023? And do they even function five years after opening? Well, I have some thoughts on this matter.

First off, let's address the skeptics who view school computer labs as nothing more than PR gimmicks. Sure, there may be instances where labs are opened without proper planning or long-term sustainability measures. But hey, at least they look good in those ribbon-cutting ceremonies!

Now, articles from actual educators suggest that there is indeed a need for computer labs if integrated properly with classroom teaching. Times have changed though! Many students nowadays rock their own mobile computing devices like tablets and cellphones. So maybe these traditional computer labs need to step up their game.

Learning from shared computing resources was how early tech leaders like Bill Gates got their start. They didn't have personal computers or fancy smartphones back then. The question now is whether learners with that same aptitude are being identified and given a chance to innovate within these computer labs.

And oh boy, don't get me started on those standard Windows computers just teaching Office365! Is that really what we want? Creating an army of Microsoft drones reciting "Another Brick in the Wall"? Learning about computers should be about innovation and creativity! It should challenge students to think outside the box and create things!

So here's an idea: why not swap out those mundane machines for Raspberry Pis loaded with free Linux software like LibreOffice or Python programming?