An Introduction to BYOD Bring Your Own Device Port Salerno Elementary School 2014-2015

What is BYOD? BYOD is a policy that allows students to bring their own computing devices such as laptops, e-readers, tablets to school for use on the school’s network.

What is the D in BYOD? For the purposes of BYOD, “Device” means a privately owned wireless and /or portable electronic piece of equipment. It includes laptops, netbooks, tablets/slates and e-readers.

Why BYOD? *Produces a student-centered environment that improves learning. *It is important for students to be able to engage in learning through the use of a variety of technology tools to prepare them for life in a high-tech global economy. *BYOD makes it possible for teachers to integrate the use of digital instructional materials into learning more frequently.

*Mobile carts or scheduled computer lab time are restricted to booked time slots. This limits education opportunities. *Budget constraints prevent the school from providing each student with their own device. *With BYOD students can select the device to use for learning based on personal preference.

Did you know? BYOD… Fosters collaboration Develops higher order thinking skills Supports self-directed learning Develops digital citizenship Encourages responsibility Improves student engagement Increases expertise in using technology Amplifies creativity

BYOD Enhances the Learning Environment Develops inquiry based learning opportunities Increases access to information Provides timely feedback Adjusts instruction using flexible grouping Facilitates a student-centered environment Differentiates instruction in a more manageable fashion Adds relevance to learning Invites parent involvement Generates an authentic audience

How can teachers maximize the learning opportunities BYOD presents? Use web apps to create consistency Form collaborative groups to take advantage of the range of devices Incorporate mobile technology into school events Digitize note taking Enhance existing activities with technology Design innovative new technology-bases activities/network with other teachers to share Acknowledge digital citizens Create a team of in house experts Maintain an equitable learning environment

Classroom Management of BYOD BYOD Zone Signs to let students know if they are permitted to use their device in that space. BYOD Permitted Signals to let students know when you may want devices turned off Desktop Ready Students enter room and place devices face down on desk to let teacher know who has devices/which devices are available Spot Check Enforce the policies. Train students to turn devices so that screens face you whenever you say spot check Walk Around Monitor student activities to make sure they are on task and not engaging in inappropriate behavior Observe Body Language Know the difference between what students look like when they are engaged in social versus educational use

Get involved Don’t just assign activities – so them alongside your students Use the devices often Parents have spent the money and students have taken the time to bring them Team up If not everyone has a device design lessons that have a collaborative component Explicitly teach technology skills Challenge students to try new things rather than always using apps they are used to Generalize Assessment Tools Design assessments focused on criteria and then include general aspects such as quality, organization, style, originality, timeliness, work habits, or sources.

Important Tips Keep a device class list to help you organize, groups, design activities and create an equitable environment Back up plan Always have a backup plan in case of power outages, WIFI connectivity issues or server failures Timely Troubleshooting Issues WILL happen so teach students to just look on with a partner until an opportune time arises to fix the issue Power Up Establish rules and routines for charging devices Equal Access Establish procedures for students that do not have a device (Ex: who uses classroom computers)

Suggestions for Classroom BYOD Rules Be a good digital citizen Work with your device in approved locations Use for assigned tasks only Take photos/videos for assignments only Use of the device is restricted to the owner Bring device fully charged to school Charge devices safely at approved locations Use the school’s WIFI network only Remove ear buds and turn down volume/screen when asked Turn off device or put to sleep when not in use

Questions/Concerns