In the Mobile County Public School System we use the philosophy of bring your own device (BYOD) which means that students may use their smart phones, ipads, ipods, or android components in a teacher instructed lesson if permitted. As we know, many students are visual learners and could progress with the introduction of technology which they are more familiar and interested in on a daily basis.
The following policy criteria is an example from the Washington State School Directors Association that one may adhere to when considering using a (BYOD) instructional method. (WSSDA 2016)
Benefits of BYOD Policy
• Reduces technology and technology maintenance costs
• Increases skill attainment relevant to workforce and higher education requirements
• Personalizes learning experiences
• Encourages students’ independent learning
• Promotes anytime, anywhere learning opportunities
• Allows for group collaborative and co-curricular learning practices
• Enables utilization of some of the cheapest technologies to invest in
Factors to Keep in Mind with BYOD Policy
• Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) & Authentication Policies
• Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) and modifications o WSSDA model AUP
• Network infrastructure with wireless demands
• Dealing with private devices on school networks and bandwidth capacity of districts or individual schools
• Board management acceptance and teacher acceptance (professional development may be needed)
Washington State Directors Association. (2016). Fact Sheet: Bring your own Device Policy (BYOD). Retrieved on July 20, 2016 From https://www.wssda.org/Portals/0/Resources/A-Z%20(misc)/Bring%20Your%20Own%20Device%20Tip%20Sheet.pdf