Getting Started with BYOD |
"There can be infinite uses of the computer and new age technologies, but if teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails."
-Nancy Kassebaum |
Why BYOD?
Research has identified several benefits to implementing personal devices, specifically Smartphones, in the classroom:
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This video was produced by Peels School District in Mississauga Ontario to share their 21st Century Teaching and Learning Initiative and their adoption of a BYOD model.
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BYOD Checklist
Before a school can decide to adopt a BYOD model, it is important to identify what the need is at the school and whether or not the school has the required infrastructure to begin. Asking schools and districts to self-assess their readiness is key. Therefore, providing them with a checklist to assess their ability to begin to incorporate the BYOD model is a useful first step.
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Consult with School and District Administrators
Educators, school administrators, and district officials should collaborate to develop the following BYOD documents.
Application |
Perceptions |
Inform Parents |
Parent Consent |
Handbook |
School districts can develop a BYOD application process to improve communication between teachers and district administrators. See the example from Abbotsford School District
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Data regarding parent perceptions should be collected and used to inform BYOD program decisions. See the attached sample survey. Most online survey tools, like SurveyMonkey allows user to share results online as well.
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Parents should be well informed of BYOD program and its design. A letter home highlighting BYOD rationale, device recommendations and expectations is necessary. Some schools also host parent nights.
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Parental consent should be acquired for the use of apps, social media and cloud-based technologies. See the attached consent forms for social media sites and Office 365.
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A Student Handbook containing a description of student expectations, district guidelines, and frequently asked questions should be supplied to students and parents.
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Protection of Privacy
Fears of violating student privacy continue to prevent teachers from implementing mobile apps and tech tools in the classroom. Several resources exist to better inform educators of how they can protect student information. We recommend starting with the Protecting Information training program for BC school district and public school employees.
Inform School and District AdministratorsBe sure to inform school and district administrators of any mobile apps and tech tools that you wish to integrate into your BYOD program. If required, your district will submit an Early Notice and Privacy Impact Assessment to the Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner as described in this Procedure for Submission document. Parental consent will likely be needed, particularly if the tool stores student information outside of Canada. Cloud-based technologies, including Office 365, can be integrated into BC public school as long as the appropriate steps are taken.
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Policy DevelopmentSchool districts will develop policies of use and guidelines for new tech tools that are integrated by educators. A copy of the policy is sent home with the request for parental consent.
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Preparing for Parents
Liz Kolb, clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan and author of the blog From Toy to Tool: Cell Phones in Learning has developed a list of questions parents should ask their school about BYOD programs. School should be prepared to answer them!
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What Parents Should Ask
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