Bring Your Own Device to School Pilot
Benefits and Outcomes of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to school:
1. Remote access to information; i.e., Sears Cybersites (online databases), assignments,grades, documents, and calendars.
2. Student-to-student and student-to-teacher collaboration.
3. Students’ digital organization; i.e. class notes,homework and classroom assignments.
4. Ability to take in-class notes and access shared information.
5. Access to student and teacher e-mail accounts.
6. Immediate access to online research.
7.
Greater opportunity to explore topics independently.
8. Greater access to a variety of in-class and online activities which would include the potential for electronic textbooks.
9. More robust home and school communication.
Thank you for your support. We are excited to launch the Sears BYOD initiative that will provide new learning opportunities for your children. Pleas review the Frequently Asked Questions below and review the agreement form which requires a parent signature.
Kenilworth School District #38
1. When did the Bring Your Own Device pilot begin? The BYOD pilot began in the fall of the 2011-2012 school year.
2. Why are we doing a BYOD pilot? As mobile learning develops, it is creating a new paradigm in education. Kenilworth District 38 is committed to developing a technology rich environment that supports the needs of all students through differentiated access and increased opportunities. This pilot will help students have access to technology which best meets their individual needs.
3. How can my child participate in the pilot? To participate in this pilot, parents and students must sign the BYOD agreement form which will allow them to bring a device to school.
4. Does my child have to participate in the pilot? The BYOD Pilot is open to all Junior High students but participation is optional. The School will provide alternate devices for class if a student chooses not to participate.
5. When are students allowed to use devices? The use of student devices will be dependent upon the parameters set up in each classroom.Teacher discretion will determine how and when the devices will be used in individual classrooms. Students are allowed to use their devices for non-educational purposes before school, during lunch, and after school under their parent's/parents' established family rules.
6. Who pays for the BYOD? Devices will be purchased and owned by individual families.
7. What happens if a family cannot afford to buy a device for their child? Students will have access to district owned devices during class.
8. What grade levels will be involved in the pilot project? Grades 6-8 grade students will be piloting this program in its second year.
9. What type of device can my child bring into school? Students can choose to bring in a mobile phone, iPod Touch, iPad, netbook, tablet, or other device.
10. I am thinking of purchasing a device for my child. What should I buy? As technology evolves we recognize that new devices will continue to become available. We recommend an Internet capable device (a device that can connect to the Internet) with an extended battery life (5 hours or more).
11. How will you handle stolen or damaged devices? Kenilworth School District accepts no responsibility for personal property brought to School by students. Students who participate assume complete responsibility for their device.
12. What happens to the device when students participate in after-school events? The device should be stored in the child's locker or in another secure location. Teachers are not responsible for securing devices in their classrooms.
13. If something is wrong with my child's device, who fixes it? The maintenance of student owned devices will be the responsibility of each student and their family.
14. How will you handle students accessing inappropriate websites during school? Students using the internet are only allowed to access the Kenilworth BYOD wifi. This wifi will be protected by the district internet filter. Students will be required to turn off any other outside mobile networks when using internet connected devices.
15. Will the students be allowed to share their personal device with others? Students are encouraged to keep their devices personal, although sharing within the classroom will be permitted at the discretion of the teacher.
