Bring Your Own Technology/Device (BYOT/D)
Many districts and schools across the country are implementing Bring Your Own Technology/Device (BYOT/D) programs to increase the access that students have to the internet, digital content, and a range of educational opportunities. Many students have mobile devices, laptops, or cell phones to use, but the implementation of BYOT/D programs presents many challenges in addition to the potential learning experiences. This toolkit provides perspectives and recommendations for educators and school and district leaders who are implementing these programs and includes links to research and reports about policies and practice.
The toolkit includes:
- BYOD for Teachers
- Potential and Challenges of BYOT/D
- Acceptable Use Policies to Responsible Use Policies
- Mobile Learning
- Models
BYOD Tallmadge City School District (OH) provides a wealth of information about BYOD, including FAQs and resources for parents and teachers.
“BYOD Teachers Talk Classroom Use,” S. Bearden, THE Journal, 2012. This THE Journal article provides a tangible look at teachers implementing BYOD programs to improve instruction.
Inside the Classroom, Outside the Box. Jill Thompson, an instructional technology specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, provides a collection of resources for schools and educators implementing BYOD programs.
Potential and Challenges of BYOT/D
Turning on Mobile Learning for North America, UNESCO, April 2012. This United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report documents mobile learning in North America, including an extensive review of the challenges and potential of BYOT/D models and programs in Forsyth County Schools (GA); Katy ISD (TX); and Saddleback Unified School District (CA). http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002160/216083e.pdf
The NMC-Horizon Report: 2011 K–12 Edition, The New Media Consortium, 2011. This report identifies and predicts the current and emerging trends in technology with an emphasis on those most likely to have an impact on schools and learning environments in the near future.
Cell Phones in the Classroom: A Practical Guide for Educators, L. Kolb, International Society for Technology in Education, 2011. This book specifically aims to provide tangible and practical recommendations for educators trying to maximize the potential of cell phones and mobile devices in the classroom.
Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) to Responsible Use Policies (RUP)
“Acceptable Use Policies in the Web 2.0 and Mobile Era,” Consortium for School Networking. This guide discusses how to ensure that acceptable use policies encourage the safe and meaningful use of technology in learning environments with specific examples from districts and a general movement toward responsible use policies. The purpose of this guide is to assist school districts in developing, rethinking, or revising internet policies as a consequence of the emergence of Web 2.0, and the growing pervasiveness of smart phone use.
“Districts Tackle Questions Regarding BYOT Policy,” Education Week, 2011. This article provides insight from districts that are working to implement BYOT in their schools.
“Teens, Social Network Sites, & Mobile Phones: What the Research Is Telling Us,” M. Madden, Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2011. This PowerPoint presentation analyzes data to provide insight into teens and their use and perceptions of mobile devices and social networks. h
Learning in the 21st Century: Taking It Mobile, Project Tomorrow and Blackboard K–12, 2010. This report draws from data and analysis from the annual SpeakUp survey to provide perceptions and opportunities for mobile learning from the perspectives of students, educators, parents, and administrators.
“Small Size, Big Potential: Mobile Learning Devices in Schools,” Consortium for School Networking. This executive summary provides a quick glimpse of BYOD efforts in Chicago Public Schools (IL); Katy ISD (TX); Canby School District (OR); St. Marys City Schools (OH); and Osseo School District (MN).
Bring Your Own Technology: A Conversation with Bailey Mitchell. Governor Bob Wise sits down with Bailey Mitchell, chief technology and information officer at Forsyth County Schools (GA), to talk about the power and potential of BYOT/D for accelerating student learning. Forsyth’s efforts have been recognized nationwide as a flexible, innovative, and affordable way to make the best possible learning opportunities available to all students. This conversation covers some of the key factors in Forsyth’s success, how to address barriers and obstacles, and how to ensure equity. Mitchell also describes the powerful effects BYOT/D has had on teaching and learning in Forsyth.
The Role of District Leadership in BYOT. Bailey Mitchell, chief technology and information officer at Forsyth County Schools (GA), discusses the role of district leadership in ensuring success of BYOT/D.
