While the idea of students bringing their own devices
(BYOD) into the classroom is gaining traction, creating effective ways to
support such programs remains a concern. A school district in a suburb of Cleveland,
OH, decided to tackle the issue by creating a strategic plan to encourage
student technology.
The Rocky River City Schools launched its BYOD program in
tandem with the district’s plans to renovate its facilities. Because of the
renovation project, the school was able to purchase the necessary technology,
such as adequate bandwidth and secure Internet access. Then, it researched the
best practices of schools from around the nation with experience in BYOD
classrooms and consulted with legal counsel to be clear about what was expected
of students bringing technology into the school.
Finally, the district proposed a policy that gave
direction as to where and when personal devices could be used in school for
both K-8 and 9-12 students. The proposal also included usage that was
prohibited and stipulated that the care and security of all devices were the
responsibility of each student and not the school.
“Access to the Internet is not difficult in a wireless
environment, but the district needed to assure parents that access would be
school-appropriate while not limiting student research abilities,” wrote School
Superintendent Michael Shoaf and Dianna R. Foley, executive director of
communications and technology for the district, in eSchool News.
