Hangover High School began a “Bring Your Own Device” pilot program, which allows students to use their laptops, cellphones, and other technology devices in class, under the supervision of the teacher. “We’ve been looking for different ways to get more technology in the hands of more students,” said David Fry, ed-tech coordinator for Pennsylvania’s Hanover Public School District. Due to the fact that most students are already using this technology, it is almost as if school districts are wasting money on purchasing it again for them. Students would only be allowed as guest users on the school district’s network with permission from the high school principal. Before, students would use the school’s computer lab, or teachers would sign out the school’s laptop cart, (which contains enough computers for one class.) Now, they each have a username and password to sign onto the district’s network. If a student does not have a laptop or a cell phone, he or she can use one of the school’s laptops to access the internet along with the other students who bring in their own. It is important for students to feel equal in the fact that they each get to experience learning form technology. The school district is also aware of students using the technology in an inappropriate way, internet filters were set up to keep students away from websites they should not be on. The network is set up so guest users are “kind of contained in their own bubble." “If they have harmful software, it can’t get onto the district’s software,” Every year, students receive a copy of the district’s “Acceptable Use of Information Technology” policy, which students sign. Violations of the policy can result in anything from being kicked off the district’s network and having computer and phone privileges taken away, to facing suspension. Hangover school district is hoping that by allowing technology devices, students get a better grasp of the appropriate use of technology in school. After the pilot year is over, continuation of the program will depend on feedback from staff and students. After only a week, students in Suter’s class said the program seems to be saving time and is less hassle than accessing the school’s own devices. Suter said “It almost creates two lessons in class—one on the subject matter and one on the technology used. Hanover High School students are using technology like laptops and cell phones as learning tools in class. With this technology students are able to text message answers to questions from the teacher Jason Suter, and have them appear on a Wiffiti board (allows real-time messages to appear on its screen.) Students were asked “Do you think that Apple is an environmentally friendly company?” The texts came in as a bar graph on the Wiffiti board, showing the number and percentage of students that had answered yes and the number that said no. The students have been keeping environmental science blogs that they update each week. Suter also required each student to read another person’s blog and comment it, in order to create a discussion that students could continue outside of school.
I absolutely love the idea of a “Bring Your Own Device” program. This program easily enables students to use technology, and engages them at the same time. This program is an innovative tool that makes technology a real life part of the classroom. Today, students are on technology all day long, it is almost the only way to reach them. “Bring Your Own Device” program allows students to learn by doing what they enjoy doing. This program also benefits teachers as well. A lot of teachers are not familiar with the kind of technology student’s use today. This program requires teachers to have to understand what their students are doing. I love the fact that the district also has the student’s blogging together. Blogging creates a community inside of the classroom as well as outside of the classroom. I also really enjoy the fact that if students are not able to afford/have the technology being used, it is provided for them. Not every student has the luxury of having their own computer, or even a computer at home. “Bring Your Own Device” program not only is helping students now, but it will help them for the rest of their lives.
Copyright (c) 2011, The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pa.). Visit The Evening Sun online at www.eveningsun.com. Distributed by MCT Information Services.
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