Students can soon bring devices to use in classroom

Since elementary school, studying for tests meant using paper and pen to excel. Starting this semester, personal technology will also aid in student learning.

Shortly after the start of the school year, sometime during the first semester, the Bring Your Own Devices policy (BYOD) will take effect. Throughout the school, students will be able to use one personal smartphone, tablet, laptop, netbook or other approved device with the teacher’s consent.This privilege can be revoked if the teacher believes its usage inappropriate.

Just like with iPods and cell phones, each student will be responsible for the safekeeping of their device. There will be no police investigation for lost or stolen items, and no technical support for personal device difficulties at school.

Staff member Ann Jurewicz said while BYOD will take time to perfect, it is designed to grow with every teacher to improve each classroom experience.

“New initiatives (like BYOD) take time for good implementation,” Jurewicz said. “The idea is that the ‘early’ adopters for this (policy) will pave the way for other teachers in finding good practices that improve student learning.”

To protect the school WiFi network, students are required to register their device before accessing the network, or the Park Technical Department will deny the device access to the network. Frequent violators may be kicked off the network permanently, and have their school computer privileges revoked.

Principal Rob Metz said he is very eager to kick off the new policy, but has some concerns overall.

“It is our hope that allowing students to bring and use electronic devices will have a positive effect on their learning,” Metz said. “My biggest worry is theft.  Students will have to be responsible for the safety of their own device.”

Students have mixed responses to the policy. Sophomore Nick Harkness said he is excited for the new opportunity.

“I feel like this could be a good way to broaden the way we learn in class,” he said. “I plan to use my laptop to keep up with homework, and Moodle assignments will be a breeze.”

Senior Allison Boettcher said she doesn’t feel the same way. She is concerned that the financial situation some students face may limit their ownership of personal devices and reflect on them in a negative way socially.

“Since material possession seems to be a pretty big part of feeling accepted by peers in high school, this new rule may change the way students view each other, possibly in a negative way,” she said.

With the implementation of SmartBoard, Mobi and “Clickers”, the shift to personal electronic devices for students is another step forward in Park’s initiative to completely implement technology in the classroom in an ingenuitive way. While an official BYOD policy is still being written, students should be able to take advantage of WiFi within the first semester.