Device In Classroom

Are "Bring Your Own Device" Programs Effective in Classrooms?
Michelle A. Peterson
Western Governors University
000346643

Are "Bring Your Own Device" Programs Effective in Classrooms?

The world around us is changing every day. Technology grows exponentially, which makes it virtually impossible to keep up with the rapid changes. No longer do students carry pens, pencils and folders. Gone are the days of making numerous trips to the library and using a card catalog to find books that most likely have outdated information for researching topics. We now live in a digital world. Information is now at our fingertips. Everywhere you look people have smartphones, laptops, iPads and/or Kindles. These tools are great
A pioneer in the “Bring Your Own Device” program is Forsyth County Schools based in Cummings, Georgia. In 2010 the district researched and implemented a technology pilot program with seven schools participating. (Boulton, 2013, p. 1) Students within the district have been able to effectively research information for various tasks with the aid of technology devices within the classroom. Having technology in the classroom has given students a chance to become independent while still under the supervision of a teacher. The school district found that test scores boosted significantly once the “Bring Your Own Device” program was implemented. This was due to students being engaged in the learning process. The “Bring Your Own Device” program has allowed students to expand their information base by being able to obtain current information on any given topic. Students are able to sit in their desk and with the push of a button be instantly connected to the internet. By allowing the “Bring Your Own Device” program in the Forsyth County Schools, students have expanded their knowledge of a multitude of topics. These students do not waste valuable time by researching outdated material. Students are able to do many things with the technology including, but not limited to, understand the steps of the research process, determine the extent of needed information, access the
In December 2013, I interviewed Sharon Anderson, principal of Semmes Elementary School, Mobile County Public School System. She shared that some students participate in Proxy Bypass which is the capability of bypassing blocking and filtering (S. Anderson, personal communication, December 14, 2013). Some sites used are studyharder.com, hidemyass.com, Kproxy.com, ultrasurf.com, psiphon.com and securetunnel.com. She discussed the Student Harassment Prevention Act which includes policy, a form for victims and procedures for investigating. The Mobile County Public School System is required to report incidents annually. All students and staff receive internet safety training. She stated that if school personnel know or should know, they have the moral duty to intervene. During an investigation, which is conducted by the security department, school system personnel attempt to determine whether or not the person making the threat has the capability of carrying out the threat. They look at descriptive detail, with more detail indicating more capability. Based on the research of Mrs. Anderson she believes that the “Bring Your Own Device” program can be effective because data suggests that students who are part of this program have increased test scores and can become creative in their learning. Mrs. Anderson believes that the “Bring Your Own Device”