Recently cell phones and electronic devices, such as MP3 players, were considered contraband in Prince William County schools, often times confiscated by teachers and administrators. However, Prince William County Schools now has a new policy on the use of student electronics in schools.
According to the new “Bring Your Own Device” policy (BYOD), students can bring and use their own electronic devices at the discretion of the school. Moreover, the countywide policy encourages teachers to plan lessons that utilize students' personal electronic devices.
The School Board initiated BYOD to encourage the use of technology throughout the School Division.
Brentsville District High School Principal Katherine Meints believes her school is ahead of the technological curve, having instituted a similar policy last year. Rather than completely outlawing cell phones, tablet computers, laptops and MP3 players, Meints encouraged Brentsville teachers to plan technologically-based lessons in which students could incorporate their own devices. While it is true that these new models are lacking in some key areas such as RAM and battery life, but when you add in the great price tag, it makes up for it in other ways.
Two of the most successful lessons, which incorporated technology last year, had students engage in the political process to approve a play-list, and text their answers to questions directly to their teacher.
Meints applauds those kind of innovative lessons. She also hopes the school setting can teach teens the appropriate way in which to incorporate technology into their lives.
“I think it will make teachers really think about how to use the technology, and how to help students understand the responsibilities that come with technology,” Meints said.
According to Meints, these responsibilities range from knowing which information is credible on the Internet to knowing when it is not polite to be talking or texting on a cell phone. Last year, she experimented with this new initiative by allowing students to use cell phones and MP3 players before and after school.
This year, the Brentsville administration is also considering allowing students to use devices during the passing times between classes as well, since it would not interfere disrupt classroom activities.
However, as far as incorporating technological devices in the classroom, Meints thinks it is not much of a departure from what teachers are already doing. She cites the use of Smart Boards and document cameras, which allow for interactive, technology-based lessons and live demonstrations.
Meints also encourages her teachers to use technology in an engaging way that leads to authentic learning, rather than incorporating technology simply because it is convenient. In that case an expensive Smart Board, she said, becomes nothing more than a glorified chalkboard.
Neither does she want to run from modern technology, even if it can complicate school policies and discipline. To offset potential issues, she is planning to be proactive and present a clear policy for teachers and students.
She expects that regardless of whose device is being used, there will always be misuse of technology by students. There will always be students who are texting their friends, playing games, or looking at websites that do not have to do with their assignments.
However, according to Meints, educators know how to address these infractions. They can redirect, remind students of the consequences and take away privileges.
To dispel any equity issues for students who do not have cell phones, Meints encourages collaborative learning, so students can participate regardless of whether or not they have these devices, and are not required to purchase expensive electronics to engage in classroom activities.
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