BYOD - Bring Your Own Device
@ Forney ISD
Leaders in 21st Century Teaching and Learning
FISD is dedicated to providing our students and staff a digital learning environment. It is a vital component of our vision to "Inspire Students Through Innovative Education." FISD believes technology is a powerful tool for learning. FISD students in grades 7-12 have the option of receiving an FISD eBook or bringing their own personal electronic device.
Embracing BYOD enables the district to:
- Give more choice to students and teachers,
- Enhance teaching and learning,
- Improve student engagement,
- Promote greater participation
Devices are utilized in three domains:
- Consumption of information,
- Collaboration with others,
- Creation of products
It is important to understand that not all devices are equally effective in each of these areas.
Which device to choose?
FISD is “device neutral” and does not endorse one brand over another. Students tend to be more efficient and productive using familiar devices. The best device is one that the student is comfortable using.
It is important to teach students how to use digital devices so they can live, learn, earn, and play responsibly in a digital world. Just like anything else in the classroom, if their digital devices become a distraction instead of a benefit to learning, teachers still have the autonomy to help students make better choices about their use.
BYOD is part of teaching students how to manage their own learning, and is a skill that students will need in work and personal life in the ever-connected 21st century.
For students to learn in a 21st Century classroom, they need a 21st Century device. There are a few main things that all devices need in order to function well in a learning environment:
- Wireless network capability (wifi), to connect to the school network
- A web browser that works with Google Apps
- A screen
Smartphones are not recommended as students primary device due to their small screens, small keyboards, and less powerful processors which render them less capable of doing academic work. Link to Device Specifications
The Kindle Fire and Blackberry devices have limited success in our technological and learning environment and cannot be effectively supported therefore we strongly urge students away from using them as BYOD devices.
Wireless Network Access
Students will access the Internet through the FISD WIFI network. This is a filtered network as required by law. It is required that students connect through this network (rather than through their own mobile data plan) while on campus.
Google Apps for Education
FISD uses Google Apps for Education where everything can be accessed from any Internet connected device. Google Apps will allow teachers and students to work collaboratively, engage in peer-editing of documents, and publish for a wider audience. For this reason, we suggest the following apps be installed on BYOD devices;
PC\MAC
-Google Chrome Web Browser
Android\iOS devices
-Google Drive suite of apps (Drive, Sheets, Docs, Slides)
Being Safe Online
Digital Citizenship is more than just a teaching tool, it is a way to prepare students for a society full of technology. Today's students are using technology on a daily
basis such as; Text messaging, blogging, Facebooking, Twittering, watching videos, gaming, and networking, etc. If students are not properly instructed on digital safety issues it can have severe repercussions. All use of technology, while on campus, whether personally-owned or school-owned, must abide by all applicable school rules, board policies, and acceptable use guidelines. Link to those guidelines.