SNOHOMISH — Students here are clicking, tapping and swiping the way to get technology into elementary classrooms across Snohomish.
Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders in the highly-capable class at Little Cedars Elementary School are testing a pilot program known as BYOD or bring your own device. It allows students to bring smartphones, tablets and laptops from home for educational purposes in class.
BYOD programs are common in middle and high schools but there aren’t many at the elementary level, said Misha Dacy, a teacher who specializes in K-12 technology for the Snohomish School District. In May, district officials will evaluate the pilot program at Little Cedars and decide whether to implement it in other elementary classrooms next year.
“So far, it’s been very successful and we’ve generated interest in other buildings,” Dacy said. “It brings digital tools to the fingertips of kids, allowing them to take ownership of their learning.”
The pilot program has helped students develop technical skills with different smartphones, tablets and laptops, said highly-capable teacher Julie Winter. Her students quickly and easily picked up the technology.
“I’m definitely the one having to keep up,” said Winter, 47.
Students have found that smartphones are helpful for looking up facts quickly, tablets are suited for research and laptops are useful for typing papers or creating spreadsheets.
“We’ve been using technology for so many things, my teaching has totally changed,” Winter said. “It’s been remarkable.”
The program has also reduced demand for the four computers in Winter’s classroom and in the two school computer labs, she said. The computer labs are usually available to students once or twice a week, except when they are being used during seven weeks of standardized testing.
Before the BYOD program started, Winter said, not having enough computer time limited her teaching. Now, most students are bringing devices so those who aren’t can use the classroom computers.
Students are also taught computer safety and to think critically about online sources as part of the BYOD program. It is important for children to learn those skills early before problems, such as those involving inappropriate comments or photos on social media, arise, Winter said.
“It teaches responsibility,” said sixth-grade student Ben Glover, 11. “You’re responsible for your own actions and your devices.”
Ben and his mother, Laron Glover, spearheaded the effort to bring the BYOD program to Little Cedars.
Ben wanted to improve technology at school when he ran unsuccessfully for fifth-grade class president last year. Instead of giving up on his goal, he decided to work on the pilot program.
He enlisted the help of his teacher, his principal, the school district technology staff, students and parents. They created policies and procedures for the BYOD program.
The district set up a server that students can log onto with their devices. It has filters that block inappropriate sites.
Since the students started using the devices in class in March, the organizers have checked on the program’s progress each week. So far, there haven’t been any problems with students misusing their devices, Winter said.
“The kids are more likely to behave with their devices,” Ben said. “Because if they don’t, they know their devices will be taken.”
Now, it’s up to Snohomish School District officials to decide whether to implement the program in other elementary classrooms next year. Organizers have tested the policies and can share that information with other schools and other districts that are interested in starting their own BYOD programs for elementary students.
“We have a really good program,” Laron Glover said. “It’s a big win for everybody.”
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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