Article published in TechEdge Magazine, March 2016.

1. 6 | TechEdge | www.tcea.org/techedge
AT A GLANCE
Tips for a Successful BYOD
Implementation
I
n response to statistics like these and in light
of an era of competing funding priorities, many
schools are implementing BYOD programs.We
want to answer the demand for digital learning, but
the move to a BYOD isn’t as simple as it may sound.
With the proper planning, though, BYOD is not
only doable, but can be paired with a 1:1 initiative
for a more affordable and sustainable approach
to infusions of technology to support classroom
instruction and anytime, anywhere learning.
Introductions
Do you know how your teachers think and feel
about BYOD? Ask your staff if they are motivated
and interested. Find any early adopters who are
willing to intentionally utilize different devices in
the classroom and also provide tech support when
students are in need. Beginning the process with a
staff discussion ensures some level of buy-in, and
you need that from those who will be on the front
lines of a new program roll out.
Do you know where parents stand on BYOD? Clear
and frequent home/school communication should be
the next step, perhaps with a survey to gather input
and summarize support.Think through questions
parents might have. Why do students need devices?
What will they gain from using technology in class?
Who will be included in a pilot and why? You’ll also
need devices on hand for students who cannot bring
their own.
According to the 2011 Project Tomorrow report,“Learning in the 21st Century,” which surveyed parents:
• 87% think that effectively implementing technology to enhance instruction is important to student success.
• 89% want their kids in classes where mobile devices are used.
by Dr. Lisa
Gonzales
Dr. Lisa Gonzales is
Vice President for
the Association of
California School
Administrators and a
#FutureReady-
Superintendent with
the White House.
and Charles
Young
Dr. Charles Young is
Superintendent in
the Benicia Unified
School District. Both
are members of the
California TICAL
cadre.
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2. Issue One, February 2016 | TechEdge | 7
AT A GLANCE
Ready, Set, Pilot.
Prior to starting a pilot, consider a student acceptable use
permit whereby parents agree to allow devices to be brought
to and used in school.This is an important step because
parents need to be aware that hundreds of dollars of
technology will be used in environments that are not always
entirely secure, including en route to school and in lockers.
The acceptable use permit should also clarify for students
the work they should be engaging in with their devices, the
types of sites that are off limits, and the consequences for
inappropriate use.
Look at the school or district discipline code and find
areas where technology use can be applied, as BYOD
issues should not be considered different than any other
infractions, such as theft and bullying. Consider the school
and district’s liability with stolen devices before embarking.
As the pilot unfolds, focus extensive energy and resources
on teacher professional development. Identify staff who can
assist in the early days, such as a tech specialist, coach, and
neighboring teachers who can answer quick questions. Find
time in staff meetings for teachers to share lessons that
incorporate technology and report on both successes and
challenges. Critical friend protocols can focus conversations
on solutions and capitalize on successes. It is crucial for
teachers to take ownership of the implementation and feel
empowered to both facilitate and lead the change.
Are there any infrastructure issues that need to be addressed?
Adding hundreds or thousands of new devices to a network
may interrupt access. Before you get started, ensure your
network can accommodate the additional demand.This
issue is critical and needs considerable analysis, yet districts
often make mistakes because they don’t fully understand the
ramifications for their infrastructure.
Educate and Communicate
Depending on the nature of your school community, design
a communication plan to educate parents. First and foremost,
conversations should focus on the power of integrating
technology.Technology can redefine relationships in the
classroom and reorient instruction toward a more student-
centered approach.
If meetings are effective for disseminating information,
schedule two or three meetings at different times of the day
to accommodate work schedules, with at least a week’s notice.
Explain the pilot, the instructional impacts, any associated
use agreements, security measures that will be in place, what
the “post pilot” activities might look like, and be ready to be
peppered with questions for which there might not be an
answer in the early phases of implementation.
Explore grants and low-cost Internet opportunities that might
be available for families. Many non-profit organizations can
assist with low-cost laptops or other technology and parents
will appreciate being given options. Consider creating a page
on your school or district website with FAQs for those who
cannot attend a meeting and want more information.The
time devoted to educating parents, addressing concerns, and
gaining consensus will be well spent.
Moving Beyond
As the pilot progresses and the kinks emerge, it is perfectly
acceptable to adjust the process. Share changes with key
stakeholders so they are aware that your team is making
sound decisions and course-correcting.
Too much data going through the network? Change the firewalls.
Slow access? Consider adding additional access points, such
as one per classroom. Design a seamless pilot, and, as it
progresses, use those teachers and students in the pilot to help
design a greater school-wide or district-wide rollout. Plan it out,
mitigating the risks and maximizing the resources.
Let’s face it.We cannot put the genie back in the bottle. More
and more of our students and staff are tapping into mobile
devices to enhance collaboration, personalize learning, and
increase professional productivity.The “always on, take
it anywhere” move in public education can certainly be
enhanced and supported with a BYOD initiative.
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