School district looks to use wireless technology in classroom

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Some officials within the Webster County School system envision a future where students and teachers can take a giant step forward in the way classes and assignments are handled. But as with everything else, that step comes with a hefty price tag.

The ultimate goal is to put wireless devices in the hands of all Webster County teachers and students. Many schools across the country have implemented “1-to-1” (1:1) initiatives, which means the school purchased a wireless device for every student in the school. But in recent months the 1:1 talk has turned to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in many places. The idea is that it is not only cheaper for the school if students provide their own device, but it gives the students the flexibility to purchase a device that they are comfortable with.

“Technology is often considered valuable for increasing educational benefits and instruction,” said Assistant Superintendant Riley Ramsey. “Mobile devices, wireless communications, and network technology have recently advanced significantly, and have been integrated into various wireless learning environments that attract many individuals’ attention and expectations. For instance, many educators have predicted that wireless learning environments have the potential to create something new and significantly impact education.”

“I am in favor of the use of technology,” added Geoff Bailey, the principal of the yet to open Webster County Middle School.  “Technology that is not used properly by people that are not properly trained is just as bad as pulling out the old text book and copying definitions from the back of the book.  BYOD or 1:1 can be utilized for the benefit of the students by teachers that are excited about teaching and learning and truly are about students and trying to connect with them on a personal level.”

One of the trade-offs to going BYOD instead of 1:1 is that the schools would have less control over how the devices were used. If the school owned them each device could be loaded with software that would block what the school considers inappropriate material. By allowing students to bring their own device, the district would be limited on what content it could block.

“As a precaution, we are now implementing a “Digital Driver’s License” program to teach all students the proper ways of using technology,” said Ramsey. “Additionally, the district has purchased special filtering equipment to filter the content coming to our students on their devices, and to assist us and our teachers in managing that content coming into our classrooms.”

But those looking at kick starting either a BYOD or 1:1 initiative in Webster County are looking at a tough road either way. Convincing the board to spend money will most likely not be any easier than convincing every single parent in the district that their child needs a new tablet or iPad.

“Estimates on digital texts varies from company to company and what licenses you are looking for,” said Webster County Middle School Principal Geoff Bailey, the one doing most of the footwork to get the program together. “Persons is a book distributor and offers entire curriculum that is aligned with core content and our state assignment. They also make the assessment. Obviously other companies offer competitive rates. There are companies that specialize in certain things like reading math, or college/career readiness features more than other in the attempt to stand above the rest.”

WHY THIS IS 

IMPORTANT

San Francisco based Common Sense Media released a recent study showing that 38% of children two and under have used a mobile device such as an iPad or tablet, compared to only 10% in 2011. The numbers only go up with age. The children of today were practically born with portable computers in their hands.

Many see this as something that the schools need to take advantage of.

“Technology usage in schools could be viewed as an un-needed distraction by some traditionalists, but we just need to look around at what are children are presently doing to see where are society is headed,” said Bailey. “If allowed, children everywhere would spend hours or days of uninterrupted time on their Xboxes, Wii, tablets, smart phones, or other devices.  We need to channel into this untapped resource to reconnect with our children.  We are losing them to technology.  This can be a way of getting them back if done correctly.”

As it stands, Webster County plans to roll out a BYOD initiative as soon as August of 2014.