Perry County district allowing students to bring own computer devices to class

Perry County’s District 32 is taking its first tentative step toward a 1:1 initiative this year by launching a voluntary “Bring Your Own Device” policy for students in grades five through 12.

In that way, the district does not have to buy laptops or iPads but will allow students to use their portable electronic devices if they choose, said assistant superintendent Jeanie White.

“This is their reality. This is their future,” she said.

Discussions have been ongoing for more than two years on how to incorporate more technology in the district in the most cost-effective ways.

Under the new policy, students will be allowed to use their smartphones and other devices for research and instructional purposes.

They won’t be able to use the devices in hallways or at other points during the day unless given permission by teachers.

“They have time in their free time to do the fun stuff,” White said. “Our focus is on instruction and learning.”

Although the district is known as a Google-affiliated system, teachers still are learning best practices and getting acquainted with the variety of educational apps under the Google umbrella.

“Google is a wonderful resource if you really tap into it,” she said, and some educators are more savvy at this point than others.

As the district matures with this first phase of incorporating electronic devices, teachers will be given more professional-development opportunities so they can offer more sophisticated information to students.

These are some of the new rules for the BYOD policy:

• Students who use their devices for research will be able to access only the district’s network, which has filters in place to block inappropriate material.
• Devices they bring to school should be fully charged because of limited electrical loads and outlets.
• Devices can’t be used in bathrooms, locker rooms or dressing areas.
• Cameras and recording equipment on devices can’t be used unless a teacher requests them for instructional purposes (such as a student practicing a speech).
• Though devices are privately owned, they still can be searched if students are suspected of violating school policies.
• The district isn’t liable for lost or damaged devices.
• Disciplinary measures will be taken for students who misuse their devices at school. This can include confiscation, a parent conference, loss of privileges, suspension or no longer being able to access the district’s Google account.

For parents of elementary students, electronic devices won’t be used right away.

“The teachers are going to notify those parents well in advance,” White said.

Although it’s unclear when or whether a standard 1:1 initiative will be implemented in the district, White referred to a facilities study underway not only to bring about structural improvements overall, but to retrofit existing buildings to incorporate more technology.

“It is a whole new world,” White said.

In other district news, the parking lot at the senior high school will be opened onto South Walnut Street in Perryville to help alleviate congestion at drop-off and pickup times, in addition to an access road being added at the middle school.

The first day of school in District 32 is Aug. 17.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652