Information and Technology
Information Item |
DATE: | Tuesday, September 10, 2013 |
TO: | School Board Members |
FROM: | MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent |
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS | |
Hillsborough County Public Schools "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) Initiative | |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
Growing student and staff demands to bring and use personal devices on campus require a strategy built on four bring your own device considerations.
A BYOD pilot was conducted at 9 schools in the Spring of 2013 (Hillsborough HS, Strawberry Crest HS, Steinbrenner HS, Pierce MS, Barrington MS, Walker MS, Cannella Elem, Stowers Elem and Bailey Elem.) Sites were surveyed before the project to determine interest and device access. Results indicated that 70% of the students surveyed had laptops, 47% had tablets and 58% had smartphones. Over 80% of the device owners wanted to be able to bring and use a personal device(s) at school. Prior to the pilot, a team (IT Manager, DRT Technology and Tech Trainer) visited each school and shared procedural information with the administration. The trainer was also available for faculty study on using BYOD in the classroom. A conference was setup in IDEAS to share the documents and post information. After the brief pilot, another survey was opened to students, staff and parents. Results indicated that 52% of the students surveyed brought a Smartphone to school and overall 82% brought some type of device. 90% of the responding parents allowed their child to bring a device to school. Free response from students indicated many valid reasons for using their device: "Easy in-school access to homework, grades, or online textbooks. Ability to do homework in class to minimize workload for home. Ability to begin to type up essays or reports in class during extra time to be proactive." "I like using Google translate for Spanish help and general research for assignments." The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Initiative will be phased in as the wireless infrastructure is completed at each school. When the wireless network is in place, schools will be able to participate in the Bring Your Own Device initiative by completing a Program Addition/Expansion Request. (see attached) |
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
• Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates • Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum | |
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No) | |
EVALUATION | |
SUBMITTED BY: |
Sharon Zulli | Anna L. Brown, Ed.D. | |
Manager, Technology Customer Service and Support (813) 272-4703 |
Chief Information and Technology Officer (813) 272-4600 |
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A 10.04 | ||
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130910_595 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 10.04 |