"How often do you use technology? Do you think all students should be able to use a computer at school? How does technology help with student learning? What concerns do you have with students using online tools and Internet resources?"

 

This fall, we will be introducing a new and exciting program for our fifth and sixth grade students. Students will now have the opportunity to bring their own technology devices to school for use in the classroom. Commonly known as "Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)," this program offers students the convenience of using the same device in school that they are already comfortable using at home. As an added safety measure, students who choose to participate in BYOD will be required to use district issued logins and the district's wireless network when using their devices at school. The Cypress School District uses industry-leading web filtering, firewalls, and other network security measures to help ensure students are safe when using the Internet at school. It is important to note that the BYOD program does not replace district-owned computers that are currently available to students in the classroom; it simply provides students with another option.

	"Bringing our own device to school grants us the freedom to have a device we're already used to, which increases efficiency when completing our work."
	- Ben, sixth grader, Cypress School District

Well now, how can you possibly argue with that?

Did you know that our schools are working to become certified in digital citizenship? Through teacher professional development and age-appropriate lessons, we are taking the necessary steps to equip our students with the skills they need to be safe and responsible users of the World Wide Web. Using Common Sense Media lessons, our teachers educate students about important issues including Internet safety, cyberbullying, and their "digital footprint." We are excited about the possibility of earning this certification as it further demonstrates our commitment to the safety and security of our students as we use technology to enhance instruction and improve learning.