What is BYOT?
BYOT is an acronym for Bring Your Own Technology and is a program that allows students to
bring their own technology devices to be used at specific times during the day to support
learning. Examples of BYOT devices are: laptops, eBook readers, iPads, tablets, etc.
What is the purpose of this initiative?
Loudoun County Public Schools embraces the importance of technology in the educational
lives of students. Access to technologies enables instant access to a wealth of information,
references and collaborative resources on the web. These resources can support the learning
activities that are a part of daily classroom instruction.
BYOT also supports the One to the World instructional initiative as it provides students with
the connectivity to the tools and information they need, connects students with a global
audience, and connects students to those with whom they can collaborate.
How will BYOT be used in class?
Teachers will let students know within their classes when they can use their devices for an
activity. Access to mobile technologies enables instant access to a wealth of information,
references, and collaborative resources on the web. These Internet resources can support the
learning activities that are a part of daily classroom instruction.
How do teachers monitor technology use in class?
Teachers are constantly monitoring as they teach, walking around the room, reading body
language, checking student work, etc. Monitoring technology use in class is no different. If
they see a student using their device inappropriately, the teacher will ask the student to shut
down the device and return it to their backpack.
What do I have to do before my child can bring my own technology to school?
Number one: Return a signed copy of the Aceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Number two: Have permission from their classroom teacher to bring and use the device at
school.
What devices can my child bring?
Any device with WiFi capability can access the network. We hesitate to recommend any
devices. We see a wide variety of devices that are used in classrooms. Each has its pros and
cons. Many of our students enjoy the use of tablets and touch screen devices. Some students
benefit from a device with a standard keyboard and a large screen. Please note Nintendo DS
devices are not permitted.
What happens if a student cannon bring a personal mobile device to class?
Your child will not be treated any differently because he/she doesn’t have his/her own device.
The idea of BYOT is to allow more students access to technology in the classroom than we
already are able to provide. If students do not have their own devices, we still have plenty of
technology at our school for students to use. Activities and assignments are designed for
everyone to be able to complete without any issues.
Who will provide technical support?
It is not the responsibility of Loudoun County Public School and/or the Mountain View
Elementary staff to fix/repair/troubleshoot individual devices. Your device is your
responsibility.
How will safety and security of the devices be provided?
Students are ultimately responsible for the security of his/her personal device. No portable
device should ever be left unattended! When not in use, the device should be kept in the
child’s desk or backpack and should never leave the classroom. Per school division policy,
Loudoun County Public Schools and/or Mountain View Elementary is not responsible for loss,
damage or theft of any personal electronic device. Any loss, theft or damage is the
responsibility of the student and parent/guardian.
Can student access the Internet via private service providers like Verizon or AT&T?
Students are prohibited from using 3G or 4G wireless access to the Internet using private
subscriptions through their own Internet Service Provider.
Can students take pictures and videos?
No unauthorized audio or video recording will be permitted. Specific permission will be
granted by teachers for recording as needed to accomplish specific instructional activities.
Once approved, can students use technology at any time during the school day?
No, the technology will only be used at appropriate times during the day as decided by the
teacher.
How is the school teaching students about digital citizenship?
We are teaching your children how to be safe online, how to use technology to communicate
academically, productively, and respectfully. Common Sense Media is a website dedicated to
improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education,
and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.
How many classrooms are involved in your BYOT program?
All 4th, and 5th grade classrooms are involved in BYOT, however, it is up to the individual
teacher to implement the program or not.
Can a student’s BYOT privilege be revoked?
Yes, if a student is not following expectations as outlined by the school’s Acceptable Use
Policy, the BYOT Guidelines, or PBIS expectations for their personally owned device, an
administrator or teacher may revoke the privilege. The student will still be allowed to use the
school’s technology.
Can students use devices during recess, lunch, etc.?
Devices are only permitted to be used for educational/instructional purposes as designated by
the classroom teacher.
Can students charge personally owned devices during the day?
Students should bring a fully charged device to school and put it on sleep mode or turn it off
when not in use.
What accessories may be recommended for use with the device?
Students can bring headphones or earbud. They can have a protective case or cover. Antivirus software is highly recommended.
What impact does BYOT have in the classroom?
Creativity: Teachers can foster creativity as students design original products with their
personal technology tools. These inventions are often constructed as solutions to problems or
for students to illustrate what they have learned in imaginative new ways.
Critical Thinking: As students conduct research with BYOT, they must distinguish between
conflicting information and facts. The classroom teacher can nurture this decision-making
process through modeling, practicing, reflecting, and questioning.
Communication: In many traditional classrooms, communication is often one-way – directed
from the teacher and toward the student. There is a potential shift in communication as
students use their mobile devices to discuss content they are learning with others, set goals
for themselves, and share new concepts.
Collaboration: Learning how to work with others to achieve a common purpose is essential in
the BYOT learning environment. Students bring different devices to school, with different
capabilities. The students also possess different knowledge, abilities, and interests; therefore,
they have to pool their resources and intellect while they negotiate responsibilities for the
learning.
Choice: Students can make choices about the ways they learn and the products they create to
show what they know. This variety provides greater options for differentiation and success.
Confidence: Teachers can guide students with suggestions, but it is often more important to
get out of the way so students can lead. When students assume more control of their learning,
they develop the confidence to make meaning from their personal experiences and share
them with others in their learning community.
Citizenship: Exercising digital citizenship is a vital activity within the BYOT classroom as
students are connected to content, their teachers, and each other with their mobile devices.
They continually practice the responsible use of technology as they learn with each other
through the use of the same devices that they use at home.
Community: Positive relationships are keys to a successful implementation of BYOT. Of course,
the students are the experts in their own devices and the teacher creates an environment that
is great for exploration and inquiry so that students have the opportunity to learn how to learn
with their technology.