Middle School holds meeting on devices

The Chisago Lakes Middle School administration held an information meeting April 7 to discuss a program called BYOD. BYOD is an acronym for bring your own device. The Middle School would like eighth graders to purchase a device such as a Chromebook for class studies. The Chromebooks exist now in the school, but are limited to a small supply. The school would like to implement this in the 2014/2015 school year.

Some of the selling points touched on in the meeting were one-on-one computing at a lesser cost. Student owned devices would cost the school less and would enhance learning without purchasing software or hardware. Problem solving and creativity along with 21st century skills are a few areas the school staff said they would anticipate increasing. According to the school, the addition of devices would produce more engaged students. Audience members, which totaled close to 40, were told that extensive evidence exists showing students are more engaged and motivated and thus likely to become successful learners through the use of such devices. A student with a device can in essence "learn anywhere" and is not limited to the classroom.

The move would save the school money that would have been spent on textbooks, and also save on paper cost. Students would turn "papers" in electronically on a Google document instead of print. Middle School Principal Jodi Otte told the audience the district can not afford to purchase a device for each student at this time. That is the reason for the informative meeting to see if parents of incoming eight graders would approve. Otte said the teachers were really excited and hopeful the use of devices will be approved. Otte said a survey about technology was sent out last month and out of 255 familes (of which only 11 do not have email), 100 responses came back. Of the 100, Otte said 97 percent of the familes have internet at home, 96 percent have wireless; 45 percent have a device, 55 percent do not. Sixty four percent said they are willing to purchase a device, leaving around 35 percent that would need to purchase a device through the school on a payment plan.

Otte said the school was looking at a $50 down payment, with four more payments of $50 throughout the school year. The cost of a device such as a Chromebook is $250. Laptops will also be acceptable as will a tablet with a keyboard. Otte was then asked about viruses on devices. "We are looking into that" said Ken Orwoll with the district technology department. Another parent asked about student information security. Otte said that all students will only be doing school work through internet access provided by the state. Students would be provided a Google log in so no personal information would be required. When asked about lack of internet at home, the audience was told students can download their assignments at school.

Safety and theft were then questioned, and Otte said the district feels that with a student owning their own device, they would then take better care of it. When asked how the school will measure its success of the device program, Orwoll said through surveys and teacher feedback. Otte said the life span of a device was three to four years. Otte stressed that this was only an informative meeting to get the parent's feelings towards the program.