BYOD Letter

LSA Technology and Performing Arts College Worsley Rd, Lytham St Annes Lancashire, FY8 4DG Tel: 01253 733192 Fax: 01253 795109 (General Office) Fax: 01253 732290 (Head/Deputies) Pupil Absence Line: 01253 667411 Email: lsahtc@lythamhigh.lancs.sch.uk Web: www.lythamhigh.lancs.sch.uk Headteacher Philip Wood, B.A., M.A.

12th May 2014 Parent letter BYOD day Thursday 12th June 2014 I am writing to inform you of an exciting opportunity for students here at LSA. Over recent months as a school we have been developing the use of digital technology in support of Teaching & Learning. Currently in school we have an established ‘digital team’ of staff who are trialling technology in the classroom. We have just recruited 12 student digital leaders who will work as part of a team with students and staff helping us to move forward.

It was only a few years ago that mobiles were being banished from classrooms. As far as schools were concerned, these devices’ reputation as tools for student distraction, mischief, and even harassment easily outweighed any possible benefits in the learning process.

Banning them was—and, in many schools, still is—the easy call to make, but as mobile phones have become more sophisticated, powerful, and even more entrenched in students’ daily lives, a growing number of schools have decided to open the door to what are, essentially, mobile computers.

So we’re having ‘Trial day’ permitting students to bring their own devices to school. A high percentage of students bring their phones into school anyway but, what we plan to do in this trial is ensure that teachers are planning to use the student devices in various ways to enhance learning. The development of this trial will depend on (1) the success of students adhering to the guidelines and policies for use of their own technology at school; and (2) success of adapting to instruction and improving learning in the classroom.

Students may use devices that fall into the following categories: (1) Mobiles (2) laptops, (3) netbooks, (4) tablets, and (5) eReaders. Generally speaking, as long as the device is able to connect to the wireless network and access the world wide web, this should suffice. Devices may also be used without need for the internet eg for camera or other internal facilities.

LSA provides a wireless network which students may connect to while using their devices in the building.

Who is responsible for damage, loss, or theft of devices your child brings to school?

Currently a very high percentage of students bring a phone or ipod to school and it is the responsibility of the student to keep it safe. Families must stress the responsibilities their children have when bringing their own computing devices to school. Any devices students bring to school are their sole responsibility. LSA takes no responsibility to search for lost or stolen devices nor is there any assumption of financial responsibility by LSA for damaged, lost or stolen personal computing devices.

It may be wise to acquire theft or hazard insurance. This isn’t just for this trial and or moving forward as a school with digital technology, but seems sensible due to the high percentage of students, as mentioned, that carry a phone or music device already.

How will a child's education differ if the family does not have an Internet-connected device to bring to school?

Lessons will be collaborative, allowing students to work together, sharing information accessed through personal devices Sixth Form College

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through group and paired work. No child's learning experience or academic performance will be affected because he or she does not have an Internet-connected device to bring to school. LSA is committed to reducing technology inequity so every child can learn equally. During the day a survey will take place to inform our planning for future developments.

Important information to remind your child: o Classroom staff have the ultimate control of when and what type of electronic devices are used in the classroom. o As with reading a printed book, students reading from eReaders should be permitted as you would with a printed book. o The corridors should be electronic device free and students are not permitted to have their headphones in when moving through the corridors. o Students may use their electronic devices in class as instructed by the teacher in line with the current digital technology policy. Students may use their electronic devices during classroom instruction and lunch/break in designated phone areas o All students are responsible for their own electronic devices and will not be ‘looked after’ by a member of staff (unless the item has been confiscated due to misuse-in line with current policy which is available on the school website) o Our school eSafety policy still covers their devices and all online activity should be responsible & respectful We are excited about the day and the opportunities it will bring and look forward to BYOD being the norm in our curriculum as we move forward. Click on our QR code below!

Mrs S J Cardno Assistant Headteacher