DDMS BYOD Program

by Ethan, 6th grader

​​What is the DDMS BYOD Program?

The DDMS BYOD program is a program for students to bring their own devices to school for educational instruction. This is one of the schools that Wake County Public School System has chosen to pilot the program. All students have to do is just sign a BYOD contract saying that they will use this privilege responsibly.Their parents have to sign it too. Then students get a sticker in their agenda that says they are BYOD Approved. I really do like the program very much and so do other people. When I use my device I am learning but in a fun way.

Safety procedures

All students must be on the WAKE-BYOD WiFi network when on school grounds. This network has filters that can block out the bad websites and can see what the students are doing. They may not be on their cellular network (EDGE,2G,3G,4G,LTE). There are no device zones in the bathrooms and locker rooms. At DDMS, we do not allow devices to be used at lunch because we want everyone to socialize and eat. Students are responsible for their own devices at all times. Nobody can touch the device except the owner and the administrator. Administrators can take the device away. These procedures are all just to keep DDMS a safe and happy learning environment.

When can students use BYOD?

At Davis Drive Middle School, we have this thing called the paw print system. All teachers have 1 green, 1 yellow, and 1 red paw print to tell students that they can either use their device(s) or not. Green means that they can use it. Yellow means that they can use it if they have permission from the teacher. Red means that they can not use it at all.

What if a student does not have a device?

Don’t worry. Students without a device can look on to another student's device in the class. The DDMS Media Center also has iPads and Laptops that teachers can check out for their students. 

How it helps

BYOD helps a lot in a bunch of ways. One way it helps is that students don’t have to wait to use the computer labs to be able to use computers or devices at school.  Students are more engaged because we are learning in a way that we are used to living - with technology in our hands. Also, students don’t have to go to the library to use the computers during smart block and can use them in their regular teacher's classroom. Students can bring any device they want to use at their school. 

Board Codes & Policies

Board Policy 3225: Technology Responsible Use, Policy 3225 R & P

References

1. DDMS BYOD Website
   
   
2. WCPSS
   
   
3. 2015/16 Student Handbook
   
   
4. Wake BYOD permission form