BYOD: Attempt #1

I recently got brave.

I don't know why it took me so long.

I developed/tweaked an assignment that was very loosely structured and allowed for choice, and I encouraged students to bring their own devices.  Two days prior to the lesson, I explained to the kids that we could be starting a unit in which research would be very important.  If they had their own devices, then they could work independently on reliable technology and easily continue their work at home.  I explained that I knew they'd probably received tech-saavy gifts over the holidays, and if their parents would allow them, they could be very useful in the classroom.  I also posted reminders on our team Facebook page.

I asked my students to bring their own devices.

And.

They.

DID.

Here are the totals from all of my classes:
2nd Hour: 10/21
3rd Hour: 19/27
4th Hour:12/17
5th Hour: 17/27
7th Hour: 20/27

I was astonished!

In all cases but one, students were able to log on to the internet from their own device.  In all cases, students had a device to use on their own OR share with a friend.  I had enough classroom computers (4 of my own and 4 borrowed from another teacher on team) to fill the void of students without their own devices or students who didn't want to partner with a friend.  No devices crashed.  No one was left out. 

The activity I created was simple.  I started simply on purpose.  I didn't want to get stressed out about the activity if the devices weren't a success, and I wanted it to be something kids could easily do at home-- just in case.  The task: research and report back on the meanings of 12 terms that deal with the Jewish faith and/or Holocaust OR create a timeline of ten events contributing to the Holocaust.  Both of these tasks served as "before you read" activities for the book Night by Elie Wiesel. 

I was very excited about how well this went!  The kids worked so diligently and so effectively.  They helped eachother log on to the internet.  They assisted eachother by sharing devices.  I didn't see any game playing (but even if they had been, it didn't really matter because they were getting their work finished). 

Success!

The first step is always the hardest.  Now I'm ready to do it again.