Avon View High School

225 Payzant Dr.,P.O. Box 700 Windsor, NS, B0N 2T0 Tel: (902)792-6740 Fax: (902) 792-6762 Email: avhs@avrsb.ednet.ns.ca

Principal: Mr. Peter Johnston Vice Principals: Mr. Tim Swinamer Ms. Lynn Campbell Guidance: Ms. Jan Fraser Ms. Shawna Shiers

Dear Parents/Guardians, This year in my classes I will be embracing the BYOD initiative. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is a program which permits students to bring their personal devices into the classroom for academic use. As technology becomes smaller and more reasonably priced, many people are moving away from large desktop computers to more portable, multi-purpose tools including tablets, smartphones, hand-held devices, iPods and laptop computers. This initiative makes use of increased access to technology. Our students will be required to use technology appropriately in the future. Statistics show that we are trying to prepare our students for jobs that do not even exist yet, but which will undoubtedly include digital elements. This initiative will support students in developing healthy digital citizenship qualities, as well as understanding of the power of the tools we hold in our hands, in a safe learning environment. These tools are capable of much more than entertainment and communication. Curriculum development will be aimed at using these tools effectively in the classroom to supplement resources that are already available and to individualize programming for various learning styles. Because of the power of what we hold in our pockets there will need to be ground rules and guidelines for student use. I ask for your support at home with the guidelines set out. Here is how it will work. In the classroom we will run on a stop light system. Red indicates that personal devices are not needed for this part of the instruction. When students see the red paper at the front of the classroom, their devices are to be turned off on the corner of their desks. Devices that are being used at this time will be taken by the teacher and held until the bell rings. Yellow indicates that some device use may be appropriate, and students may use their device upon teacher permission. When students see the yellow paper at the front of the classroom, they can ask teacher permission to use their devices, or the teacher may request students to perform a task using devices. Green indicates that it is an appropriate time to use personal devices. When students see the green paper at the front of the classroom they can turn their devices on and use them for the required task.

Spot checks: Periodical spot checks will be performed when students are using personal devices to ensure appropriate use. During a spot check students are required to raise devices and turn the screen towards the teacher- keeping the screen turned until the teacher has looked at the device. (Laptops do not need to be raised, only turned). I am aware that not every student has a personal device, or that students/guardians may not be comfortable bringing personal devices to school. In a BYOD classroom, the student is responsible for the care of their personal devices. Students are not permitted to share or lend personal devices, and devices that will be used in class must be registered with the teacher prior to use. Students who do not have access to their own personal devices, or who choose not to bring them to class will have access to other resources, including desktop computers available in the classroom. This initiative is being supported in many schools globally as a way to encourage the responsible and efficient use of technology by our youth. I am excited to implement this initiative in my classroom in 2013-2014 . Please have your student return the permission slip and device registration form found on my website: www.histoireancienne10.weebly.com. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or feedback about this initiative at: ashleydill@staff.ednet.ns.ca or at the school 902-792-6740. I look forward to working with your student this semester,

Ashley Connors French Department Avon View High School