Schools around the country are moving forward with allowing teachers and students to "bring their own devices or technology".  While most schools still do not permit the use of personal mobile devices in class, more schools are allowing students to use their own laptops, iPads, and cell phones during the school day.  There are a number of reasons for this paradigm shift.  While some districts are hoping to decrease costs due to funding limitations, others hope to increase student engagement by allowing choices.  Of course, there are a number of things schools need to consider when initiating their own BYOD policies.

Here are resources and links to assist schools in understanding the BYOD initiative.  See how other districts have moved forward and encouraging their students to bring their own technology.

Videos:

• In 2011, Katy Independent School District, in partnership with Cisco, launched the final phase of a technology transformation. Learn how Katy ISD realized their vision for education transformation with a BYOD mobile learning strategy. Review their video - Katy ISD - A New Vision for Mobile Learning.

• This quick 8 minute animated video provides some insight to what BYOD means - BYOD in the 21st Century.

Partnering with Cisco, Farmington Public Schools installs network solutions to increase mobility for students and staff. – Farmington PS Case Study

Katy Independent School District teamed with Cisco to serve 63,000 students.  Their BOYD goals covered three areas of emphasis:  introduction of Web 2.0 in classroom instruction, focus on digital citizenship, and pilot which allowed students to bring their own Internet-enabled devices to class. - KISD Case Study

Article summarizes the results of Katy ISD in Texas after initiating BYOD  – “How Katy ISD Turned Its Students; Love of Mobile into Better Learning, Test Score”

Project Tomorrow's Speak Up - Survey addresses how students use mobile devices in and out of the school program.

Learning in the 21st Century: Taking it Mobile - publication takes a look at how educators are exploring strategies that create a "blended" infrastructure which includes smartphones, e-readers, and other mobile devices.

2012 Horizon Report K12 - Publication dicusses Key Trends in education and the time-to-adoption with Mobile Devices and Apps.  Research reports that 61% of Americans 12 years and up own a mobile device.  

TechSets - resources that may help provide support to management of a BYOD/BYOT initiative in schools.

Oak Hills School District (Cincinnati, Ohio) has put together a portfolio on how they implemented their BYOD program in the fall of 2010.  The portfolio was created to provide a framework for other districts to use for their own BYOD program.  There are 10 guiding steps including a Q&A, an AUP, what devices to consider, and much more.  They have links to several links to their other initiatives such as eLearning, Google Apps, Computers4Kids, and some new projects underway.
http://ohlsd.org/portfolio/topics/byod/  

Saddleback Valley USD has resources and recent research articles regarding Use Your Own Device policies, including letters to parents and Student AUP.  Be sure to look at the Tech Diagram link on the left hand side that details what systems they use and how it is working together.
http://www.saddlespace.org/cravenr/svusdedtech/cms_page/view/508377

Scott Knuckles, Director, Information & Technology for Paso Robles School describe the why and how of implementing a Bring Your Own Device program.  Information includes how they set up and support their wireless network, responsible use policy.  School website is also listed for direct information about the implementation.
http://www.pasoschools.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=13574&

Corcoran Unified School District AUP

West Hills High School, Santee CA AUP

Calaveras County Office of Education

Coquille School District, Oregon

Saddleback Valley Unified School District, CA

Bernards Parish Township School District, NJ Grades 3-8 and 9-12

Hanover Public School District

Booker T. Washington High School BYOD Brochure

Bring Your Own Technology from Learning and Teaching with Mobile Devices

Montgomery School, PA Responsible Use Agreements 3 levels

School of Hobart, Indiana

Odem-Edroy, Independent School District, TX

Spring Grove Area School District, PA  BYOD Responsible Use Policy

Gustine Unified School District

Bring your Own Device Policy/Handbook

Booker T. Washington

Building on the Bring Your Own Device Revolution

Here are a few guides to help districts plan their own BYOD initiative:

•  Bring Your Own Device:  A Guide for Schools (Albert Education, Canada)
•  How to Start a BYOD Movement at Your School (American College of Education)
• Slides – “Providing Safe Learning Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device” (Paso Robles School District)
• Mobile Learning Infokit - (UK)

Another great resource is a chat group on Twitter that meets Thursday nights @ 9 PM (EST) to discuss BYOT/D topics:  #BYOTchat.  However, you can follow the archived discussions online and access their wiki -  http://www.byotchat.com/

http://www.vbschools.com/curriculum/byod/