• Technology & Information Services / BYOT

    Forsyth County Schools is an international leader in the effective practice of BYOT, encouraging students to bring their personal technology tools to school for learning.  The acronym "BYOT" stands for Bring Your Own Technology, a practice also sometimes often referred to as BYOD – Bring Your Own Device. It is an initiative that is having an impact in the business world as well as in education. From a user’s point of view, there is a certain comfort with using a technology tool that has been customized and personalized to one’s needs and interests. As students utilize their personal technology devices in school, they can learn new ways to use them for collaborating and interacting with their teachers and each other to research information, solve complex problems, create original products, and publish their work. 

    Some of the technology tools that students bring to school include the following: laptop computers, tablet computers, e-readers, netbook computers, Internet-capable gaming devices, and cell phones. The response has been very positive, and teachers participate in multiple professional learning opportunities to improve their understanding for this new way of learning.  The district also provides additional support and guidance to our schools, as requested, to facilitate the implementation of BYOT.  

    As new technologies continue to change the world in which we live, they also provide many new and positive educational benefits for classroom instruction. Our vision is to use classroom technology to engage students in asking questions and choosing tools to facilitate real world problem solving.All students who choose to bring personal devices to Mashburn must abide by these Responsible Use Guidelines. Devices are only used under the supervision of a certified staff member, paraprofessional, or substitute teacher who has attended specific training for this purpose. Students, however, are 100% accountable for inappropriate use.  Each parent must make his/her own decision about allowing their child to bring a personal device to school.  We respect that some parents do not feel their child is ready for this responsibility.