[music lyrics] You ready? Yes.

You ready? Yes.

[Tony Pontes] Hello, and welcome to BYOD in Peel.

In global communities

that are linked so closely through the Internet,

it's critical that we provide our students and our staff

with the tools they need to build 21st century learning skills.

It's a well accepted point of view that only schools

that normalize the use of technology in everyday teaching

will be able to meet society's ever growing

and more sophisticated expectations.

As a result, early in 2012, the board approved a plan

to adopt a BYOD model in our schools.

The wave of BYOD is sweeping into education

around the world and for good reason.

There are big benefits to learning with personalized technology.

And, successfully integrating technology into the classroom

with a model where all students have access to technological devices

can be accomplished through BYOD and smart leadership.

A BYOD model, when combined with a right pedagogy,

and when used responsibly,

offers many significant benefits to the learning environment.

[educator 1] So, if you don't have your own device,

please come up to the cart and grab a device for our test.

[narrator] BYOD tends to significantly increase

access to technology in the classroom.

The reality is many students have devices

that are more current, powerful, and flexible

than those offered to them in their schools.

BYOD provides access to content that is current, relevant,

and often more engaging and interactive.

BYOD encourages new ways to create

and share work and ideas with a broader audience.

BYOD can promote co-construction of knowledge through social learning.

Research has shown that students learn more

when they are actively collaborating and cooperating

with their peers, teachers, and experts.

[educator 2] It's way more collaborative.

It's not my classroom, it's our classroom.

[narrator] BYOD shifts instruction

towards a more student-centred learning,

where inquiry and authentic learning are emphasized.

[educator 3] Now if you walk in classrooms,

teachers and kids are here

Whereas before, the structure was teachers are here

giving information to kids here.

But now teachers an- and students are here,

'cause they're both sharing the information.

[narrator] BYOD focuses on 21st century learning,

including critical and creative thinking,

collaboration, communication, self-direction,

global awareness, and cultural literacy.

BYOD extends and enriches learning

through the use of online and embedded assessments

in formative and summative capacities.

BYOD provides students with access to learning

anytime, anywhere.

Access we know will lead to innovation

and exploration through learning and connecting with the world.

[educator 2] Oh, when you see the products,

you see what they come up with, you see what they're doing in class –

the software they know about –

the, the way they wanna explain it to each other –

the way they wanna share –

wow, that's amazing learning.

[Tony Pontes] We realize that there are many questions

around BYOD.

Questions such as, where do I start,

how does a BYOD model affect instruction,

or how do we deal with students who don't have a device?

To address some of these questions

we're creating a series of information videos

that will be available online

on our 21st century teaching and learning portal,

as well as on YouTube and Peel TV.

As you embark on the BYOD journey,

I encourage you to provide us with your feedback

so that we can continue to address any questions

and provide you with the support you need

to prepare our students for a successful future.

[student] I mean, we're in the 21st century.

Like, technology rules.

[music lyrics] Take it to the bridge, come on.

You ready? Yes.

You ready? [music ends]