Cinnaminson BYOT Program Enhancing Student Learning

Since implementing a "Bring Your Own Technology" program at Cinnaminson High School at the beginning of the year, the district has seen students take a more active, engaged role in their learning.

The program, which allows students to use their own electronics (i.e. smartphones, iPads) in the classroom, was launched as a pilot with just nine high school teachers at the beginning of the school year.

The benefit of the program—or at least, one of the benefits—is it allows the district to use technology to enhance classroom learning, without the district having to spend a dime, explained Superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi.

"The expense (for new technology) is overwhelming," he said. "First, the initial cost—then, in the changes of technology and keeping up with it, is almost impossible ... If we were purchasing the technology, the cost would be prohibitive."

Students who signed up to participate in the program had to sign "lengthy" disclaimers, as did their parents, Illuzzi said, to prevent the policy from being abused. Per the parameters of the program, devices are only allowed to be out in the classroom if they're being used for educational purposes.

How have the students responded to the program?

"Great," said business technology teacher Kathleen Hennelly. "They're not abusing it. The students are really mindful of using the technology for their own learning."

She said the technology has enabled the district to amplify lessons in a number of ways, including: music compositions created using Apple's GarageBand program; website creation; student feedback/interaction on lessons using Edmodo (a social learning platform, known as the Facebook of schools); and podcasts of teacher's lessons for students who were absent—among other tools

"The technology is extending and deepening the learning," said Hennelly. "The students are so engaged ... It blends the exploration kids do at home with the exploration they do with their teacher."

Since its inception, the program has expanded to include now 11 high school teachers, plus six middle school teachers, with further expansion planned for next year.

The high school's Wi-Fi capabilities will be enhanced over the summer to accommodate more devices, and the district is looking at replacing the entire system next year to allow for even better service, said Hennelly. 

According to Illuzzi, Cinnaminson is one of very few school districts in New Jersey, as well as Pennsylvania, with such a program.

"It's really a neat thing," he said. "We're the only ones in this region that are even doing this stuff."