In the new 2014-2015 school year, Arrowhead High School began a new policy for students and staff. This policy is referred to as the BYOD policy, also known as Bring Your Own Device. This policy was implemented to immerse technology into the learning environment of Arrowhead High School’s classrooms as well as make learning more efficient. Student are being asked to bring a device (laptop, chromebook, etc.) with them to class.

In past years, junior Hannah Rowe, says she has been taught in a traditional classroom setting. This included taking notes, having paper worksheets for homework, and working out of a textbook. She says she enjoys the traditional style over the new technology enriched learning style.

“Traditional learning is the way I and many others have been taught since kindergarten, it just comes natural,” Rowe says.

When Rowe first heard about the new policy, she says she was not impressed. She says she was happy she already had her own laptop, but also that she was weary it would be a hassle to carry around and have charged everyday.

Rowe says despite her original disbelief, most of her classes use the technology everyday. She still is not 100 percent on board but she says she is open minded about the upcoming year.

Senior Connor Graber says he has also been taught in a traditional classroom setting in the past. He says he always did well with this teaching style and enjoyed taking notes in a notebook and working from a textbook.

When Graber was made aware of the new policy, he says he was skeptical.

“I was unsure about the implication of bringing my own device as well as the cost aspect,” says Graber.

He knew technology wasn’t being used to its full potential in Arrowhead’s classrooms though, and was excited to see how the new device policy could be used to cultivate learning in his classes.

“I think it offers a large educational advantage; however, I think that if devices are continued to be used, Arrowhead should attempt to go paperless in order to eliminate the need to carry a laptop as well as a encumbering backpack,” Graber adds.

The BYOD is new to the classrooms of Arrowhead High School, but with a little exploration and time, students will learn to love this new way of learning. Technology is something in today’s society that cannot be squandered. The BYOD is an effective integration of technology into Arrowhead High School’s classroom and students and staff alike are excited to see what the new school year holds.