Mobile Learning
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Connectivity is the key! In the informational age we live in, students must be connected anytime, anywhere.
Personal devices are no longer powered down in the school. Students have an engaging, educational tool at their fingertips, and are encouraged to use their device to enhance learning. Students can bring any internet-ready device, including laptops, netbooks, tablets - even a smartphone, and use it to instantly connect with classmates and teachers and start transforming their classroom experience. Plus, students are already familiar with how their personal device works, which means less time is spent on learning the device, and more time can be spent on constructing knowledge.
Learning doesn't stop when students leave the classroom. The traditional dividing lines between home and school become blurred as students are able to access knowledge from anywhere through the use of their personal device. In addition to instant access, allowing students to incorporate electronic devices in the classroom promotes digital citizenship and cultivates the idea that devices are not just a source of entertainment but are also learning tools.
Tablets
-
Can't fit your books into your backpack?
-
Is your math book at home or in your locker?
-
Are we in the computer lab today?
These questions become obsolete when tablets are utilized in the 21st century classroom.
Whether brought from home or provided for classroom use by Katy ISD, tablets enhance every child's learning experience. Devices are easily transportable and provide online access to e-books, web programs, educational apps and communication tools. Mobility from home to school and from class to class allows the student to interact, engage, participate in online assignments and collaborate anytime, anywhere. No longer will a teacher have to wait for an open day at the computer lab. Students can now access powerful online resources from a tablet.
Public Wi-Fi
Wires and log-ins slowing you down? Get plugged-in at Katy ISD.
Katy ISD campuses offer a public, filtered Wi-Fi connection accessible by students, staff, and visitors to the campus. Public Wi-Fi enables students with any device to connect to a safe, secure learning environment so that Internet access can support classroom learning objectives. The Internet is filtered with the same tools as campus desktops and laptops allowing access to a vast array of digital content. Plus, you're simply plugged in, wherever you are on campus. From the library to the classroom, students are always connected to valuable learning resources.
For information regarding responsibility for devices and appropriate use, review the
Katy ISD Public Wi-Fi Parent Guide.
Our Path to Mobile Learning
Katy ISD began a Mobile Learning initiative in 2009 with 140 fifth grade students. In 2012-2013 over 2800 Mobile Learning Devices (MLDs) were distributed to 5th graders at 18 elementary campuses. Students were provided a smart phone with data only, no texting or phone capabilities. The device allowed students to use applications selected by their teachers, interact with web tools and access the filtered Internet. The Instructional Innovations team worked closely with teachers providing training and support for instructional implementation. A key initiative was teaching students how to use online resources responsibly and involving parents in learning about digital citizenship so that responsible use continues away from classrooms. This project provided the foundation for our current Mobile Learning Program.
Technology at Home
Free or Reduced Cost Internet Service Options
Katy ISD has negotiated with CDW-G to extend discount pricing to all district parents wishing to purchase electronic devices. For more information on taking advantage of savings, visit CDWG. To inquire about Katy ISD pricing, email Marissa O'Malley at marigib@cdwg.com. Note: (as of 8/12/2020) all Chromebooks have a 10+ week backorder waiting period.
If you have at least one child receiving free or reduced price school lunches, your family may qualify for an affordable home internet service through Comcast or AT&T. For more information, visit the following sites: