Frankenmuth

22 The Today Show recently ran a report on the dangers of distracted driving and even "distracted walking," an issue that has led to new laws about pedestrians and cell phone use due to accidents in crosswalks caused by people looking at their phones while crossing the street. There is no doubt that technology has become a staple in our everyday lives and that its presence has increased our access to information and to one another, but with the emergence of new technology, 24/7 access to one another, and readily available digital tools comes a need for the education of responsible use. FHS is a Bring Your Own Device high school, meaning students may bring their cell phone, iPad, or laptop for instructional purposes, as permitted by the teacher. We use this model since most students have a device of some sort, but they may not all have the same device. St. Lorenz provides a "lease to own" MacBook program from 6th – 8th grade. Frankenmuth Public Schools utilize iPads in grades K-6 and PCs in grades 7 and 8. The high school allows for the incorporation of all of these devices by utilizing programs and practices that work with any/all systems because we feel that this is the most realistic representation of how "the real world" operates, and we keep current on research that provides information on best practices both for instruction as well as classroom management in the technology age. In the classroom, devices are used for a variety of instructional activities from research and note taking to content review and video lessons. Teachers share expectations for appropriate use and work through pairing options for students who don't have a device or forget to bring one on days they are in use. Each teacher sets the parameters for his/her classroom and electronic devices; in some classrooms, they are only occasionally or rarely needed, and in others, they are used on an almost daily basis. Each teacher has and shares their plan for devices: some have a "cell hotel" or "parking lot" where devices are to be placed during the class period; some teachers' classrooms are computer labs, and they have programs to freeze screens when attention is needed off of the computer; and some teachers have days where no devices are permitted in the classroom. Establishing the need for access and the appropriate times for use helps students understand when and how to appropriately use technology for educational purposes. FHS staff also try to educate students on the importance of their "digital footprint" and of positive digital citizenship. As we discuss and explore career pathways and plans for life after high school, we feel it is important to note that many employers search to see what kind of digital presence a prospective employee has; that information can be affirming or can cost someone a job opportunity. Our Principal, Mrs. JoLynn Clark, and our College and Career Adviser, Mrs. Ann-Marie Baumgardner, have taken the lead in these efforts, keeping staff and students up-to- date on appropriate use, making pins for staff and posters for the school that remind us to THINK before we post, and sharing important articles and tips from employers about this topic. There's no turning back the clock, so the best way to move forward is to do so forearmed with the knowledge and skills to utilize technology effectively and appropriately. We look forward to continuing our efforts to best prepare our students for their roles as citizens in this global society during this technological era. Technology Use in Classrooms FHS staff also try to educate students on the importance of their "digital footprint" and of positive digital citizenship. B Y J O L Y N N C L A R K

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