Teachers Prepare for Upcoming Bring Your Own Technology Day

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. - To get ready for its inaugural Bring Your Own Technology Day (BYOT), hundreds of Williamson County teachers are getting some instruction themselves.

The idea is to incorporate Smartphones, tablets and mobile devices that kids carry into everyday learning.

"I am learning about all the new technologies that we are being asked in incorporate into our classroom," said Teri Schoof who already has a head start as a media/broadcast teacher at Brentwood Middle School.

To help teachers learn is the International Society for Technology in Education (ITSE).

The British group is part of a $105,000 grant awarded to Williamson County schools from Verizon to support technology education.

"These tools help us engage the digital learner that my generation isn't," said Spring Station Middle School Principal Paula Pulliam.

"I am learning about all the new technologies that we are being asked in incorporate into our classroom," added the principal.

Last year, BYOT was introduced at four schools in the district.

"This year we will be in grades three through 12 which will affect about 25,000 students," explained Belinda Moss, head instructional technology for Williamson County Schools.

Math teacher Erin McGill told Nashville's News 2 it will save her time with kids sending in answers via their mobile devices.

"I don't have to collect papers. I don't have to look at 31 quizzes separately," she said. "I can do a quick scan and know if we are at 100% mastery or if we are at 50% mastery."

McGill added, "I know much sooner where to start my class that day."

Classes and BYOT begins in Williamson County on August 10.