The launch of the network is one of the first steps in the district’s goal to focus on the digital conversion of learning. The portal will allow both teachers and students to access the district’s network from any device make, model or operating system and will hold tools to supplement instruction in the classroom and outside.
"Our goal is to improve opportunities for teaching and learning," said James Lovett, coordinator of Instructional Technology. "So as we develop more blended, flipped and online learning environments, this was a natural progression. We can now allow for safe, managed access to our network anytime, anytime place. Teaching and learning can now happen outside the school walls and beyond school hours with BSpa Connected."
Part of the implementation of BSpa Connected is the "BYOD," or "Bring Your Own Device," initiative. BYOD will allow students to safely bring in their own non-district tablet devices or computers to access course content and instructional materials.
"We brought BYOD into the district two years ago when we started using Overdrive and eBooks," Lovett explained. "We limited BYOD to the library and allowed students and staff to bring in their Internet connected devices to download eBooks. We were able to test the network configuration and it gave us time to begin helping our teachers shift the way they develop and deliver their curriculum."
Though the school district can’t provide all students with their own devices, Lovett said there is no particular advantage or disadvantage to having a computer in class.
"In classes that these instructional shifts have been or are being made, students who do not have devices will have them provided," Lovett said. "In all other classes, students are welcome to BYOD, but there is no advantage or disadvantage to having a computer. We understand not all students will have their own device and our implementation plan will keep us sensitive to this."
Lovett added that though students can bring their own devices, they will still be filtered and secure for the safety of the students.
"Students who bring their devices will still be web filtered, exactly as they would on a district owned device," he said. "While instruction drives decision making, we can’t lose sight of safety and security of students."
Though the network is already fully configured, teachers are currently building courses and supporting instruction using the district’s open-source Collaborative Learning Environment in preparation of the network being completely live this fall.
Lovett said he thinks the changes will "help students learn at their own pace and make differentiation much easier."
"I think [going digital] will give them access to resources they didn’t have before," Lovett said. "All of our research databases are online. Allowing them access to filtered internet gives them the opportunity to be self-directed in their learning—they’ll be able to collaborate and communicate digitally. We’re trying to make the high school experience more like the college and real world experience."
Lovett added that he also thinks teachers will enjoy BSpa Connected as well.
"Many of our courses are delivered electronically and more will be delivered that way in the fall," Lovett said. "We allow students to work at their own pace and let teachers focus on helping the students who need help. [Teachers] are excited—we have done our best to make the process gradual and give them access to the tools and training that they need. As a former classroom teacher myself, it’s exciting to think about the opportunities for learning."
For more information on BSpa Connected, visit the district website at www.bscsd.org or contact James Lovett, coordinator of Instructional Technology, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for specific information on BSpa Connected.
