Phones for learning: High school pilots bring your own device project

Students at Charlottetown's Colonel Gray High School are being encouraged to use their own smart phones, laptops, and tablets in the classroom.

The Bring Your Own Device pilot project launched Tuesday and will run to the end of the year.

"Students can learn with the tools they use in their everyday life and will use in their future careers," said Education Minister Doug Currie in a news release.

Students will connect to Wi-Fi in the schools that will filter out social media sites and inappropriate content.

Improved access to school technology

The Education Department noted encouraging students to bring their own devices will free up equipment currently in the schools for those who do not have their own.

"Parents should not feel pressured to buy their children new devices as there will be enough computers for everyone," said Colonel Gray principal Dominique Lecours.

After the pilot project is evaluated, the department expects it will bring BYOD to more schools in the new year.

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