Georgetown Independent School District will host three information sessions for parents and guardians to learn more about the district's new Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, practice.

BYOD allows middle and high school students to use their own mobile technology, such as smart phones and tablets, in classrooms as teachers see fit, according to a news release. The district began the practice at the start of the 2013–14 school year.

Educational apps, websites and videos are just some ways teachers may incorporate the devices in the classroom, said Brad Domitrovich, director of school and community relations at GISD.

"It's the way kids are learning right now," he said. "There are so many resources out there. We can't keep up budget-wise purchasing items every student can use in the classroom."

According to the release, the practice will increase the amount of technology available in classrooms by giving students more hands-on access to devices for learning.

If students do not have smart phones or tablets when a teacher chooses to integrate them into the lesson, devices may be shared between students, Domitrovich said.

Information sessions will be held at 6 p.m. as follows:

  • Thursday, Oct. 3, Benold Middle School cafeteria, 3407 Northwest Blvd.
  • Monday, Oct. 7, Tippit Middle School cafeteria, 1601 Leander Road
  • Wednesday, Oct.16, Forbes Middle School cafeteria, 1911 N.E. Inner Loop

More information about the BYOD practice is available at www.georgetownisd.org/byod.