BYOD
The concept of BYOD, or Bring Your Own Device, has been under much debate and scrutiny. The idea behind BYOD is based on the idea that if students already have their own technological devices such as cell phones and tablets, they should be allowed to use them in the classroom. Teachers are often looking for ways to incorporate technology into their lessons, but the technology that is needed may not be available through the school system. If students were allowed to bring their own devices to use at school in their studies, part of the problems would be solved. However, having those devices in the school could create a whole new set of problems.
There are, in fact, many pros and cons to BYOD. Some of the positive implications would be that most students do own a device, and it would be cost-effective for schools to allow those devices to be used in the classroom. Many systems can not afford to provide 1-to-1 devices for their student population. It would also allow students to have a choice in the type of device they use.
Although there are many benefits of students bringing and using their own devices, there are also many concerns involving students having their devices at school. They most prevalent argument against BYOD is that the devices would be a distraction for the students. It would be hard to police which websites or social media the students might have access to. Another concern would be those students who do not have access to a device of their own. There would have to be a way to provide devices for those students to use while at school.
As I think about my opinion on students bringing their own devices to be used in the classroom, I have to be realistic and understand that cell phones and tablets are already in the classroom, whether we like it or not. They may not be utilized for classroom learning, but they are there. I believe that if students know what the expectations and consequences are, they will more likely follow the rules. When devices become a part of normal school culture and used properly, they can become a valuable asset for students and teachers.
Unfortunately there are systems and students within systems that do not have funds to access digital devices. The school in which I work is a Title III school, which means there is a large number of the student enrollment that receives free or reduced lunches. Many of the students do not own a mobile device. There are other ways to provide students with devices to use in the classroom. Donors Choose is an organization that allows teachers to request funding for classroom supplies, including technology. I teach third grade and have requested funding via Donors Choose. With that request and some generous donors, I have been able to acquire a class set of iPads. If there is a will, there is a way to have things to help students be successful.
Technology is so prevalent, that many teachers are well equipped to use it in their lessons and facilitate its use by students. However, there are teachers who are not as comfortable when it comes to using technology and trusting their students to use it as well. Systems have to do a better job of making sure their teachers are comfortable using and letting students use technology. That comes with professional development. If a system does not prepare their teachers to be successful with technology, the students will most likely not benefit from using technology in the classroom, which could translate to them not being proficient in using technology in the world, thus possible affecting their future employment. Many jobs require the use of technology for problem solving, collaborating, and making presentations. Students who have had practice using technology in these areas will thrive in the real world.
There are, in fact, many pros and cons to BYOD. Some of the positive implications would be that most students do own a device, and it would be cost-effective for schools to allow those devices to be used in the classroom. Many systems can not afford to provide 1-to-1 devices for their student population. It would also allow students to have a choice in the type of device they use.
Although there are many benefits of students bringing and using their own devices, there are also many concerns involving students having their devices at school. They most prevalent argument against BYOD is that the devices would be a distraction for the students. It would be hard to police which websites or social media the students might have access to. Another concern would be those students who do not have access to a device of their own. There would have to be a way to provide devices for those students to use while at school.
As I think about my opinion on students bringing their own devices to be used in the classroom, I have to be realistic and understand that cell phones and tablets are already in the classroom, whether we like it or not. They may not be utilized for classroom learning, but they are there. I believe that if students know what the expectations and consequences are, they will more likely follow the rules. When devices become a part of normal school culture and used properly, they can become a valuable asset for students and teachers.
Unfortunately there are systems and students within systems that do not have funds to access digital devices. The school in which I work is a Title III school, which means there is a large number of the student enrollment that receives free or reduced lunches. Many of the students do not own a mobile device. There are other ways to provide students with devices to use in the classroom. Donors Choose is an organization that allows teachers to request funding for classroom supplies, including technology. I teach third grade and have requested funding via Donors Choose. With that request and some generous donors, I have been able to acquire a class set of iPads. If there is a will, there is a way to have things to help students be successful.
Technology is so prevalent, that many teachers are well equipped to use it in their lessons and facilitate its use by students. However, there are teachers who are not as comfortable when it comes to using technology and trusting their students to use it as well. Systems have to do a better job of making sure their teachers are comfortable using and letting students use technology. That comes with professional development. If a system does not prepare their teachers to be successful with technology, the students will most likely not benefit from using technology in the classroom, which could translate to them not being proficient in using technology in the world, thus possible affecting their future employment. Many jobs require the use of technology for problem solving, collaborating, and making presentations. Students who have had practice using technology in these areas will thrive in the real world.
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