Next generation learning Introducing BYOD in schools.
Many schools are looking to implement
Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) in schools to give students and staff access to
personal devices such as laptops, tablets and smart phones in classrooms. Technology
is becoming more and more affordable. Students are getting a hold to internet
enabled devices at home for learning. However, due to schools budget
constraints, the same cannot be thought when students are in school. BYOD in
schools is the answer of how a school can address this discrepancy.
The
introduction of BYOD in schools discovers the 1-to-1 learning program which has
been growing over the past two decades. Properly structured BYOD in schools is
little more than replacing pencil cases with laptops. Educators through BYOD can
deliver strong benefits and redefine learning.
ToBYOD or not to BYOD in schools.
BYOD in
schools could offer new
horizons apparent to the students where they are choosing their
paths. BYOD could be pivotal in supporting independent learning. On
average BYOD can help keep pace with ever-updating tech. BYOD in schools can be effective because
1. Offers potential
cost savings since fewer school devices are needed.
2. BYOD in schools
provides opportunity for teaching respectful/appropriate use.
3. Technology is omnipresent
outside the school gates. Why not inside too?
4. When students use their own devices, they take care of their own
'training.
5. Usage of BYOD in schools is seen
as a privilege & students stay on task.
6. Students
MORE likely to remember devices than pencils etc which reduce the expenditure
on stationary.
7. Allows student & teacher to
swap roles which offers learning opportunities.
8. BYOD in schools creates emotions
such as enthusiasm, vitality, and zest all of which are related to curiosity.
9. Encourages purposeful choice of appropriate
tools/apps.
11. Can use the device students
have chosen.
12. BYOD in school offers a way of
delivering e-books replacing the existing paper texts.
Not to BYOD in Schools
Final Thoughts
Successful BYOD in schools programmers
now moving from laptop and netbook to one iPad per student. The success is not
only attributed to strategy and planning on the school’s part but also to the parent’s
participation and willingness to contribute to the cost of ownership and
support.
Similar to BYOD, with the parents
paying for their child’s devices including the support of it, the advantage
of such a scheme is that the school will have more control over the type
of device to go for. This includes the operating system, software licenses, security,
insurance cover, and the necessary support arrangements.
The popular do’s and don’ts of BYOD in schools.
BYOD in schools started out as a popular trend, but it looks like it’s not that simple to adopt. If your school hasn’t implemented a solution to integrate mobile devices onto your school wireless network yet, think twice. The following issues need to clearly examined and understood in order to implement successful BYOD in school policy.
There will no doubt of challenges for BYOD in schools; some you can plan for, on-the others unforeseen as you will soon discover -go.
1. Do explain the benefits to students, educators, and parents.
2. Don’t forget Role Based Access Control (RBAC).
3. Do consider Mobile Device Management (MDM).
4. Don’t ignore the possible problems/risks.
5. Do simplify things with Centralized Management.
6. Don’t overlook Next Generation Security.
7. Do prepare your and train educators.
8. Don’t implement without a good BYOD Police.
9. Do prepare your school wireless network.
10.Don’t just pick the first wireless network vendor you find.
A unified device type also means ease of training for both staff and students. Teachers can share tips and best educational practices. Support for staff in the form of professional development is equally important to ensure that everyone is equipped with the essential skills to complete key tasks using these devices.
