BYODSmackdown

PresentersRoy Hickman, ModeratorDavid Palme, Con StanceJeff Trudell, Pro Stance

What is BYOD?Bring Your Own Device

BYOD refers to students who bring their own computing devices – such as

smartphones, laptops and tablets – to school for use and connectivity on the

district network. 

 

In the past most schools have frowned on students bringing

their own devices.

Is it time for a change?

Academics

1.Allows teachers to implement creative assignments.2.Enables students to implement organizational tools that they already frequently use.3.Makes learning more interactive.4.Helps meet the needs of multiple learning styles.5.Fits in well with project or problem based learning.6.Enables students to collaborate or share resources anywhere, anytime.

Bandwidth and crowded networks

It is much more challenging for an IT department to manage the bandwidth

required to ensure all devices are connected and running smoothly.

Access to information

With each student having easy access to the web, students have an efficient source for research, fact-finding, etc. With ubiquitous

access to technology, students have unlimited access to information.

A great quote from Marc-Andre Lalande: “Let the computer take care of the computable, you

take care of the meaningful.”

Distractions

Having a device in class opens up the possibility of students using them for social purposes, like texting, which distracts from coursework and makes it more challenging

for educators to hold students’ attention.

Video

Concentrated Funding

If students bring their own devices to school, schools can concentrate funding on the students who need it. In fact, with

more funding for these students, the technology can be even better.

Teachers have to be experts

Allowing students to bring their mobile devices to class means that teachers

and tech staff are responsible for ensuring everyone’s technology works

properly.

No limitations

Students can download software without the help or approval from the IT department. Students take control

of ensuring that their device is working, instilling a sense of

responsibility. Plus, if it’s their own device, they will want it to work

properly.

Cheating

A pro of BYOD is students’ limitless access to information. Yet this means that teachers have less control over

students possibly using these devices for cheating.

Digital Literacy

With the integration of BYOD policies, you’re teaching today’s students

digital literacy and digital citizenship. Today’s youth are going to be utilizing technology no matter what; BYOD is an opportunity to teach them to use it

effectively.

Legal Issues1. Does a school have the right to search the contents of a

student owned device? Such as if a student were accused of taking photos in the locker room.

2. CIPA requires that schools must monitor the online activities of minors. Can schools fulfill that requirement with BYOD?

3. What if a student has a limited data or texting plan? Who is financially responsible for overages?

Up-to-date technology

No matter what, new and improved technology will be introduced to

consumers. There’s no way schools can keep up with the latest models. Students,

however, will.

Existing Policies In Place?

Are any schools currently engaged in BYOD?

What policy changes need to be made?

 

Is there a middle ground?

References & Resources

1. http://www.pcworld.com/article/260814/your_android_byod_toolbox_15_apps_services_and_products.html#tk.nl_bdx_h_crawl

2. http://mashable.com/2012/06/30/smartphones-college-students-infographic/3. http://www1.good.com/campaign-forms/byod-fierce-mobileIT-eBook?lsrc=Website%3cyp=Online

%20Content&cid=7010000000063mO4. http://blog.tophatmonocle.com/2012/08/5-pros-and-cons-of-byod-in-education/5. http://www.zdnet.com/infographic-the-ten-things-we-fear-and-love-about-byod-7000000899/6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bring_your_own_device7. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/BYOD.html8. http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnherrema/2012/05/07/bring-your-own-device-part-ii-best-practices-for-

reducing-mobility-costs/