BYOD Pros and Cons

There are many challenges in education but one of the top ones is funding.  Another focus in today's education is 21st century learning and technology.  21st century skills include the 4Cs - communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity and using 21st century tools.  These are key skills students need to succeed in college, life and in the work force.  Today we need to, "take advantage of new learning tools to ensure that our children's learning is practical and prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century" (Making, 2012).  How do we take advantage of these wonderful technological resources which are expensive to implement school wide when funding is an issue?  Many schools have started a Bring Your Own Device or Technology, BYOD or BYOT, programs.  "'BYOD' policies are a cost-effective way for schools to bring technology into the classroom.  Simply put, it's a way for schools to get closer to a 1:1 technology program without the cost involved" (Suzanne, 2013).  This sounds like a simple solution - everyone bring their own device, we'll enhance our lessons with technology and we'll facilitate the 4Cs.  But wait a minute, is it that simple?  There are many questions a school or district will need to address before implementing a BYOD policy.

• What age is a BYOD program appropriate for?
• What infrastructure does the school need to support this policy?
• What types of devices can students bring to school?
• What platform works best with the network configuration?
• Is the SIS (student information system) mobil-ready or multiplatform?
• Is the LMS (learning management system) mobil-ready or multiplatform?
• What are the consequences of students not using their devices appropriately?
• What are school policies on device and internet usage?
• How are we or who is going to train teachers, parents and administrators to use all these devices and on etiquette and responsible use policies?
• What are the school's, students' and parents' responsibilities and liabilities?
• What about those students who don't have devices?
• What about the inequalities that will be prevalent in varying student devices?

Several of these questions can be addressed with an appropriate acceptable use policy which would address responsibilities and liabilities, consequences of inappropriate use, acceptable devices, authorized users, and digital citizenship.  Knowing which platforms work best and whether the SIS and LMS are mobile friendly or multiplatform would be critical to know and inform parents so they can make an informed decision on which devices to provide for their student(s).  Having at least one technology integration specialist on staff would be crucial for schools to assist teachers, administrators and parents on how to use the varying devices to make the most of the educational resources, apps and tools available.

Why should schools implement a BYOD program into their schools?

• Students can take control of their learning on a device they know and are already comfortable using.
• Students bringing their own device frees up funding for schools to be able to provide funding for technology for students who need it.
• Digital literacy and digital citizenship are components of 21st century skills and students will be engaging in learning these skills with assistance of teachers and staff.
• A BYOD program would allow for more individualized learning.
• A BYOD program would allow for a flipped classrooms where students watch video at home and come into class to work on projects or exercises and the teacher is able to focus on those students who need more assistance.
• Students can take notes directly on their device and keep everything in one location for better organization.
• Students love technology and a BYOD program allows them to be more interactive and tuned into learning.
• Everyone is a trouble shooter in a BYOD environment and trouble shooting is a higher order thinking skill.

Why should schools NOT implement a BYOD program?

• It may be more challenging for the IT department to effectively manage the bandwidth allowing for all devices to be connected.
• Students bringing in their own devices could lead to more divisions among students.
• Students may be more distracted using their own devices and use them inappropriately to play games, text or post to social media sites.
• Teachers will need a greater base of knowledge to address possible issues with the varying devices.

An important goal of education is to provide students and staff with the tools they need and today thats tools to facilitate skills for the 21st century.  Technology is here.  It's a must in the classroom and many schools cannot afford to provide devices for students.  It's time schools stop banning technology and embrace it's usefulness in empowering student learning.  "The advantages of digital media now greatly outweigh the disadvantages and require that schools update their thinking and policies to provide guidance on the use of these tools to improve student learning and achievement" (Making, 2012).  With appropriate policies and planning, schools can overcome the reasons not to have a BYOD program, it's not a program just to cut costs but to enhance student learning and engagement and to prepare them for the 21st century world.

Making progress:  Rethinking state and school district policies concerning mobile technologies and social media.  (2012).  Retrieved from https://cdn-files.nsba.org/s3fs-public/reports/MakingProgress.pdf?0TcR_Fscnonb6ASI92tb1_6F6_iCA0SH

Suzanne.  (2013).  Five pros and cons of BYOD in education.  Retrieved from http://blog.tophat.com/5-pros-and-cons-of-byod-in-education/