What are the arguments in favour of and against Bring Your Own Device initiatives in school (from contributions to #edchat 25/10/2011)
This is only an example and the subject is open for discussion...sd
Pros1. Students MORE likely to have remembered devices than pencils etc
2. Can use the device THEY have chosen to complete set tasks. 3. Technology is ubiquitous outside the school gates. Why not inside too? 4. If BYOD is not allowed, then we're teaching to the lowest common denominator 5. When students use their own devices, they take care of their own 'training.' 6. Usage of BYOD is seen as a privilege & students stay on task. 7. BYOD offers potential cost savings since fewer school devices are needed. 8. BYOD allows student & teacher to swap roles. 9. BYOD offers learning opportunities at times the students choose. 10. BYOD creates emotions such as enthusiasm, vitality, and zest all of which are related to curiosity. 11. Reduces expenditure on stationery. 12. BYOD extends the tech resources already provided by school. 13. BYOD encourages purposeful choice of appropriate tools/apps. 14. BYOD in sch provides opportunity for teaching respectful/appropriate use. 15. On average BYOD can help keep pace with ever-updating tech. 16. New horizons may become apparent when students are choosing their paths. 17. BYOD could be pivotal in supporting independent learning. 18. BYOD offers a way of delivering ebooks |
Cons1. Students leave chargers at home. Devices run out of power.
2. Exacerbates issues of inequity of access. 3. Students forget to bring devices. 4. Technical infrastructure may need addressing before Implementation. Expensive. 5. BYOD will encourage students to be 'off task.' 6. Pens & paper don't require infrastructure. 7. Applications/tools are not common to all platforms. 8. BYOD runs up against many schools' 'ban em' policies. 9. Planning for a lesson with devices whose capability you don't know needs more care & thought. 10. Expensive personal devices increase possibility of theft. 11. Many teachers aren't flexible or willing enough to take risks trying BYOD. 12. Emphasis of tech support will need to shift from network to user . 13. Teachers will need instructional PD in getting the most from BYOD. 14. Teachers may find themselves troublshooting tech instead of guiding learning. 15. Parents may not be comfortable with paying for device/access for use in school. 16. Some students may be unhappy mixing sch work on their personal device. 17. Accessing sch network can present probs w/ WiFi/Proxy settings etc 18. Currently, BYOD doesn't help prep for external exams. 19. Tech can become a status symbol to flaunt. 20. Greater opportunities for plagiarism exist with BYOD |