BYOD

       BYOD is a growing trend in schools across the nation. BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. This is where students are allowed to bring their own device to school to use it during the day for learning purposes. There are many pros and cons to BYOD. Some pros include: students have the internet at their fingertips, they can research and google anything at any time, they also have a tool in their hands that allows them to calculate, record, take pictures, take notes, etc. The best part is that a device makes all of these tasks enjoyable. Some cons of the BYOD include: management-making sure students are using the devices for the correct things, distractions-some people feel the devices/smartphones are just a distraction as students may use the device to check Facebook/email, etc., technical support-if each child has a different type of device, making them all work together is sometimes difficult, and sometimes students have problems with status issues as one student may have a "better" device than another.
       In my opinion, BYOD is a great idea, when managed correctly. I am currently at a school that does not participate in the BYOD initiative, but I have worked at a school before where BYOD was being implemented. The students in my first grade classroom were doing book reports, research, graphic organizers, etc. all on their devices. They were completely engaged in their learning. My students also learned to make green screen movies and book reviews with their devices. I felt that the learning that took place was amazing.
       Management is definitely something that has to be considered. As smart phones are becoming more and more popular, I think some procedures will need to be in place to effectively manage a BYOD classroom. I think that having students put their devices away in a locked cabinet when not in use would be one way to cut back on students participating in things they aren't supposed to be doing. There needs to be rules in place for the BYOD classroom as well as consequences when rules are broken.
       In lower performing schools, BYOD can still be successful. While I understand some students may not be able to provide their own devices, teachers and administrators can write grants to get technology in the classroom. All a teacher needs is one computer and they can use a variety of web-based programs to help students have access to technology and be engaged in their learning. For example, you can set up a blog in your classroom and allow students to blog with each other on the web-based program such as Kidblog. This blogging helps students work on their grammar mechanics and writing skills. Many standardized tests are taken on the computer now and blogging is a great way to give them the practice they need with typing across the content areas.
       BYOD will also change the professional development teachers will require. Teachers will need to be trained in using the devices in the classroom correctly and efficiently. Teachers will have to be on board with using the devices. Parents won't appreciate purchasing a device for their child only to have the device not be used in the classroom. Schools will have to have tech support on hand to assist teachers when needed. Teachers will have to have practice with apps and web-based programs so that they can create and teach with the devices.
       If students don't learn how to use their devices for learning purposes, they will not be prepared for the future. College level students do most of their work with the use of a device. Students need to begin practicing with technology at the elementary level, and then they will be able to be successful in college. The 21st century has changed learning and students have to know how to use technology for investigation, research, and presentation. BYOD is going to continue to become a growing trend in education across the world.