BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

     How would you like to be able to use technology on demand in your classroom?  No more missed chances because it wasn't your day to use the laptop cart.  No more wasted class time passing out laptops and waiting for all students to log in.  Isn't BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) looking better all the time?

     I have been researching BYOD for a graduate class and I have found some wonderful ideas of how it benefits teachers and schools.  I even created an info-graphic with statistics and resources for teachers.  I would like to share my ideas with you in the hope that you too may become a supporter of BYOD.

     I was very skeptical at first, but found some pretty convincing arguments during my research.  The NMC Horizon Report mentions the obvious fact that students are more comfortable with their own devices.  Students can complete their task more efficiently when they are familiar with the device.  In addition, with BYOD the 1:1 initiative becomes a reality.  Students will have access to technology at home, at school, and at any business with WI-FI access.  While in school, guidelines will have to be set and adhered to in order for successful learning to take place.  Click here to see a Tweet with some great guidelines for students.

     

     Kathy Schrock is a wonderful technology educator with some amazing resources on her website on ways to use BYOD in the classroom.  There are links with ideas and examples for anyone looking for ways to use different apps and devices in the classroom.  The video below shares some pros and cons of the BYOD program.  

WAYS I WOULD USE BYOD IN THE CLASSROOM

Exit tickets:
At the end of class, students would be able to post their big ideas or questions about the lesson instantly on a discussion board or a website like EDMODO or PADLET.  Responses could be read and commented on while eliminating the need for printed tickets, index cards, or sticky notes.

Collaborative Learning:
With the use of Google, students could work collaboratively and simultaneously on projects in the classroom and at home.  With each student using their own device, there is no need to share computers and each student will have time to do their part of the document or slide show.

Review games:
The online quiz game Kahoot allows students to take a quiz and compete with each other based on knowledge and time.  Since it is not an app, all students can access the website and participate using their different devices.  A quick review game can be given to review the lesson or to review for a test.  Students could even create their own quiz game or poll to share with the class.

Social Media:
Using Twitter, Instagram, or Edmodo, students can talk with students in other classrooms.  Online book clubs can be made and questions and discussions posted for others to read and comment on. Students can share any projects they created using Educreations, Padlet, or Google Slides.  Links to websites and videos can be posted for students to view at home in order to be prepared for class the day.

In conclusion, I think that BYOD would make using technology easier when all students were familiar with their devices and could have them readily available each day.  My school has not yet implemented this policy, but I hope they will soon.  What are your thoughts?  Please share how you would use BYOD in your classroom.  Are there guidelines already set up in your school for BYOD?  What obstacles have you had to overcome to make it successful?


REFERENCES:
 Lalandre, M. (2012, June 4). BYOD in the 21st Century. Retrieved February 06, 2016, from     https://youtu.be/SSXyfX8ABhA

Schrock, K. (2015, October 12). Gadgets. Retrieved February 06, 2016, from http://www.schrockguide.net/gadgets.html

The New Media Consortium (2015). NMC HorizonsReport 2015 K-12 Edition. (2015). Retrieved February 6, 2016, from http://www.nmc.org/publication/nmc-horizon-report-2015-k-12-edition/