IMPLEMENTING BYOD

 DEFINITION

 Bring your own device (BYOD) refers to technology models where students bring a personally owned device to school for the purpose of learning.

Today’s generation of students is unlike any other. These little digital natives and their beloved mobile devices are attached at the hip. They keep their mobile devices on them at all times and expect connectivity. Therefore, as our society continues to become more and more gadget addicted, BYOD in schools (bring your own device) becomes inevitable.  Yes, BYOD in schools is seemingly unavoidable, and it has it’s benefits,  

Collaboration is easier,  Learning  beyond the classroom walls is possible , there is personalized instruction, Gamification is possible, Education is more interactive, there is  Increased Engagement, Student and Teacher swap roles. Etc.

The BYOD models used to direct and manage the personally owned devices used in schools are just as varied as the type of devices that students bring into classrooms.

The models include;

1. Limiting personally owned devices to a specific brand/model of device.

2. Limiting personally owned devices to those that meet specific technical specifications (e.g.,

specific versions of operating systems, minimum amount of storage space, Internet ready, etc.).

3. Limiting personally owned devices to those with specific functionality (e.g., compatibility with software, compatibility with online testing requirements, etc.).

4. Accepting all personally owned devices, provided they are Internet-ready

Considerations:

The BYOD classroom requires a lot of front end planning and pre-teaching before devices can be brought into the school. As a teacher I  need to have a discussion with the school administration to see how to change the  policies to allow. 

 In order for personal devices to be used effectively, teachers and students must learn to use, manage and secure the devices as they move from class to class and as they engage in in-school and after-school activities.

The school need to either offer formal support, perhaps through student-led support teams or dedicate some time to technical training on devices.

School authorities implementing BYOD models that allow a range of devices need to consider how to ensure students have sufficient facility with the device to meet the requirements of the classroom.

BYOD models also require the negotiation of licenses for digital content, software and applications that include home and school use.

It also raises management issues related to such topics such as charging stations, printing options and security of the devices.

I tried using BYOD before even knowing it as BYOD, I just told students to carry their mobile devices, but the challenge I got , only a few managed to do so and somehow I didn’t achieve my goal.

But I strongly believe that we can start with the cell phones because , the can easily be obtained by the students. 

Learning Spaces: Virtual and Physical Spaces.

Reaching a  consensus in an online environment is very interesting as it opens a wide door for many views . We have had such a practice and we have discussed  the two thoughts about learning spaces today, that is physical construction and virtual learning spaces. A virtual classroom, is a system that provides the same opportunities for the teaching and learning process, beyond the physical limits of the traditional classroom's walls. 



 I advocated for virtual learning space, and I believe that it saves when it comes to construction costs, though it also has it's challenges. 

How can you use a virtual classroom to enhance e-learning?

• Give 24/7 access to curriculum
• Link web resources for assignments
• Provide tutorials to students
• Provide education while unavailable (when sick, out of town, on sabbatical, etc)
• Tracking student progress is made easier
• Work can be submitted and reviewed quickly
• Chat with participants
• Modeling for students can be demonstrated

Challenges in implementing mobile technology  include problems with mobile device management; need for teacher professional development and support, and/or teacher lack of knowledge or experience; technology infrastructure issues, including bandwidth limitations and WiFi connectivity problems; and issues related to keeping mobile devices in use, such as breakage, repair, theft, and security

So how can we create a virtual learning space?

•  Should have the wireless connection at school.
• Should encourage learners to use their mobile devices. 
• Make use of the online collaboration tools like wiki spaces, google drive etc.
• Introduce cloud computing, for storing and sharing files.
• Make use of podcasts to deliver instructions for tasks and assessments. 

Mobile learning provides increased options for the personalization of learning. Mobile learning in classrooms often has students working interdependently, in groups, or individually to solve problems, to work on projects, to meet individual needs, and to allow for student voice and choice. With access to so much content anytime and anywhere, there are plenty of opportunities for formal and informal learning, both inside and outside the classroom.

Old days - New ways

When it comes to old ways and new ways , the big question is can they work together?

According to my accessment , they cant, new things comes with mobile technologies which calls for mobile learning.

Now in the old  days learning was meanly confined in the four walls and even the pedagogies didn't support learning beyond the classroom. But with coming of mobile technologies, learning we need to think of changing the pedagogies to fit in the new trends.

Now schools have tried to acquire the technology tools , devices and have been put in the classrooms commonly known as computer labs. This is fine but we need to think of using the technology beyond the classrooms.

Mobile technologies like smartphones, tablets , laptops to mention but a few can add beauty to learning if put to the right use. In the past it was not easy in fact not allowed to have students have phones or tablets but now though in our country still it is the case but at home these students have these technologies. So we need t o make use of them to cause learning. And this is possible if we plan learning every where any time.

This can be done by organizing interactive software online , creating apps, wikispace etc, to have the learners accomplish tasks using their mobile devices even a way from the classroom.

With mobile technologies  learners become so engaged , there is personalized learning, collaborative learning , one to one students collaboration is also possible, quick feedback about the tasks given. Students control their learning. It promotes creativity.

How am I adapting to the way I manage the classroom.

Now when we talk of classroom we should not ourselves to the four walls but we need to of a class everywhere , say even when they are at home or in the dormitory , how can I still have them under my control.

First of all I have thought of creating online tasks to engage them.
Allow them own thier learning as this makes them responsible. I have learnt from experience that once students become  responsible , they are very easy to manage.
By knowing  them and their abilities.

 All in all we need to change our old ways and match with the new trends in learning.

MANAGING THE WARMWARE.

Writing collaboratively in a wiki has been such a good experience for me.  Looking at the ideas presented by colleagues and being able to add and freely edit what others have contributed builds confidence and maturity in the participants. It widens the knowledge.

However it comes with some challenges, when some members fail to respect the ideas of others and some extent like in this case it looked like members could just their ideas without editing.

So to improve the process we need to one spare time and read what others have posted and do comment, try to contribute in time.

I have learnt more that collaboration is a key factor in effective teaching and learning.

I have also discovered that in order to manage classes with technology in use we need to do some of the following;

1.   Create a professional online community.

Digital citizenship may be the buzzword of the decade, but it is of great importance. Students are often thrown onto computers without any direction on how to behave or perform. Without guidance, students will approach academic digital work with the same relaxed mindset they bring to social media or online games outside the classroom. It is much easier to be proactive and teach them how to be professional than to deal with cyberbullying, or worse, later.

2.    Engage the student’s  interests.

Using technology shouldn’t mean doing the same boring worksheets on the computer instead of paper. Be mindful of all the opportunities that technology offers, including engaging videos, music, programs and online communication (like blogs) to help your students relate to the content materials.

3.   Know the learners we teach.

It is a very good tip for classroom management. When student discover that we know them, they will act responsibly. 

Warmware management.

Warmware development should encompass ongoing support; firstly training teachers or school management to explore the potential of this new tool in their context; then to reflect, plan and review how their current practices and pedagogy can be changed to take advantage of what is now available.

We should make the connection between student computers and learning.

The successful integration of technology in education is not so much a matter of choosing the right device, the right amount of time to spend with it, the best software or the right digital textbook. The key elements for success are the teachers, school leaders and other decision makers who have the vision, and the ability, to make the connection between students, computers and learning.

I intend to change some practices in my classroom management.

First , I have got to plan more engaging activities for my students, make them control their learning more. and allow them use technology with guidance. 

Learning spaces

Learning spaces, both physical and virtual, are the planned environments in which learning takes place. 21st century learning requires new spaces that connect school, home and community learning, increasing flexibility and supporting learning outside the boundaries of school buildings and beyond the conventional school day. Going beyond the boundaries we have called it breaking down the classroom walls.

Learning is enhanced, deepened and made more relevant when connected learning spaces provide opportunities for:

•  active and interactive participation            •  collaborative project work

•  information retrieval and sharing               •  discussion and presentation                        

• production of new knowledge                     •  teacher and student-led activities

• connection with experts                               •  local and global networks

• personalised learning.

Therefore we need to design  Learning spaces which do have the following;

  Flexibility – supporting 

• space re-allocation and re-configuration.                     

• physical, virtual and  blended learning environments

  Inclusivity – accommodating

 • access and participation for all

 •  local demographic needs

 •  personalised learning.

  Collaboration  – enabling

  • cooperative learning,      

   teamwork and enterprise

  • community, professional    

   and expert engagement

  • local, national and global networks, partnerships and learning communities.

  Creativity – achieving

  •  engagement, innovation and learning

  •  community and environmental harmony

  •  growth of social capital.

  Efficiency– delivering

  • faster, deeper learning

 •  sustainable, cost-effective utilities and delivery

 • effective management and administration.

However some questions still remain on my mind about the concept of learning space or learning environment, and this mainly concerns about  the cost of designing a technology rich learning space , mainly in countries where still internet and technology tools are still very expensive.

Follow  this link   for my video on learning spaces.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMG5FodvajM

Learning spaces

Learning spaces, both physical and virtual, are the planned environments in which learning takes place. 21st century learning requires new spaces that connect school, home and community learning, increasing flexibility and supporting learning outside the boundaries of school buildings and beyond the conventional school day. Going beyond the boundaries we have called it breaking down the classroom walls.

Learning is enhanced, deepened and made more relevant when connected learning spaces provide opportunities for:

•  active and interactive participation            •  collaborative project work

•  information retrieval and sharing               •  discussion and presentation                        

• production of new knowledge                     •  teacher and student-led activities

• connection with experts                               •  local and global networks

• personalised learning.

Therefore we need to design  Learning spaces which do have the following;

  Flexibility – supporting 

• space re-allocation and re-configuration.                     

• physical, virtual and  blended learning environments

  Inclusivity – accommodating

 • access and participation for all

 •  local demographic needs

 •  personalised learning.

  Collaboration  – enabling

  • cooperative learning,      

   teamwork and enterprise

  • community, professional    

   and expert engagement

  • local, national and global networks, partnerships and learning communities.

  Creativity – achieving

  •  engagement, innovation and learning

  •  community and environmental harmony

  •  growth of social capital.

  Efficiency– delivering

  • faster, deeper learning

 •  sustainable, cost-effective utilities and delivery

 • effective management and administration.

However some questions still remain on my mind about the concept of learning space or learning environment, and this mainly concerns about  the cost of designing a technology rich learning space , mainly in countries where still internet and technology tools are still very expensive.

Follow  this link   for my video on learning spaces.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMG5FodvajM

Project - Based Learning

Project-based learning is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge.

I have learnt new ideas about project based learning. First of all this lesson introduced me to a WebQuest which has been very new to me but has helped me learn how to plan a successful project lesson for my learners. Through it's stages of Introduction, Task , Process, Evaluation , conclusion and the teachers's page , I have learnt how to introduce a topic to catch the attention of the learners, through task, how to set a challenge  to cause them think critically, and process giving them the detailed of how to go about the project. 

So through project based learning , the learners are more engaged and they drive their learning as the teacher guides them through. 

This student - centered learning leads to development of the 21st century skills of collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, e.t.c. And as a result the students are prepared to be responsible citizens.

So students find project work more meaningful if they conduct real inquiry, which does not mean finding information in books or websites and pasting it onto a poster. In real inquiry, students follow a trail that begins with their own questions, leads to a search for resources and the discovery of answers, and often ultimately leads to generating new questions, testing ideas, and drawing their own conclusions. With real inquiry comes innovation—a new answer to a driving question, a new product, or an individually generated solution to a problem. The teacher does not ask students to simply reproduce teacher- or textbook-provided information in a pretty format.

To guide students in real inquiry, refer students to the list of questions they generated after the entry event. Coach them to add to this list as they discover new insights. The classroom culture should value questioning, hypothesizing, and openness to new ideas and perspectives.

 A Publicly Presented Product.

Another Idea I have learnt is that schoolwork is more meaningful when it's not done only for the teacher or the test. When students present their work to a real audience, they care more about its quality. Once again, it's "the more, the better" when it comes to authenticity. Students might replicate the kinds of tasks done by professionals—but even better, they might create real products that people outside school use.

Looking at the usefulness of project - based learning , as a teacher of physics I strongly believe this subject will be more meaningful to my learner if I start to engage them in projects. 

How do I plan to integrate this?

Plan projects in different parts of the learning content  and use groups to work collaboratively and do research and encourage them to present tier products . Finally identify where their projects are of use to the community.