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.