There are pros and cons to both BYOD and 1:1 device
programs. The pretty much evenly outweigh each other and the best way to see
what works for your school or classroom is try them both or have pilot summer
groups for both styles of devices. You are not going to know what works best
until you try.
When thinking about cost, BYOD trumps 1:1 devices.
Students are using their own devices in the classroom and have to keep up the maintenance
of their device also. Since the devices are their own, students will probably
be able to use them more efficiently and effectively in the classroom. But that
brings the problem of the compatibility of applications on the devices. To make
everything uniform and equal, going with the 1:1 devices would be the better
choice. All students would have the same device, with the same apps and
everything would most likely be working smoothly in the classroom.
If I were to have the choice, I think that I would start
with the 1:1 devices with the lower elementary students and then work into the
BYOD with upper elementary into high school. BYOD is becoming more common in
the workplace and students would definitely learn more from using their own
devices and working with classmates that are using different devices.
Either way, getting devices into students hands should be
a priority. Technology is only going to continue being a huge part of our
world!
Reference:
Kharbach, M. (2014, June 10). What Teachers Need to Know about 1:1 vs BYOD. Educational Technology
and Mobile Learning. [Web blog]. Retrieved from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/06/what-teachers-need-to-know-about-11-vs.html
I happened to stumble upon this same article and wrote about it in my blog as well! I think this is an interesting topic to follow, as many nearby districts are currently mulling these ideas. I personally side with the 1:1, but I can see how BYOD would be beneficial. I do think that if students are going to be given the device, they should cover maintenance costs just like they do with actual textbooks.
ReplyDeleteI like the thought process, but in reference to BYOD, I have the same concerns (and a few more) as what you mentioned. The 1:1 seems to be the best way to go, but will schools have issues initially funding the devices? I agree with Phil that maintenance costs should be covered by the students. This could pose problems with families that are not financially sound. I wish I could BYOD to my office but that opens up a can of worms that is not even worth the breath to ask.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with your analysis. If we limit the amount of time/experiences that students learn with technological devices, it would be a disservice to them. The world will not slow down the advancement of technology on a daily basis. In the same way, we must continue to advance along with it. This is surly the best practice for students.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense that students will know how to use their own devise since they use it all day everyday but it seems like it would be difficult in the classroom to make sure everyone was on the same page. Since some apps only work on certain devices, it would be a challenge if BYOD was the way our school went. I'm really hoping that 1:1 devices make their way into our school but I completely see what your saying when you mention costs and the fact that most students have their own device anyway.
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to have a class set of tablets in my classroom. However, several of my students use their own devices out of their personal preference for the main reason of not having to remember their password or login information. If they use their own device, then they can be logged in at all times and not have to log in or out daily.
ReplyDelete