BYOD

   BYOD, sounds like someone is getting ready to have a party!  And if used correctly maybe it could be an educational party.  Bring Your Own Device is a term used to say that students can or do bring their own smart device to class.  Personal devices such as smartphones, iPads, laptops, etc. can be brought to school to use as an educational tool.  And why not?  Students are probably bringing them anyway so why not find a way to have students use them constructively in class.  Let's face it, most schools can't afford to provide one on one devices for each student. And if students are bringing workable devices anyway why not use that to our advantage?

   I currently teach in Elmore County in Alabama.  We are one of the lowest financially supported school systems in the area.  The district does not receive enough money to buy computers or iPads for each student.  We would love to.  A one to one device strategy was discussed a few years ago but the financial means was just not there.  As a classroom teacher I struggle with allowing devices in the classroom.  I love it when I have a lesson that my students can use their device.  The students do keep more engaged in the lesson if they can use their device.  My struggle is finding applications that pertain to my curriculum.  I will admit I am a technology novice.  I use basic technology such as PowerPoint, Excel and a few other basic Windows products.  I am learning to use apps through my iPad.  But with teaching full time, coaching and taking graduate classes I don't have a lot of time to just search for educational apps or set up using them.  I have started using Google Drive and found out that my school system has CANVAS so I am integrating them as I get comfortable with them myself.  One concern I have is that students often get distracted with the social media aspect that comes along with such devices.  And the games they play!  Sometimes it's a struggle to start a lesson because they’ve gotten involved in playing a game between classes.  With that being said, I do support BYOD.  I believe it is necessary for them to have technology skills in the world we live in.  And those skills should go past Snapchat and Instagram. It is our job as teachers to train them to use the devices in the appropriate manner at the appropriate time.

   Since smartphones are here to stay it is important to embrace them.  I know many teachers who don't want them in their classroom.  I also know teachers who fully embrace technology.  Teachers need to accept the fact that technology is important to today's educational system.  As professionals we need to learn how to incorporate 21st century learning skills into our classroom.  That includes technology.  As much as many of us older, more experienced teachers are not comfortable with technology we must accept the change and adapt.

   Digital equity means that all students should have equal access to technology.  It doesn't matter what their socio-economic status is.  All students need to learn how to use technology.  It will be a part of their lives through school and through adulthood as they seek employment.  So how do we provide lower income schools with the technology they need?  Schools may not be able to afford to provide one on one devices but they can provide access to students.  As mentioned before the school system I work for is low in financial support.  We have been able to provide access through grants that have been awarded so we can have computer labs for students to use.  From my position I do not have firsthand knowledge of all the grant opportunities available but there are many foundations that offer grants for low income school systems.  If someone at the school is willing to do the work it is likely that funding can be found for at least some technology.  Even in our system with many low income families, most students still have smartphones that can be used.  We offer free Wi-Fi so students do not have to use their data at school.  So with these few initiatives we have been able to provide students with at least some technology.  In my classroom, I have been able to purchase a few reconditioned laptops for students to use.  When we do activities that require technology students may choose to use their own device or they may use a laptop.  

   Professional development for teachers must keep up with the ever-changing, ever-increasing, ever-expanding technology that is available.  Teachers must also be willing to learn with these new devices.  Our county does a pretty good job with technology professional development.  They offer something called "Tech Connect" at various in-service sessions throughout the year.  We also receive notifications on online sessions that our tech department may hear about.  I can honestly say that if teachers in our county want to learn about technology in the classroom they have plenty of opportunities.  With that being said school systems need to make sure that technology works properly. I am sure it's a tough job keeping computers and internet access available for teachers and students to use.  But being able to trust and rely on technology use is essential for teachers to have faith in planning lessons.

   Students need to know how to use technology in a useful and productive way.  They also can use it for entertainment.  21st Century jobs require technology skills.  Students to be competitive in the workforce will need to have basic computer application skills.  Having access and opportunity to different kinds of technology while they are in school will help prepare them for different jobs and careers in the future.  It is our job as educators to prepare them for the workplace, informationally and technically.