Stay Safe Online This website is designed for all users who may be using digital tools, media, and devices for educational and personal means. This website is easy to use and navigate, and has tips for internet users in all grade levels as well as those in higher education, or those promoting digital safety for their businesses. This is also a great website for parents and administrators as it not only has information for educators to teach good digital citizenship in their classroom, but also how parents can introduce good online habits in the home, and how administrators can implement BYOD and 1:1 policies in their schools.
When creating rules for your school and classroom with regards to BYOD or 1:1 initiatives it is important to look at the positives as well as the negatives. As more schools turn to web based learning, it is important to read up on and look at the downside of using devices in the classroom. By studying the concerns of others, teachers can be prepared for any classroom management disruptions or safety concerns that these devices may bring. This website outlines the good use of devices as educational tools, but also highlights the safety concerns they bring with them. This website would be a great tool for teachers whose districts may be soon implementing 1:1 BYOD policies in order to create good acceptable use rules and regulations.
The last website for mobile safety takes you to the Edutopia.org page for steps to implementing the 1:1 classroom. As my district adopted a 1:1 policy beginning in the 4th grade in 2014, this website became an invaluable resource. Not only do the recommended steps help to create a safe learning environment for students, but they help to take the stress off of educators that may be swamped with new material as teaching pedagogy shifts to this digital norm. Navigation is quick and easy, as the website gives teachers some insight on how to develop PBL assessments, gives teachers classroom management tips, and gives access to an entire learning community of teachers making the same shift in education.
Pros/ Cons of BYOD
Pros 1.) Devices Become Educational Tools I once read that students are experts with new technology. But from a teaching standpoint, that was an entirely utopic opinion. Students are not experts with their devices in terms of using them for education; they are however, social media gurus. BYOD initiatives would show students how to use the power of their devices for good, and use them for creative purposes, not just texting, posting pictures, or snap chatting.
2.) Prepares Students for the Real World If we are to truly champion the idea of getting students ready for the jobs of tomorrow, we must implement the technology of today. Ignoring new pedagogy that employs advanced technology does a disservice to our students. Having students find meaning in material by using new technology to synthesize, create, and collaborate, is a must for 21st century students.
3.) Lower Cost than School Wide 1:1 The idea of schools funding 1:1 programs school wide is daunting for many districts, especially in this uncertain educational climate. Many times when communities here about school spending, they immediately think about the district having to raise taxes, a BYOD program solves both of these funding concerns.
Cons 1.) Highlights Socio/ Economic Inequality BYOD is great, but what about the students that don't have access to devices, or the ones they have are outdated, old, and slow. The students with more money will have the better products, while the students with a smaller income may have used items, hand me downs, or no access at all. This could lead to jealousy, bullying, or a feeling of anxiety if a student does not have the technology needed to complete an assignment.
2.) Challenges Teachers to Find Compatible Apps/ websites Too many different devices can prove challenging to teachers attempting to adapt their classrooms, use apps, and find appropriate websites. Apple and droid products often clash, and have certain apps that only work for their products due to contracts.
3.) Classroom Management Suffers BYOD can have a negative impact on classroom management when students decide to use their devices for gaming, social media, or texting. Taking a students device away seems to be falling more and more into the gray area of discipline and personal property, and can be a huge disruption to learning.
Pros 1.)Device Uniformity In 1:1 schools, all students are supplied with the same device. This would cut down on a variety of cons from the BYOD model such as students wouldn't have to worry about not having or being able to afford a device, educators would be able to design curriculum around one single device and its programs, and since the device is school property, teachers would have control of student use within their classroom.
2.) Pedagogy Shift in District Education A uniform 1:1 model in a school district will help to advance educational pedagogy to better suit 21st century learners and thinkers. With a BYOD model, the shift in educational thought is limited due the amount of students that have access to said technology. With all students having the device, the shift is much easier on the district and students.
3.) Universal Applications for Management and Learning If every student has access to the same tool for learning, not only is creating lessons, authentic assessments, and group collaborations for PBL more accessible, but it also allows classroom management applications such as Casper Focus to lock students into educational programs and tasks.
Cons 1.) Large Investment in Staff Development To implement 1:1 a large investment in staff development must be made. The combination of these staff trainings plus this masters program has made the transition into 1:1 teaching and learning relatively smooth. But for those without administrative support or the class time needed, a 1:1 initiative could be seen as unreasonable.
2.) Increase is Cost to School Though deals exist between companies and schools with regards to using their products, there is still an increase cost in the devices themselves, and the infrastructure needed to handle the increased use. WiFi and bandwidth increases, as well as more staff needed for technological support are just some of the hidden costs associated with 1:1 schools.
3.) Device Use for Gaming With both BYOD and 1:1 models, you run the risk of students using the devices inappropriately. To counter this, it is up to the teachers and the district to come up with acceptable use policies and enforce them accordingly such as locking down gaming functions, using focus lock applications, etc.