ICT at Cronulla Public School
Why bring your own device?
Devices are already a part of students’ lives.
For a majority of our students, computers and portable devices such as phones and tablets are already integral to the world in which they live. We need to ensure that these devices are also a tool for learning (not just for play) and that they also make learning an integral part of student’s lives.
Many schools have banned student devices but instead could benefit from teaching students how to use technology properly and safely.
By providing appropriate supervision and support we can help students develop cybersafety awareness and digital citizenship skills. BYOD also “allows students access to the same devices at school and at home, it can extend learning opportunities to times and places outside of the classroom” (Horizon Project, 2013) and “allow students to work with technology with which they are already comfortable and familiar” (Horizon Project, 2013).
21st Century Learning.
BYOD recognises that our students are 21st Century learners who need to be equipped with the skills to learn in a world where technology is embedded in everything we see and do. Schools need to support this essential learning by establishing systems that support the development of these skills.
BYOD is about the meaningful integration of technology into students’ daily lives and developing the critical knowledge to use these tools effectively and appropriately. An environment where all students have access to their own devices opens up new possibilities for collaborative and online learning, carefully structured and supervised by the teacher.
Students will be able to use their device as a means to communicate, calculate, photograph, video and edit across a range of different subjects.
In an environment where all students have access to collaborative devices, students can take control of their own learning. In this scenario, teacher becomes a manager of learning, providing the support for students to obtain knowledge, rather than the direct source of information.
Many studies have shown (and this is evident in our own school) that access to computer devices for learning increases student motivation and engagement.
Using the cloud.
The NSW Department of Education and Communities is in the process of finalising access for all students to Google Apps, an extensive suite of online software that allows students to collaborate online.
This software provides new possibilities for our students including the ability to work together on a single document at the same time. The cloud also has the advantage of being accessible from anywhere with internet. This means that assignments from the classroom can be continued at home seamlessly.
The implementation of a BYOD program can have significant effects on the overall access to devices for all students. We understand that not all students can afford to bring a device of their own to school.
At Cronulla Public School we have invested substantial funds in the purchase of many laptops and mobile learning devices for student use. By encouraging students to bring their own device to school, this lessens the competition for school-owned devices and ensures greater access for everyone.
Students without their own device will not miss out.
Content adapted from:
NSW DEC. (2013). BYOD Literature Review 2013. Sydney: State of NSW, Department of Education and Communities, T4L Program – Information Technology Directorate.
Alberta Education. (2012). Bring your own device: a guide for schools. Edmonton: Alberta Education.
Barseghian, T. (2012, September 12). Privacy, Equity, and other BYOD Concerns. Retrieved from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/09/privacy-equity-and-otherbyod-concerns/
Clifford, M. (2012, October 18). Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): 10 Reasons Why It’s a Good Idea. Retrieved from http://newsroom.opencolleges.edu.au/trends/bring-your-own-device-byod
Horizon Project. (2013). NMC Horizon Project Project Short List 2013 K-12 edition. New Media Consortium. Austin Texas: New Media Consortium.