Most current educators agree that the use of technology in the classroom by students help them learn. The Peel District School Board's bring your own device (BYOD) to school model in the classroom is
essential. Check it out!
A BYOD
model, when used responsibly and combined with the right pedagogy, offers many
significant benefits to the learning environment. The model provides access to
content that is current, relevant, engaging and interactive. It promotes
co-construction of knowledge as students learn more when they collaborate. When offering technology to all students the instruction
becomes more student centric versus teacher centric. On-line formative
assessments provide instant feedback to the students. Even when class ends,
students always have access to information. The BYOD model and use of
technology is essential for the classroom.
Having had first hand experience with this model, I can say that it certainly helps in classroom participation and inquiry-based learning, but student use of the devices MUST be monitored closely! Devices like tablets can be incredibly distracting for students and can be just as much harm leaning as help it. Not to mention some students are very tech-savvy and can use technology like VPN software to get around content blocks and access inappropriate content.
ReplyDeleteNic,
ReplyDeleteI do concur that students participate more in the classroom when using technology and it's use is good for inquiry-based learning. You know your students best and you must make that decision when to use it in your classroom.
I believe that integrating technology in authentic and meaningful ways is so important in providing students with 21st century learning opportunities. I am a believer in a student-centered learning environment, and believe, as the video mentions, that technology is successful in ensuring that there is a steady flow of information travelling both ways. I am wondering in what grade level does this BYOD become successful? I am sure that the younger age groups do not all have devices of their own to bring.
ReplyDeleteI think that at this point it is impossible to refute the evidence that technology inhabits a large part of our daily lives, personal and professional. The benefits are undeniable when providing an opportunity for students to use tech tools to replace or enhance their learning. However, just like asking questions to your students in class can fail if you don't ask the write questions, improper use can damage and hinder your learning environment. I, in no way, am asking for limitations on technology. I want it everywhere. But more specifically, I would like to see many more P.D.'s that feature speakers who develop these tools. I would like to see a huge increase in professional development in the realm of technology.
ReplyDeleteAnd on a little side note, I would like to see the educational community embrace PROVEN communication and productivity technologies, and not hold out for ones created specifically for the education system.
Any technology for younger students which can be used to enhance their learning should be more than welcome in the classroom. The argument with devices hinders their actual learning. Our world is digitalized and future employers now demand that their employees are trained and able to use technology every day. The pandemic has further emphasized the need to have employees digitally literate. Teachers should allow students to grow and learn as much as possible, and with the world changing around us, allowing devices is the only logical step forward.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the idea that technology should have a pedagogy and students should be allowed to BYOD. I like the idea that some teachers have a pedagogy like a sailboat and some are like tugboats. Some teachers work together to collaborate, change lesson plans, activities, etc. Where some teachers are like tug boats and they work independently and don't like a lot of change. I think as 21st century educators it is our duties to be sailboats and change with the times. Especially, given the benefits that classrooms no longer need to be constructed in the traditional sense of pencil and paper; however, we can have a more engaging, student centred environment with technology. If students have the means to bring their own technology and are monitored effectively, I don't see why we would deprive our students educational gains.
ReplyDeleteI think this is such a great idea! There are so many activities you can do that include technology. Although there are some disadvantages to having technology in the classroom, he positives out-weight the negatives. I believe with the proper management and rules in place it could be a great benefit for the kids.
ReplyDeleteI think that the BYOD model when used properly is absolutely wonderful! I am lucky enough to have 1-1 devices at my school so each student has a chromebook to use. It enhances my class' learning everyday.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of BYOD is amazing! I personally come from a school that does not have enough devices for everyone to use so I think this is a wonderful idea. Technology is such a great tool and we need to teach our students that it is a great way to learn!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great concept to bring up, and definitely the "norm" in many classrooms. As mentioned, many schools don't have the funding or the maintenance capabilities to purchase and maintain enough ipads or laptops to be used frequently in schools. Therefore, we rely on the BYOD model. This is great, but comes with some challenges, such as the inability to monitor or confiscate the devices if not used properly. Also, in the older grades, kids know what a VPN is, which can be another issue.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I'm a little torn by this concept. I've experienced many classes where even if students were asked to bring in their own devices, they would not be able to and the access to school provided devices are simply not enough to provide for that gap. I do like the concept of bringing in technology to classrooms and in a perfect world this would be amazing. However, I still worry about equity in class settings.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Agree with you that the use of device (especially ipad with pencil), allows students to accomplish learning in ways that cannot be done before. e.g.: note taking on the fly, screen capture teacher's whiteboard notes, download & annotate pdf version of the handouts, design powerpoint or work on Desmos.
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