I thought this article posted on Edutopia.com by Albert Roberts fit in very well with our recent discussion on the class wiki about monitoring offsite and onsite online behavior. The article discusses BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trends and how such programs could have an impact on bullying in schools. The idea behind BYOD is that students can use their own technology, such as smart phones, tablets and laptops in the classroom. This is beneficial in that it allows students to use technology they are already comfortable with. It also allows a school district to use technology in classrooms, which would have otherwise been impossible due to lack of funding. With the push for technology, media and 21st century learning in the classroom, more and more teachers are turning to such means. The benefits are apparent.
On the surface, the supports student learning and the acquisition of important knowledge and 21st century learning. However, the article raises two critical points would are potential risks for using BYOD. The first deals with bullying. "Out of date or older devices could become a source for embarrassment, while students might also be subject to cyber-bullying through emails and social messages... BYOD could intensify the 'already significant divide between students from high and lower income families.' " (Roberts) The second issue is more technical in nature. BYOD schemes require a comprehensive security program to ensure that viruses are not being accidentally or maliciously released into a school's system." (Roberts)
The author of the article offers several solutions to help school districts that want to use BYOD deal with potential bullying. The suggestion I found to have the largest benefit is simply managing the technology. The author states it's necessary to "ensure that they're not simply an excuse for students having free rein to use their devices in school. A system that allows high-quality devices while also placing strict rules and limits on their usage means these devices can still improve the quality of classroom engagement without creating as much of a divide within a student body." The second suggestion, which may not work for all districts that are in a financial pinch, is to purchase devices that are discounted in bulk. These devices could then be loaned to the students who are unable to afford their own devices for the school year.
Roberts, A. "Does BYOD Encourage Bullying?" Edutopia.com. 24 May 2013. Web. Retrieved 26 May 2013. <http://www.edutopia.org/blog/do-BYOD-programs-encourage-bullying-albert-roberts?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29>
I read this article as well and write a blog about it. I thought it was very interesting. I totally understand how it could cause bullying among students based on what "device" and how "up to date" it is. Also the risk factors it might have with students accessing social media, texting and email. Although there are these risks with anything that is new there will be risks and kinks to work out. I believe CMU has some classes that allow students to use their devices to encourage learning. I wish I was there when they were doing this.
ReplyDeleteMy big concern with BYOD is students using the devices responsibly. As Andra mentioned, I fear that most students to not have the maturity or sense of responsibility to only use the device for classroom tasks rather than surfing the internet using t Facebook, twitter, ect.
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