Pages

Showing posts with label BYOT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BYOT. Show all posts

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Are You Leading with Fear? #BYOD

           As the temperature begins to rise, I reminisce back to a warm summer day while sitting on a bench next to the pool watching my five-year-old son climbing the never-ending ladder of the high dive.  As he reached the summit, he casually walked to the edge of the board with a smile on his face. Without a care in the world, he leapt into the water! His confidence and tenacity allowed him to complete this act with faith in his ability.  As he plunged to the surface, several questions formulated in my mind. When does fear creep into our consciousness?  Is it a learned behavior?  Or are we innately born with these trepidations?
            
           Throughout the world of education, I feel as though many are leading with fear.  There are major concerns regarding social media and the fear of allowing students to use their cell phones for educational purposes.  As an educator and parent, I have come to the realization that, like it or not, social media and mobile learning devices are going to be an integral part of our children’s lives.  Aren’t we supposed to be preparing today’s youth for the real world?  Should we allow our fears and apprehension to hinder the technological education our children need to advance in their field of study?
            
           Some of the uneasiness in allowing students to bring their own devices to school revolves around cheating, stealing, broken devices, and the inability of some students to bring a device.  In reality, these challenges have always been present within the classroom.  We cannot move forward technologically based upon the “what ifs.”  Instead, we must find solutions to these possible dilemmas and move forward to allow our students the ultimate learning experience.  We must maximize student usage of mobile learning devices to encourage the safe and meaningful use of technology within the classroom setting.  It is up to the school district to set clear and stringent guidelines. Some simple ways to do so includes requiring students to keep the devices flipped over on top of their desks while taking a test.  Also, having a “responsible use policy” in place is a must.  The students and parents should have a clear understanding of what is appropriate use in the classroom.  They should also have a clear understanding of consequences of misuse.  When teachers give students the opportunity to be responsible, the results are inspiring. Teachers modeling proper usage are also beneficial. It is important to understand that “bring your own device” allows the students the opportunity to learn in a way that is most conducive to them.  It allows them to think independently and critically in a manner in which they are most familiar.  We are allowing them to bring the technology they are comfortable with at home into the classroom setting.  It is not a replacement for a 1:1 initiative; instead it provides students with opportunities to enhance their learning while incorporating the necessary technology skills to compete in our rapidly changing world.

Resources to Ease the Fear of BYOD








Cross-post from the Remind101 Blog.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

30+ BYOD and BYOT Resources






Sunday, May 19, 2013

Come to the Mobile Learning Experience in September 2013

Cross Post from @TonyVincent "Learning in Hand"



It's my pleasure to be on the team organizing Mobile Learning Experience 2013. It's the third year of this fantastic conference. If you'd like to get a feel for 2012's conference, then check out the Mobile 2012 Program and Mobile 2012 Speakers' Resource Wiki.
Mobile educators from across the country are gathering for three days to share, collaborate, and explore the many facets of mobile learning. In addition to traditional breakout sessions, we have inspiring keynotes, fast-paced Ignite presentations, lots of networking opportunities, and a concluding game show. This year's topics include project-based learning, assistive technologies, Common Core State Standards, Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT), and the open content revolution. Those topics are in addition to basic sessions on the most compelling apps, device deployment, and training tips and hints.
While mobile learning isn't about a specific device, many sessions will have an iPad focus. Mobile Learning Experience 2013 will also address other devices like laptops, Chromebooks, and Android tablets.
Please consider presenting at Mobile 2013. The Call for Proposals is open and the submission deadline is June 27, 2013.
Learn more at mobile2013.org and follow @mobile2013 and #mobile2013 on Twitter. 




Saturday, January 7, 2012

BYOD "Food for Thought"

Here are some Pros and Cons for "Bring Your Own Device" in schools.  Let the debate begin!


               1)  BYOD - Worst Idea of the 21st Century

               2)  BYOD: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
        
               3)  BYOD will challenge your leadership - hopefully!

               4)  BYOD Wildly Successful at Sullivan South

               5)  Cybraryman's BYOD Page

               6)  Pros and Cons of Bring Your Own Device to Work

                                  
                                    What are your thoughts?