BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE:

ENHANCING CRITICAL THINKING

SKILLS AND LEARNING IN THE
CLASSROOM

Elizabeth Mangan
Final Project
EDTC 625

Introduction
Today we and many of our students carry around in our pockets technology that is
more powerful, and better connected, than the computers that sat on our desks ten
years ago. Our students are listening to music, messaging their friends and
accessing the Internet as they ride to school, sit in class and have lunch in the
playground. They are fiercely protective of these items, and can spend considerable
amounts of time concentrating on them as their main mode of communication.
(Murray, 2010) Over the past couple of years, school system budgets have been
reduced year after year. Determining solutions for funding and budgeting money
effectively while still providing students with a successful learning atmosphere has
become harder to do. One solution that school systems are turning to is creating a
program where students are able to bring and use their own mobile devices in the
classroom.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Bring your own device (BYOD)
refers to technology models where
students bring a personally owned
device to school for the purpose of
learning. A personally owned device is
any technology device brought into the
school and owned by a student (or the
students family), staff or guests.
(Stavert, 2013)

The Reality
What happens to the computers in schools when it is
after

4pm on a school day?

a weekend?
a holiday that falls during the school week?
summer vacation?
Nothing happens.
In a school year of about 180 days of classroom instruction, computer machines spend about 185 calendar
days a year unutilized in schools.
This situation becomes ironic as schools these days constantly need more information and communication
technologies (ICT) equipment (in particular hardware) to improve productivity, help teachers teacher and
help learners learn. (Bray, 2013)

Working With the Reality

We live in a society in which technology is so
pervasive that we do not notice it anymore when
used for everyday tasks such as informational
retrieval, communication, and entertainmentAs a
result, the current generation of K-12 students is
growing up more technologically literate than
children their age were a decade ago with access to
an increasing number of devices and services
Interestingly enough, even though many students
know and use these technologies as integral parts of
their lives, they learned to do so outside of
school (Swan et. al.,2005)

Banning Devices
students are constantly told that their mobile
devices are banned in the classroom and
throughout the school walls.
the school system [seems] further behind
society than it really is, and we can no longer
afford to have our students believe we are
behind the times. (Dewitt, 2012)
although technology within the school
generally [lags] far behind current trends
within society (Cantalini-Williams & Vitale,
2012), it is important that we show our
students just how powerful their personal
devices are to their learning and education.

The YouTube Generation

Some of our students:

have never known a world without computer or

mobile technology (Internet, cell phones,
smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, laptops,
ultrabooks)
are used to getting information instantaneously
(clicking, swiping, tapping are quick and effortless
motions to use on devices to retrieve information)
communicate better with their peers through
technology applications and programs (Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Pintrest, Tumblr, Reddit)

Goals of BYOD Programs

improve access to education and promote new

learning
empower teachers/students to take control of
their teaching and learning
students and teachers have the opportunity to
swap roles. Students become the teacher and
teacher becomes the facilitator
increase the amount of learning devices in
schools
generate more engagement and collaboration
reduce spending costs on hardware and
programs
learning doesnt stop when students leave the
school walls

Today, your cell phone has more computer power than all of
NASA back on 1969 when it sent two astronauts to the moon.
Mickio Kaku, Author

Practical Considerations

the device itself does not make students and teachers better
learners or instructors, using the device determines the success
and effectiveness
provide a reason for using the device; not just using a device
just to use it.
using and imbedding devices into instruction provides a real
opportunity for innovative teacher and interactive learning.
(Goundar, 2011)
The potential impact of using mobile devices in education will
result in the production of ground-breaking teaching and
learning technologies. Teachers can have instructional support
at their fingertips in the learning environment. Students can be
empowered with access to learning resources with
supplementary multimedia for better understanding regardless
of time and physical location. (Goundar, 2011)

Pros

Cons

A Successful BYOD Case Study

Three UK Secondary Schools in 2008:
School A: allowed their students to use their own personal devices with complete access at any
time of the day for nine straight months
School B: allowed students to use only their SIM card, from their own personal devices, and
place it in an unlocked smartphone. Students were allowed to have these phones with them at
all times of the day for nine months.
School C: were given a set amount of unlocked smartphones. In this set, students needed to
share one device between two students. The school lent out these devices and students were not
allowed to alter the devices in order to make the more personal. SIM cards for all devices were
already inserted and students were only allowed to use the device while at school.

Student Reaction
A student from School A stated:
I think it would be better if more
schools did it because then its not as
strict and, because everyone likes their
phones if they know that you can
slowly just use it, as long as youre not
pushing the boundaries, then itll make
lessons more fun. (Hartnell-Young &
Heym, 2008)

Teacher Reaction
A Teacher from School B suggest:
if teachers were shown actually, on your
mobile, you could do this, and encouraged
to do it, or even lent a phone and Right,
have a play aroundIf you actually sat
down and physically showed them how
easy it was with a worksheet that said Now
click on this, now click on that, theyd do
it. (Hartnell-Young & Heym, 2008)

Action Plan or Policy Considerations

In order to have a successful BYOD program, schools, educators
and staff need to work together to create a well thought out
action plan that consists of:

creating opportunities for continuous professional

development for teachers, students and parents
allowing parents to participate with creation of the new policy
addressing issues such as equity (in terms of mobile devices
and capabilities)
promoting appropriate digital citizenship for students
adjusting wireless network capabilities to match mobile
devices
creating a policy for lost or stolen devices

Before Implementing and Choosing Devices

think carefully about your goals

survey students about what gadgets they own
get buy-in from parents and the community
determine rules for personal devices, and make
sure everyone is clear on them.
test connectivity by inviting students to bring in
their devices
ask students about their experiences with their
own gadgets.
plan how you can use BYOD to develop fun,
challenging activities for students.

How to Implement BYOD

According to Dixon and Tierney (2012) and Stavert (2013) there are five methods in
which a school can implement BYOD. Having more than one method for school
implementation of BYOD, allows each school to tailor a program that works best for
an their individual school and its environment.

Implantation: Option 1
Implementation
School-defined
single platform
laptop

Choice of
Technology
Laptop:
school defines
minimum
specifications

Funding
Can be either; School,
Parent/Student or a cocontribution of both

Benefits
All laptops have the same capabilities
Single model and brand lowers costs
Fully functional to school standards and
needs
Support for families from school who
are less financially able
Easily manage connections and server
Same device means technical support is
familiar
Service provider can be held to account
for turnarounds
Loaner laptops can be negotiated with
provider
Cost benefit from bulk purchasing

Considerations
Parent/Student contributions can range
from 100% to a partial or co-contribution
Technology budgets given to schools can
be used to co-contribute to the cost of
student laptops, support equity access
programs for less financially able
families, or can provide an enhanced
level of both infrastructure and/or
hardware service support
Ownership at the end of the products life
cycle must be established
Coverage of high-speed broadband
Internet access may provide and
opportunity for a possible contribution
from telecommunication or government
body

Implantation: Option 2
Implementation
School-defined
single platform
laptop, plus
another device

Choice of
Technology
Laptop:
school defines
minimum
specifications

Funding
Can be either School,
Parent/Student or a cocontribution of both,
another device is fully
funded by Parent/Student

Benefits
Smartphone use can be legalized in
the school by jump starting the school
to make a guide for appropriate use
Flexibility and personal preference

and/or

Common standard across a class

Students are
allowed to use
other mobile
devices
(smartphones,
tablets, etc)

Schools can manage software licenses

on devices

Considerations
Smartphones with 3G/4G enabled are
unfiltered
Other devices can be seen as a
distraction, different devices different
peeked interest
Maintenance for other devices is the
responsibility of parent/student

Implementation: Option 3
Implementation
School-defined
multi-platform
laptops

Choice of
Technology
Laptop:
school defines
minimum
specifications but can
be provided for
several platforms or
manufactures.

Funding
Can be either; School,
Parent/Student or a cocontribution of both

Benefits
Choice of individual preference
Schools can manage software
licenses on devices

Considerations
More work for network manager to manage
the variety of laptops
Buying power and bulk purchasing options
are reduced
Teachers and technology staff need to be
familiar with various models and programs
Not all programs can be accessed from all
laptops

Implementation: Option 4
Implementation

Choice of
Technology

Student-choice of Mobile device must

have full personal
laptop of tablet

computer (PC)
functionality. Laptop,
netbook, tablet, iPad,
etc.

Funding

Benefits

Parent/Student

Choice of individual preference

Considerations

Student devices do not all have the same capabilities

Some devices can not do production and consumption
(input full sentences or perform creative tasks)
More work for network manager to manage the variety
of devices
Teachers and technology staff need to be familiar with
various models and programs
Buying power and bulk purchasing options are reduced
Not all programs/applications can be accessed across all
devices

Implementation: Option 5
Implementation

Choice of Technology

Funding

Bring any mobile device

Parent/Student
Bring your own
whatever connects that connects to the Internet.
Device can be recently
to the Internet.
purchased or a multi-year
old family laptop

Benefits
Choice of individual preference

Considerations
Student devices do not all have the same
capabilities
Some devices can not do production and
consumption (input full sentences or perform
creative tasks)
More work for network manager to manage the
variety of devices
Buying power and bulk purchasing options are
reduced
Teachers and technology staff need to be
familiar with various models and programs
Not all programs/applications can be accessed
across all devices
Wide variety of devices and device
functionality engenders considerable
complexity in the classroom

Choosing a Device
Smartphone

Apps-based Slate/Tablet

Laptop PC

Slate/Tablet PC with Pen

Supports typing of longer assignments. Multitask for complex

research and knowledge building

Supports fully functional software for CAD, Web and graphic

design
Supports programming and handwriting recognition for maths,
music, chemistry and Asian characteristics

Sample Capabilities
Internet Research
Voice, video and audio collaboration
Supports small amounts of typing
Video and audio capture and editing
Supports music composition, playing in , composing and so on

Note taking with digital pen, intuitive and natural remote

learning, fluent mind mapping, prototyping and complex verbal
thinking

Final Thoughts
Allowing students to bring their own devices into the classroom is the
first and easiest step to this new wave of mobile learning. Securing
networks from viruses, gaining more Internet access and training
teachers to handle the influx of devices within the school and
classroom becomes more difficult but relatively easy process. In order
to make a BYOD program successful, educators, administrators, and
other staff need to plan collaboratively, consult and communicate,
keep teaching and learning at the center of everything, provide
professional learning for teachers, have good policies in place, address
equity and include a focus on digital citizenship. (Stavert, 2013)

Conclusion
Schools need to be vigilant and protective of
the foundations of equity of access on which
all of our educations systems are firmly
founded. With this in mind, all stakeholdersteachers, parents, students and principals-need
to work through the tough decisions early to
drive home the best outcomes for all students
at all times. (Dixon & Tierney, 2012)

References
Bray, O.

(2013) BYOD A Practical Guide That Will Get You Thinking. Retrieved from
http://www.slideshare.net/Microsofteduk/byod-in-education-18688889
Cantalini-Williams, A., & Vitale, J. L. (2012). BlackBerries in the Classroom Mobilizing Teaching and Learning. Our
Schools/Our Selves 21(2). 57-61.
Dixon, B., & Tierney, S. (2012). Bring Your Own Device to School. Retrieved from Microsoft.com
Goundar, S. (2011). What is the Potential Impact of Using Mobile Devices in Education? [PDF document]. Retrieved from
http://www.globdev.org/files/Shanghai%20Proceedings/14%20REVISED%20Goundar%20Using%20Mobile%20Devices%20i
n%20Education%20-%20Final.pdf
Hartnell-Young, E., & Heym, N. (August 2008). Mobile Phones and Student Learning in Secondary Schools. Curriculum
Leadership 7(26). General format. Retrieved from http://
www.curriculum.edu.au/leader/mobile_phones_and_student_learning_in_secondary_sc,28526.html?issueID=12225
Murray, C. (2010). Mobile learning in the classroom. Agora, 45(1), 48-54. [PDF document]. Retrieved from
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11ZH_mnPU9yuEFI88vQigAIayAFzqOvIpj80nL-fyFvI/edit
DeWitt, P. (2012, August 26). Are Schools Prepared to Let Students BYOD? [Web log comment]. General format. Retrieved
from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2012/08/are_schools_prepared_to_let_students_byod.html
Stavert, B. (2013). Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in Schools. NSW Department of Education and Communities, 1-28.
Swan, K., Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., & Unger, D. (2005). Uses and Effect of Mobile Computing Devices in K-8 Classrooms.
Journal of Research on Technology in Education 38(1). 99-112.

Image References

http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3756757
http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2010/january/grid_012210/on-the-grid-computers-crunch-numbers-in-their-sleep
http://www.biznessapps.com/blog/tag/small-business-app-maker/
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/secure-edge-networks-blog/bid/86610/6-Ways-BYOD-Technology-in-the-Classroom-Affects-Students
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/secure-edge-networks-blog/bid/91045/Top-10-Benefits-of-BYOD-in-School-Wireless-Networks
http://www.shellypalmer.com/2013/03/the-sad-state-of-smartphones/
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/nov/28/nokia-blackberry-ban
http://www.slideshare.net/Microsofteduk/byod-in-education-18688889
http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/article_133eb4ab-27ea-5d32-a7ec-f231329069b0.html
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2011-10-02/calling-smartphones
http://www.thearticlescorner.com/innovative-smartphones-apps-a-smart-solution-for-busy-lives/smartphones/
http://www.redmondpie.com/microsoft-hp-slate-tablet-pc-confirmed-to-debut-at-ces-2010-9140322/
http://www.bbspot.com/reviews/toshiba-satellite-l655-s5078-laptop-pc-with-intel-core-i5
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/apple-unveils-ipad-tablet-computer/
http://photos.al.com/mobile-press-register/2013/03/byod_-_ bring_your_own_device_a.html
http://pinterest.com/pin/257479303668151744/
http://www.southingtonschools.org/page.cfm?p=9610
http://photos.al.com/mobile-press-register/2013/03/byod_-_ bring_your_own_device_a_14.html
http://photos.al.com/mobile-press-register/2013/03/byod_-_ bring_your_own_device_a_9.html
http://abvendramin.com/2012/01/16/byod /
http://www.scoop.it/t/bring-your-own-device-to-school/p/3193302962/high-tech-teaching-at-becker-middle-school-sherburne-county-citizen-becker-mn
http://pressnews.com/2012/08/30/a-h-asks-students-to-bring-your-own-device /
http://doddspartans.edublogs.org/2013/01/11/should-schools-accept-bring-your-own-device /
http://photos.al.com/mobile-press-register/2013/03/byod_-_ bring_your_own_device_a_5.html
http://photos.al.com/mobile-press-register/2013/03/byod_-_ bring_your_own_device_a_11.html