In the case of a BYOD program, there will always be discrepancies about whether or not a BYOD program is worth the investment. Although, the argument can be made that today`s society is changing and adapting to the technologies that are available and so the education system should adapt as well. The question is not whether we want this technology and media enriched environment; it is the environment that is already here. The question then becomes, how do we best utilize these technologies to benefit students for the future world they will inherit (Jacobsen, Friesen, & Saar, 2010).
Pros of BYOD
1.) Students are already familiar and comfortable using their own technology so they can focus on actually learning with them rather than learning how to use the device.
2.) Students’ personal mobile devices tend to be more cutting-edge, so schools can more easily stay up-to-date with technology.
3.) Students are more likely to have remembered their beloved mobile devices than textbooks or notes.
4.) It’s a cost-effective way to save schools money on technology.
5.) With BYOD students are more likely to continue learning outside of the schools hours.
6.) When students use their own devices, they take care of their own ‘training.’
7.) Students will be more organized with all their notes and assignments all in one place.
8.) Gives the students limitless access to information and resources.
9.) BYOD allows student & teacher to swap roles.
10.) Teachers can use certain apps to be more connected with students and parents than ever before.
11.) Students love technology so BYOD engages students and creates enthusiasm and excitement about learning.
12.) If students bring their own devices to school, schools can concentrate funding on the students who need it, maybe providing a device leasing program.
13.) BYOD allows more opportunities for more personalized learning where students can excel at their own pace.
14.) Students take control of ensuring that their device is working, instilling a sense of responsibility.
15.) BYOD offers a way of delivering ebooks.
16.) There are loads of cool and exciting educational apps to get students excited about learning.
17.) The majority of students and adults already own the devices necessary for BYOD.
18.) Students can use the device they have chosen to complete their tasks so they are more likely to do them.
19.) BYOD can be used as a privilege to encourage students to stay on task.
Cons of BYOD
1.) All these mobile devices can overload your wireless network.
2.) It possibly opens up the opportunity for cheating.
3.) Technology may become a status symbol for students causing the divide between those who can afford and cannot afford devices.
4.) Parents may not be happy with the idea of paying for mobile devices for use in school.
5.) Students may be more easily distracted while working on their own mobile devices.
6.) Students might forget to charge their devices.
7.) Students bringing in their own devices to school may increase the possibility of theft.
8.) Students may not be able to afford these devices.
9.) What if a student brings a virus from home onto the school wireless network?
10.) It can be more challenging for an IT department to manage the bandwidth required to ensure all devices are connected and running smoothly.
11.) Students forget to bring their mobile devices.
12.) Applications may not be universal across all platforms.
13.) Your wireless network infrastructure may need to be addressed before implementation.
14.) Just like some of the parents, some of the students may not to mix in school work on their personal mobile devices.
15.) Some teacher may resist teaching with technology.
Click here to see how the pros and cons relate to Digital Citizenship.