Technology doesn't need to be involved if a teacher is already flourishing without any device in the classroom. Standardizing a device across an entire school pushes the feeling of an "add-on" and must be used consistently and effectively. Many times that usage is contrived and misses the purpose of the classroom. In short, it becomes technology for technology's sake. In higher education, professors don't contrive technology use, and students can choose whether or not to use a device. The focus is less about the devices and more about the best tool on the menu for learning.
Greg O'Connor on 22 Aug 12Have you wondered how to develop digital literacy in students? Have you wondered how to encourage self-directed learners? How to develop deep research skills? Of course this is all possible without technology, but why would you teach students skills without using the tools that they will need as soon as they leave school? (and which they are In simple terms a BYOD program is any policy within a school which allows students to bring in their own devices and connect to any combination of the school network or the internet. Schools might make a BYOD program voluntary or compulsory, but the key policy decision is to allow students to choose the device which suits them best. Some students prefer Windows machines, other prefer Apple, some students like the fast response of a tablet. Many school which implement a BYOD program soon find that students are working on not one device but many.
