BYOT
is an emerging trend in which encourages to bring personal mobile technology
like smartphones, tablet devices and laptops. This has been leveraged in
education too where several schools has encouraged the students to get their
own mobile devices.
The
merits of giving a mobile device to a student have always been an arguable
topic. Our initial concerns and thoughts regarding this are basically framed by
our own experiences and perceptions. It is also based a lot upon how we
personally use the technology.
Different
research has been carried out arguing whether giving the mobile device has
really helped the students learn. One of the research revealed that students
perform better on standardized tests if the school does not follow the BYOT
approach and has banned use of mobile devices. The research claims that the
improved performance is due to the lack of distractions that were caused due to
mobile devices.
It’s not a good idea to argue with the research but being a
technology freak, several questions arise in my mind regarding the banning of
mobile devices in school.
After
I went through this article and research, I was thinking why the school is
placing so much importance on the standardized tests when the student expects
knowledge in the growing and developing world than giving tests and worrying
about grades. Being a student, I understand that in education, a
continuous effort is made to find the right assessment that will tell whether
or not a student is mastering the appropriate content and skills.
In
the globally connected workforce, at some point of time we all face with
challenges on the job to be creative, communicate well, and think critically. Thus,
I still believe that in the conceptual age a student’s learning and skills
assessment should not only be assessed by a standardized test. In today’s world
there is a need to generate new ideas for solving problems and come up with
innovations.
I
believe, BYOT programs increases the digital divide that earlier one-to-one
initiatives were meant to narrow. Students who need to borrow a device from the
school should be able to do so without facing any kind of stigma. BYOT in
classroom has helped students to come closer to technology and leverage it to
come up with new and innovative ideas.
BYOT
broadens the learning of students beyond the traditional classrooms and
prepares students for the continually growing workplace.
Further Reading -
1. The Next Revolution in School Tech
2. All about BYOD
3. Should School Embrace "Bring Your Own Device" ?
4. School move towards BYOD Policies
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