In chapters 3 and 4 the subjects of wireless mobile devices and mulitasking are discussed. How do you feel about BYOD (bring your own device) in the classroom and can you think of a way it can be integrated to allow for some multitasking on the part of the students as a way of "keeping" their attention?
Personally as a media specialist and basically the tech coordinator for my school I love the idea of BYOD. I think it's cost effective and fun for the kids because they get to use a device they are familiar with. My principal has expressed concerns about "fairness" when it comes to BYOD -- he doesn't want anyone to feel that their students are getting less of an education because they don't allow, or can't afford, a mobile device like a smartphone for their children. With that aside, after reading these chapters, I can see the benefit of even allowing students to chat with each other via text while doing a worksheet or seat work. I think it would lend itself to peer to peer help. I've always found that sometimes there are kids who learn better from other kids, so this would be very helpful for that type of student.
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ReplyDeleteI do not think that BYOD is a good idea. I feel that middle school and high school students are not mature enough to use their cell phones in a class setting. I think it will lead to more problems than solutions. The students will find it easier to cheat because the it will be harder for the teacher to monitior everyones cell phones. I think this would distract the students because they will be texting, social networking, and playing games. If the students want peer on peer help the teacher should set aside some classroom time for this. When reading about these chapters I find that the author uses ideal students and situations. In reality this concept will not work because students will abuse the privilage.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of BYOD is very interesting. I think that with many new ideas about technology in the classrooms, it comes with some positives and negatives. I honestly think that this idea would not work that well in many classrooms. That is because many students will abuse the privilege and do things on their phone or other device that the teacher is unaware of. They can pretend to be doing something for class, but actually surfing the web. Also, this brings about the problem of censoring what they have access too. When you use a school’s computer they can block certain websites, but if they are using their own devices they can get a hold on about anything they want too. I do see the point that the students will be using a device that they are familiar with, and the students in classrooms today know how to best use their own devices. I understand that bringing their own devices and simply using technological devices in the classroom can allow students to multitask. I think one way that it can be integrated into the classroom to allow students to multitask and “keep their attention” is in different lesson plans. For example, in a languor arts lesson they could use their own devices to create a presentation about a book they read while looking up information about the author and other aspects about the book. Also, at the same time doing this they would be able to open up a new tab on the internet (if using a I Pad or something) and use an online dictionary to find the meanings of their vocabulary words and how to properly use those words in sentence. Than they could use those examples and get creative on how to use their vocabulary words into their book presentation.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I see how the school will be saving money since every student would have their own device, but then it also brings the issue if everyone has access to the same device. I think for this BYOD program to be successful in school districts, a lot of time would have to be put forth. The school and teachers would have to find ways to monitor every student’s activity, which is nearly impossible. Also, they have to figure out how they would accommodate the students who don’t have the same devices. Personally, even though I do see some positives with the BYOD idea I think the negatives outweigh the positives and I would not encourage it in my class. I would prefer that if the school has the means than they would provide the technology that the students would be using in that classroom.
I think some students will take advantage of BYOD in the classroom. A lot of the students will think it is cool and fun and would love to integrate their own devices into instruction; however there will alway be those few students that will take advantage of the fact and be focusing more on Facebook and their personal emails rather than what they should actually be doing. In our previous post, I posted my opinion on multitasking which I believe is possible and great for students to do. However, what about the students that are not able to multitask? Is allowing them to use their own devices in school appropriate? Also, for the students who cannot afford their own devices, is it fair for them to be forced to learn without them while other students are using them for their advantage? I think BYOD to the classroom is unfair and will cause issues in the classroom. Most students are going to care more about who has the most updated piece of technology instead of the real purpose of using it. I think it would be great if the school districts can create a budget where iPads and such do exist so every student can use one whether then can afford it or not. I also agree with Christine's post; the students having their own devices in the classroom, they will be able to access any websites or information they would like without the teacher having any control over it. I think this approach only calls for bad behavior and misinterpretation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and this may start some trouble with the students. They may say look at so and so they can't afford to by a device. So, it may be a good idea for the instructor to have a few on hand.
DeleteI understand that most students constantly have their WMDs at their fingertips and they are a generation of multitaskers. I would tend to side with Tarah’s Principal, that not all children have one of these devices. I would instead, push for a wireless classroom. Ipads or laptops. They enter the classroom and log out an iPod. This encourages the “good” interruptions while providing a level playing field for the class. After reading these two chapters, I realize that some “interruptions’ are good, they provide for possible collaboration and it exercises their need for multitasking. I do feel however this still needs to be focused, toward a common goal.
ReplyDeleteOk so I agree and disagree with this. I do think that the student will multitask which is good, but if its there own device then they have a lot of control over how they multitask. I think they will not pay attention in class do to the different things on there device. If you had them a device you know whats on it and may be able to keep them listening to you a little more due to you as the instructor can say what can be put on the device.
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