BYOD
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) takes several forms; some schools will require each student to be armed with a device and others will make it optional. In general the use of technology can be a powerful tool but it is very important that the teacher remain vigilant for any warning signs that potential limitations are having negative effects on students. Finding the right balance between traditional teaching methods and the use of technology is also of utmost importance.
Positives
- Connects students with information - Increases digital citizenship - Easy to track student work (Google docs, One Note) - Can help students with communication problems to communicate more easily - Easy sharing of Data - Gives students the feeling of ownership or control over their own work |
Limitations
- Huge distraction - Potential limitation of critical thinking (students will immediately check google for an answer rather than try and figure one out) - Dangers of Social Media (Bullying, viewing harmful content, etc) |
Resistance to Change
From what I saw there was a small number of students and staff that resisted the use of technology for one reason or another. Generally it was either because they found it too complicated, they could not afford the necessary device to work at the required level (students trying to make do with cellphones instead of laptops of tablets) or because they just generally did not like using it.
Ways to help combat resistance to use of technology
- Scaffolded use of technology to help users engage in its use at their own pace.
- Integration of old and new (eg, take pictures of students bookwork and upload it for grading).
- Training users on technology so they are confident in its use.
- Using school resources to equip students who are not correctly equipped.
Ways to help combat resistance to use of technology
- Scaffolded use of technology to help users engage in its use at their own pace.
- Integration of old and new (eg, take pictures of students bookwork and upload it for grading).
- Training users on technology so they are confident in its use.
- Using school resources to equip students who are not correctly equipped.
Online resources as source of instruction
Using online resources such as onenote, google docs, websites of Moodle can be great. But without concise instruction students may not get the whole message r may become confused. However if you are too descriptive in your instruction then the instruction can become lost in excessive text. This year I have encountered both of these circumstances both as a student and as a teacher. The way past this seems to be to use a combination of clear person to person instructions as well as the electronic resource. That way questions and clarifications can be made and the student has the best chance of understanding what is needed.
Positives
- Students can access information from anywhere - Students can check assignment requirements anytime - Reduces need for paper (students consistently lose paper) - A rubric can be disseminated to increase student ability to achieve outcomes. |
Limitations
- Instructions can be unclear - Attempts to add clarity can cloud instruction and cause further confusion - Confusing instruction can lead to lack of respect and trust of teachers ability and a decline in work levels |