BYOD---Bring Your Own Device

"Bring Your Own Device" initiatives are relatively new in education, as ushering classrooms into 21th century is an expensive undertaking. As the budget cuts, school can not afford the money of purchasing iPod Touches, Kiddles and other devices.In this case, students are asking to bring their own device to school.Over the past years, BYOD or BYOT(Bring Your Own Technology) programs have been piloted in several states in the USA. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSXyfX8ABhA

During the initiative years, the use of classroom computers have been increased as students and teachers need the support of computers that small devices cannot afford.To address the security, district officials have set up a separate BODY network that is blocked from more secure areas. In most BODY pilot programs, students are suppose to sign some kinds of agreements to only use their devices during class time for specific tasks.

                 
Supporters argue that students are more involved and attained and well behaved when they are encouraged to use their own devices.However, this pilot program still meets its challenges. The first challenge is how to solve  equity issues of haves and have-nots. Even though students who do not have their devices can use the school computers, this can also cause the conflicts over symbols of affluence. And for students from those rural area or poverty schools will fall far behind, due to this program.  Next challenge is that not all teachers are technology experts, as students may meet some difficulties with their own technology, and teachers are the first one they can seek help from in class.In this case, teachers are suppose to know well about the devices students bring to school, which is impossible. Third one is how can school assure that students are using their technology for study rather than for entertainment, although they sign some agreements.

Reference:

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/10/29/how-to-make-byod-work-for-your-schools/2/

http://neatoday.org/2012/07/19/should-schools-embrace-bring-your-own-device/ 

http://education.alberta.ca/media/6749210/byod%20guide%20revised%202012-09-05.pdf

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/11/21/byod-transforms-teaching-shapes-christmas-lists/2/