Bring your own device
BYOD is a relatively new concept that removes the need for organisations to provide technology to access learning, as the learner uses their own. Using their own devices gives learners the choice of what to use and how. They may have devices with personalised accessibility packages installed. They have a system they already know how to work and is, perhaps, more up-to-date than the learning provider can provide. They may feel more in control of their learning, being able to access resources anywhere and anytime.
Learning providers are adopting the use of mobile devices, from using geocaching for inductions and team building to using mobile phones for assessment. However, the idea of learners using their own devices within the classroom is still in its infancy. Colin Fallows, head of physics, computing and design at Scarborough Sixth Form College, encourages his learners to use their own mobile phones in class to answer questions. He says all his learners have internet-enabled phones. Rather than being a distraction, he says, learners are more engaged with the topic as a result of having their mobile phone with them. They take more responsibility for their learning, actively pursuing information instead of passively receiving it.
“It’s about being able to search for information and fill in details quickly. I ask them what is the mass of the moon and it is a race to see who can find the information first. It’s a speed game. You lose all momentum if you ask them to go to a computer, log on and try and find the information. It gives a real immediacy in a way that nothing else does and it makes a difference in their engagement.”
But are learners distracted by their phone in class? Colin says he deals with classroom management issues in his own way.
Colin Fallows
Head of Physics, Computing and Design at Scarborough Sixth Form College
Utilising BYOD helps with safeguarding and the teaching of digital literacy. In Colin’s example, finding answers online raises issues of referencing and reliability of information that he can then explore with his learners, as sometimes his learners find different answers. It provides a more real-world experience for the learner, teaching skills that will benefit them after they have left the learning provider.
Colin concedes there are some issues of status around who has the most up to date phone but he doesn’t believe that is a reason to not use it.
“Am I going to stop someone using a laptop to make notes because others use pen and paper? The person using paper is doing it in a different way. You just have to find ways round it. None have refused to use their phones. The College provides wifi but I find most learners use their own connectivity. It’s a refreshing, invigorating approach.”
There are some issues that each learning provider will have to resolve when pursuing a BYOD policy. Jisc InfoNet’s Mobile Learning infoKit will guide you through the stages needed to incorporate mobile learning into your organisation’s strategy, including helping you work out the cost benefit of a mobile learning strategy. As learners bring their own devices, your organisation may be able to save costs on the provision of desktop computers and divert some savings to the provision of technical support to students. Jisc can also provide advice on more technical issues, including accessing information regardless of platform or browser, and legal issues around privacy and security. The Jisc TechDis Upwardly Mobile toolkit uses the experience and expertise of practitioners to advise on the use of mobile inclusive learning.
If you are interested in pursuing BYOD further and want to know more about the benefits and potential pitfalls, please get in touch with your local Jisc Regional Support Centre. Their team of advisors will be able to provide examples of what could work in your organisation and put you in touch with others that are trying out new ideas.
How's BYOD (Bring your own device) working for your college?
