In a BYOD classroom one inherent challenge is the fact that not all devices can perform the same task as others. For example, some students may have devices that have no problem playing HD video, while some can only play lower resolution video, and then some still have problems playing video at all. Although these are legitimate concerns that are challenging in the BYOD school, there is a major advantage to having a diverse collection of devices in our classes. When we look at digital diversity as a strength rather than a weakness we see that the varying functions of different devices can augment each other to provide a more capable whole.
In addition to learning how to operate in digitally diverse world, we can teach our students to work collaboratively and pool their devices together to create a digital toolbox that utilizes strengths and minimizes weaknesses. For instance, when working in a small group to create a science experiment the device with the highest camera resolution can be used for the visual documentation, the device with the bluetooth keyboard can be used to create the textual analysis, and the device with the higher processing capabilities can be used to bring all their findings together into an interactive student published website. While device differences can definitely be challenging it can also provide major advantages, thus our attitude towards digital diversity will be a major determining factor of how well we implement BYOD into our classes.
Wil Codilla is a public school teacher, designer, and speaker. @WilCodilla
In addition to learning how to operate in digitally diverse world, we can teach our students to work collaboratively and pool their devices together to create a digital toolbox that utilizes strengths and minimizes weaknesses. For instance, when working in a small group to create a science experiment the device with the highest camera resolution can be used for the visual documentation, the device with the bluetooth keyboard can be used to create the textual analysis, and the device with the higher processing capabilities can be used to bring all their findings together into an interactive student published website. While device differences can definitely be challenging it can also provide major advantages, thus our attitude towards digital diversity will be a major determining factor of how well we implement BYOD into our classes.
Wil Codilla is a public school teacher, designer, and speaker. @WilCodilla