BYOD: Bring Your Own Device

Reference: Strom, D. Why BYOD Isn’t a Trend. ReadWrite Web. December 5, 2011

While I can understand IT perspectives about “bringing your own device” as it relates to infrastructure support and security issues, I do have to wonder if resistance to the idea has much to do with the uneasiness of students permissibly having mobile devices in sight. On the surface, I can also understand this uneasiness but at the same time engaging students in the classroom with devices they use outside of class is not a bad idea or an impossible idea. Notice I said “engaging” because I do believe if students are not actively engaged in using mobile devices for instruction, then of course there is potential for misconduct. I think with anything however, there will always be that select group who will deviate from the intended purpose. Yes, misuse must be taking into account but it can still be a teachable moment for students because in the real-world there are consequences such as write-ups, suspension, and or termination when employees go against policy. And yes, there’s the potential for theft but is that not happening already anyway? Some teachers at my school are even disturbed with students having a Kindle in sight. In contrast, I ho no problem with it because students are still reading just in a non-traditional way. What are your thoughts on the “bring your own device” notion?