Join me as I celebrate the launch of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected! Enter to win a Nabi 2 Tablet and a digital copy of my book. Enter daily if you like! Go to the Rafflecopter link at the end of this post.
Does your child’s elementary school use “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) parties as a reward for students? Considering how much kids love to interact with technology, you can see why this would be a valuable incentive for students.
According to a survey conducted by Bradford Networks, 44% of schools allow kids to bring their own devices into school. Most kids these days have access to some sort of electronic device, but parents differ on when and where they would like their kids to use these devices.
Then there is the digital divide to consider. Some students may not have access to a device or may have older technology compared to kids whose parents can afford to send them to school with a more state-of-the-art device.
Parents also wonder who is controlling what the kids are doing and seeing on the devices if they are being used for something other than learning, such as during indoor recess.
On the other hand, when teachers are able to integrate a child’s favorite handheld device into a lesson plan, kids can grow more engaged in the learning process.
What is your opinion? Do you think there are advantages to BYOD parties at school? What are the drawbacks?
It seems like a good idea, but could create hard feelings if some kids didn’t have the coolest devices. I guess it would depend on how the teacher handles it. Great question!
Yes, Leah, I think you make good points. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I am not fond of the BYOD incentives. We just received a permission slip for BYOD at my son’s school, and he doesn’t even own a tablet! I’m all for interactive, social learning environments; and good, old-fashioned pencil and paper learning. Using a tablet at school invites kids to open applications that do not promote interaction with their peers, nor provide educational opportunities. Keep tablets at home.
Angie, you share many of the same concerns I’ve heard from other parents. Thanks for weighing in!