Using BYOD to Transform

Anusasananan, Chalida

IL

Schwartz, K. (2014, January 7). How BYOD programs can fuel inquiry learning. 
     Retrieved March 7, 2014, from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/01/      how-byod-programs-can-fuel-inquiry-learning/ 

Schwartz discusses the learning transformations that can occur with a BYOD (bring your own device) program in schools.  An example is having students respond to a film shown in class with an app called Back-Channeling or Socratic.  With devices, students can be in a constant state of inquiry and find many answers and new questions to fuel their big question.  Schwartz adds that students should be allowed to explore apps and share strong learning apps with teachers.  Teachers should not impose a set list or number of apps.  Schools also need to be aware that not all students have personal devices; to compensate schools should purchase laptops and house them so that a student without this technology could borrow resources.  The varied technology, ipads, laptops, mobile phones, will facilitate students working together.  Technology should allow students to learn in transformative ways, ways they couldn't learn without technology.

As a new teacher librarian and former high school English teacher, I am scared about mobile devices in the library.  I do believe technology can transform learning, but I fear that technology can also distract from learning and I wonder how we get students to stay on task with technology and see its benefits.