A number of schools are considering variations on a BYOD model. The publications listed below contain some useful information.
This BYOD discussion paper is published by DELL Australia BYOD DELL
This discussion paper is published by Bruce Dixon from Ideas Lab and Sean Tierney from Microsoft BYOD_Dixon_Tierney
A comprehensive literature review published by NSW DET outlines models of BYOD as well the case for and against. The paper also looks into studies around the use of 1 to 1 devices in schools.litrev_2013_final_2
Some models and options to consider are listed below.
PC/Mac Computer labs
Benefits
· Teachers know capability of device
· Monitoring student use and enforcing policy
· Ease of planning and teaching
· Ease of technical trouble shouting
· Charging stations are standardized
Challenges
· School owned/lease costs
· Timetabling teachers in the lab
· Monitoring and Tracking damage
· Saving student work
· Class configuration based on lab set-up
Class sets/COWs (computers on wheels)
Benefits
· Schools can monitor licensing and programs provided
· Equity of access among students
· Enforcement of appropriate use
· Minimalized distraction of personally owned device
· Teachers can plan activities based on device capabilities
Challenges
· Financial cost to school
· Battery life Teacher/class Booking process
· Management of network/damage
· Weight/movement of cart
· Set up and pack class time required
Standard portable student device (Netbook Program)
Benefits
· Device has same software capabilities and printing functionality
· Value in buying power
· Simplifies servicing/maintenance arrangements
· Teacher understanding of device capabilities
· Cost shifts away from schools (co-contribution)
Challenges
· Community meetings
· Implementing co-contribution scheme
· Recording and tracking history of device
· Maintenance, Warranty and reimaging process
· Consistency of use for learning and teaching
Multi-platform/specific brand or models
Benefits
· Devices have identified specifications
· Cost shifts away from schools (lease with 3rd party vendor)
· Parents/Students have a choice
· Reduced damage maintenance of devices by school technician
· Schools can manage software licences
Challenges
· Technical network support for multiple devices
· Buying power is diminished
· Teachers need to understand multiple devices
· Not all programs are available on multiple devices
· Community education on strength/weaknesses of different devices
Any device with specified minimum specifications (specific versions of operating systems, storage space requirements and internet ready)
Benefits
· Student/parent pay for cost of device & damage repair
· More students and parents have significant choice in device
· Increased ownership of the device/less damage
· Decrease storage required at school
· Seamless transition of 24/7 access between home and school
Challenges
· Teachers ability to tailor curriculum to device (lowest capability)
· Community device consultation with students/parents
· Increased challenges on network demands
· Decrease buying power (both software and hardware)
· Policy and equity considerations
Bring any device that connects to Internet
Benefits
· Significant Reduction in Financial pressures to purchase devices
· Students/Parents have more authority in device for personal learning
· 24/7access to learning with device integral to student lives
· Cloud access to educational programs/storage beyond school server
· Aligned to Uni and workplace patterns
Challenges
· Ensuring no student is disadvantages/equity maintained
· Teachers ability to determine multiple device capabilities
· ICT specialists to manage significant demands on network
· Implementing collaborative activities and personalised instruction
· Monitoring inappropriate use and enforcing school policies