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4 Pros and Cons Of BYOD in Education – Important Things You Should Know

Rather than purchasing computers that schools can’t afford, BYOD encourages students to bring their own smartphone or tablet devices to class.

School IT staff, whose job it is to secure and set up the network, face several potential challenges with the practice, even if it promises to save the schools money and promote the widespread adoption of technology within the classroom.

If your school is considering BYOD, here are a few pros and cons you should consider.

Pros of BYOD 

The Latest Technology

Devices owned by companies may not be regularly updated. Confidential data may be at risk when security updates are ignored.

When you use your own device, you are more likely to install the latest updates.

A company might also not be able to afford to purchase or maintain devices for all employees to stay current with the latest technology. However, students are more likely to upgrade their own devices.

When these devices are used for education, they’ll more likely last longer, work faster, and have fewer software glitches. 

Collaborative Learning

Working in groups has been shown to greatly increase individual performance. Although many organizations worry that students might be distracted by their own devices, when used for higher education purposes, students and teachers can actually collaborate more effectively. By bringing students’ technology habits into the classroom, they are able to communicate and collaborate in a way that is most natural to them.

Students will find it easier to ask questions about homework, lectures, or coursework if a tutor or teacher can be easily reached via an education app or network.

Students Use Familiar Devices More Often

With the help of school-approved apps, students can take a more active approach to their learning through things they are familiar with. 

Learning to use devices requires practice, but BYOD provides teachers with valuable classroom time they would otherwise have to spend explaining educational platform interfaces. 

Students are eager to use their own devices for education if the technology is available to them. Furthermore, since they’re responsible for damage to their own devices, they are more likely to take care of them.

Enhances Learning on the Go

Outside the classroom, students are more often than not, constantly on their phones. In the case of BYOD, the idea leverages the advantage of leisure time spent after academic hours. 

Through the use of educational applications, mobile devices can become a learning tool.

They can also access educational materials provided by professionals located all over the world, which can help them expand their knowledge base.

Cons of BYOD 

Security Risks

As students bring their devices from home to school, the risk of loss or theft significantly increases when they use their own devices for education.

It’s common for data breaches to occur while a device has been lost or misplaced. 

Additionally, if the device is connected to the school’s network, children could download potentially harmful apps and software, which could endanger the entire system, including confidential data.

Promotes Inequality

Fair access to technology isn’t solved by implementing BYOD policies. In fact, the digital divide tends to exacerbate the problem. There may be students who do not have a personal device or whose personal device is not up-to-date.

If disadvantaged students have limited access to the internet or no access to phones or tablets, students may need complete assignments after hours. This may create an even greater digital divide. 

Distraction

The concerns parents have about mobile devices aren’t misguided. Whenever a student uses his or her own device, it is more likely that they will get distracted. These devices are equipped with games, apps, as well as social media platforms, etc. 

Students will have to display major self-discipline to stay off their favorite platforms. 

Educational organizations will have to come up with ways to limit student access to their device interface, especially if the children are young.  

Legal Concerns

BYOD systems may be fraught with security, and privacy concerns. 

Many students and teachers might not understand how to use personal devices in the classroom.

This is an important consideration when implementing a bring-your-own-device policy. There are certain issues, such as how to access, share, and delete corporate data, that need to be clarified before and during the implementation of BYOD in the classroom. 

Despite shrinking budgets, educators remain on the lookout for new ways to integrate technology into the classroom. There are few ideas gaining traction as rapidly as Bring Your Own Device.

While it seems like a perfect cost-effective idea for schools, and student engagement, the practice of BYOD could leave some students by the wayside.