When talking about BYOD we typically talk about how challenging it is for teachers to implement and solve the problems that they will encounter. We have also talked about the issues that students will face, like having more responsibility for their things. However, what we haven’t talked about is the challenges that parents will face as we ask them to embrace BYOD.
We are not only asking parents to pay for new devices that their students will want because “everyone is using them at school” but we will be asking them to become a deeper part of our community. That poses the question, “What tips should we suggest to parents to help them with some of the challenges that they will face with BYOD?”
There are several answers to this question that Griffin Technology has suggested in 7 Tips for Parents About BYOD - Bring Your Own Device.
Some of the main points that I thought were really important are:
1. BUY PROTECTION FOR YOUR DEVICE! This includes a case and a screen protector. Spend a little extra money to make sure you protect your investment. You can watch the video below to see some of the interesting ways a student can destroy their phone by accident or on purpose!
http://youtu.be/nmamCkqoQDc - How To Destroy An iPhone
2. BACK UP YOUR DEVICE! The great thing about the times that we live in is that there are many cloud based tools that you can use for free. This will help make sure that you don't loose your data. Examples of cloud based storage include but are not limited to Google Docs, Dropbox and iCloud.
3. TEACH THEM HOW TO USE A CALENDAR ON THEIR DEVICE! One of the things that is quickly becoming obsolete, is the agenda. We know students don't use them. However, we need to teach them how to use some sort of organizational tool, as they will have to later in life. Teaching them how to use a calendar on their device can benefit them by keeping them organized. It can also help you by having them share their calendar with you so that you know what they are doing and what they have due in class.
These are just three of many ways that parents can help their students with BYOD. Do you have any suggestions?
I think you provide an interesting point about BYOD and parents being a part of the discussion. I think if parents saw the value in their child having their own device for educational purposes, then they would be much more supportive of the technology. Regardless, I thought many of the points made in the article were sort of common sense. I do however see a benefit in including parents in the BYOD conversation.
ReplyDeleteI agree keeping parents in the loop...is very crucial. I think that they need to be aware of the policies and also the expectations just as much as their children. I love the idea of putting it out there early in the year and keep on it as staff/teachers so that students understand and are knowledgeable of what is agreed upon in their BYOD passport/contract.
DeleteParents are an interesting and often over-looked piece of the BYOD puzzle. The problem is many of the parents would benefit from some of the very education we teach our students. We have a more or less captive audience with our students but when the focus shifts to the parents, the learning becomes optional and and a whole new ballgame. To address this, I say we look at having students help individually teach their parents. I'm sure some of this goes on but perhaps education needs a more focused approach at this. An example, student goes home and shows their parent how to add a calendar to their phone - use the train the trainer (trainer being the students) model to bring education of technology into the home!
ReplyDeleteI know that our district was looking at doing something like this at some point. They were talking about having our eKIDS invite parents to come in and teach parents. The students would teach and work with parents on how to use different technologies that are out there and that we are using as a district. Hopefully this is something that will become a reality to help meet the need of educating our parents.
DeleteParents can play a critical role in BYOD by being responsible parents. I think that parents can reinforce acceptable use at home. They need to be somewhat technologically competent to do this though. They need to check social networking sites to make sure their child isn't using or abusing this during the school day. I would also say they need to have the usernames and passwords to any and all social networking sites and make sure their kids understand that this is a privilege and not a right. I also believe that if kids are not using it appropriately, parents should take that right away. I also think that parents should spend time speaking with their kids about how they are using their devices in class and discuss the ways they are using it for instructional benefit. If they can't tell them or show them, then maybe they shouldn't have it during the school day. I think this would encourage kids to not only use the device, but use it the right way.
ReplyDeleteJay, I don't know that I agree with you that parents should have access to their student's usernames/passwords. I guess I agree with you to a point, but there has to come a time where the parent has to trust the student to make good, responsible decisions. When kids get their drivers license, mom and dad usually don't ride in the back seat with them Friday nights until they go to college - they have to trust that the kid is going where they say they are going/doing. Of course each student will be different with this!
DeleteI think our parent piece of BYOD needs to be addressed. Communication about adding BYOD has been through my syllabus at the beginning of the semester and emails from parents that wanted more details and/or evidence for their child to have permission. I have had to write several pen/paper notes giving specific permission for certain students for various reasons (most popular is when student is on tight 'leash' if you will, as stated by a parent due to a trust issue. Unfortunately, a piece of the parent piece that I thnk we need to assist in approving on is the comfort/confidence in their own use of technology so that they can do several things to assist us and their child/students to be more successful with the BYOD implementation: 1. Acceptable use, 2. Appropriate use, 3. Responsible use, 4. Green/Red zones, 5. Abuse of privilege in/out of school, 6. Safety (should all go see a speaker about social networking/media with students - just had at BMS for parents), 7. Use of technology as an Educational Tool, 8. Guidelines (limits and contract that states they understand these guidelines and consequences when this is not done correctly. It is so important that all 3 stakeholders= staff, students and parents are on the same page and agree that the pros outweigh the cons and all are on board with the details/agreement that will promote all to be successful. Many parents have voiced a huge concern with the safety issue (theft while at/on way to & from school)... Many of our students carry their devices (phones) on them....which brings us to another topic of needing attention, we need to transition our previous discipline procedures to accommodate our newly added BYOD plan. All teachers, students and parents need to be aware early of the appropriate times for this acceptable use and that there are consequences of when this is not followed (needs to be agreed on by all involved and made note of).
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your concerns. The concern of theft is definitely prevalent with parents (and rightfully so). Do we have a district action plan for stolen devices? I'm assuming we handle them as we do with any other theft issue, but I'm sure parents would like the question answered of "what happens of someone steals my child's ipod"? Also, I wonder if there are insurance options out there (that cover theft) to help ease the minds of parents/teachers/students?
DeleteJeanna, if we all had a classroom management and building management plan it would be perfect! Safety is an issue, however, it requires strict adherence to policy and best practices. I still think that teaching children how to be responsible, and holding them to those expectations- that there are consequences to actions (not punishment, but failure and loss).
DeleteJeanna, It is important to engage all stakeholders when incorporating BYOD. By being upfront with parents and students, expectations are clear. In addition, giving students ownership in the rules and acceptable use will help management.
DeleteYou made some very valid points, Dion. The major piece of the puzzle that we have been missing in our discussions are the parents, which in all honesty should be the first ones we have a conversation with regarding BYOD! You mentioned in your post a recommendation regarding protection plans and devices. I want to say that Datacom offers a service like this. It would be GREAT to get more information regarding their plans (if it exists) so we could spread the word with parents, students, and teachers! It would be really nice for parents if Oak Hills could organize a BYOD informational session regarding the benefits, safety, and purchasing options for BYOD!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of seeing if Datacom does offer some kind of insurance or even support for devices purchased by the parents. I know that they do sell laptops at a reduced price but it would be great if they would sell iPod, iPads, and android devices with support that parents could purchase. I know that when I buy a device I like to purchase a warranty and technical support service just in case I get stuck on something that I can't fix. With our district moving to fully adopt BYOD, I think it would be a great idea to have night where we go over all this information and possibly bring in vendors that offer warranties or support if Datacom doesn't already offer this service.
DeleteDion,
ReplyDeleteGreat job using interactive qr codes on blog, succinct, solid. We are in an age where technology can help us, and it is up to parents/teachers to teach responsibility, both fiscally and educationally. Students can use their devices in such a positive way, aside from texting and instagramming. Calendars, updates and reminders can be such a wonderful way to help organize a student, and create strong professional habits. Moreover, being responsible for your device, its security, its safety and understanding the monetary responsibility with that is critical.