BYOD: Bring your own device to class (without chaos)

BYOD: Bring your own device to class (without chaos)

There was a time tech was not allowed in the classrooms, and then institutions started providing laptops for the students. Why buy every student a laptop or clicker when they can use the technology they already have: their smartphones/tablets?

BYOD (bring your own device) in the classroom can enhance learning while saving your school and/or your students money. However, many schools are skeptical: “if students bring their phones to class, won’t they get distracted easily?” Many ask. Here are a few implementation tips to make the most out of BYOD edtech:

1. Pick a flexible platform – make sure your classroom software accommodates a wide variety of question types. Can teachers ask multiple choice and short answer questions? How about answer on a likert scale or post a one-word answer? Can a science class post their data? If so, you’ve got a great platform, like nClass.
2. Make sure it reduces cheating – Pick a BYOD platform that offers sign in codes or other instructor controlled authentication mechanism. Between the necessity of keeping your phone with you and a unique code provided to attendees in the room? This prevents students from signing their friends in during attendance.
3. Keep prices low for students – While BYOD platforms already save students’ money by avoiding redundant hardware, think about the price per student. Does the price make sense for a single semester or is it only a deal if students use it in more than one class. nClass with its competitive pricing, saves no matter what.
4. Set rules early – Will you use a carrot or a stick to avoid distraction? No matter if the technology is pencil and paper, laptops or cellphones, students will get distracted. However, a BYOD platform that keeps track of virtual class participation will increase participation and ease grading without alienating introverted students. Expand and grade participation policies and you will reduce distraction.

Do you have any BYOD implementation tips? Let us know in the comments.