I have been using portable devices (laptops, iPads, etc) on a regular basis in my classroom for the past 10 years or so. Even though I teach what are typically very hands-on Agriscience and Biotechnology courses, the content I can bring into the classroom through the internet is difficult to beat. Recently however, with BYOD, I have found a whole host of new ways to use these various devices to improve my teaching (and ultimately student learning). I love the sense of competition that sites like Kahoot encourage and the back to basics simple memorization that Quizlet allows before students quiz themselves and race the clock. The two things I appreciate the most about BYOD at this point in the game however are quite simple. Recently I was at a workshop and left a lesson for one class to work on developing "research posters" as a review of a unit we had just finished up. Basically I had them working in small groups to create a 1-slide Google Slides presentation. While in my own workshop I was able to monitor and provide feedback to my students as they worked. Also even though it was a group assignment I was able to see what each group member had contributed to the final product. The second thing I appreciate the most is how students are able to take pictures of notes, worksheets, and activities for their own use later. Just last week one of my classes was working on gathering examples of different applications of biotechnology. Typically this is an assignment where I have them move from space to space to get the information but several students asked if they could take pictures of the information and copy it into their notes on their own. Often at the end of class, students will ask to take a picture of my class notes or an assignment.
While I am just in the beginning stages of truly integrating BYOD into my classroom I am looking forward to a campus-wide roll-out next year.
S. Robison
While I am just in the beginning stages of truly integrating BYOD into my classroom I am looking forward to a campus-wide roll-out next year.
S. Robison