Why BYOD?

I have many reasons why schools should embrace BYOD,  here are few:

• Cost Effectiveness:  Schools just can't afford to continuously purchase the newest, latest, and greatest technology.  All schools have budgetary concerns and maintaining technology can be very costly.  If schools allow students to bring their own devices less money needs to be allocated to technology.  Instead of purchasing 1:1 devices or even having multiple computer labs, schools will only need to provide devices for those students who do not have one to bring to school. 
• Improvement in Student Learning Opportunities: Students learn differently today than they have in the past.  Teachers who embrace students interest in mobile devices and social media will not only connect better with their students, but will also provide more learning opportunities.  Student opportunities will increase through more resources available to do projects and research, and also through problem solving.  Teachers cannot be expected to troubleshoot all technology problems and students (who are already tech savvy) can help one another to solve technology problems and fix issues or suggest other programs to use as problems occur.  
• Student Motivation:  Let's face it, students get excited when we use technology in our classrooms!  Not only do my students get more excited, but they remember the material better.  They grew up learning in this fashion - through games, interactive sites, videos, etc. What better way to motivate and inspire students than to get them using technology and creating material on their own. 
• Its the future:  Some schools may be resistant now but if they do not embrace BYOD they will be behind the game in years to come.  BYOD provides a hybrid learning experience, one where the students can work and create material on their devices as well as doing traditional paper and pencil work.  As Scott Meech explains in his article The Future of Ed Tech is" Bring Your Own Device"...BYOD,  "While BYOD is far too radical for many school districts at this time, it is inevitable that this is the future.  the sooner districts embrace this future and begin to plan for it, the more effective this transition will be."