B.Y.O.D. (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE)

 by Katherine McDonald

image: adobestock.com

What is BYOD? Well, "the concept of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is the idea that an individual makes use of their personally-owned technological device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) in a workplace or educational setting, rather than using an institution-owned device, to perform work or education related tasks." (Clark,et al, 2021) Essentially, bring your personal device of choice to school for learning purposes and for completing coursework.

My thoughts on this sentiment are primarily for, bringing your own device into the classroom. There are many pluses to BYOD for a classroom setting, such as; saving the school money, access to the internet for both teachers and students, permission to have their personal device with them and the opportunity to teach digital literacy. As far as saving money, school funding can be allocated elsewhere if the budget is not being spent on new devices, app updates, repair and troubleshooting. Students are taught and can also learn a term called "Digital Citizenship" which requires responsibility when using their personal device in an educational setting. (Ray,2013). In the article BYOD. author, Mark Ray said, "Great school libraries have always been about providing access to both technology and resources to create a learning commons. BYOD extends this ethos to the entire school." 

Some other things one might consider; Is BYOD inclusive? Who might be left out or left behind and how will the school address those circumstances? The majority of students probably do have access to a personal device, but will it be compatible with school curriculum and learning apps? I am sure all of these questions and further inquiries have been considered and hopefully answered when deciding to require students to BYOD in the classroom.

Found! One school's success, across the globe on BYOD for the classroom. Check it out below!

FOUND! One school's recent parent orientation on BYOD. 

Sources cited:

Clark, K. A., Welsh, K. E., Mauchline, A. L., France, D., Whalley, W. B., & Park, J. (2021). Do educators realise the value of bring your own device (BYOD) in fieldwork learning? Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 45(2), 255–278. https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/03098265.2020.1808880

Queensland Department of Education. (2024). Kuluin state school - success with bring your own device (BYOD). Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQfcnLs0-w8

Ray, M. (2013). BYOD. School Library Journal, 59(4), 14. https://research-ebsco-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/linkprocessor/plink?id=1ee19ce8-221b-3a70-b836-574c235b4e80

St. Mary's Episcopal School. (2025). Bring your own device (BYOD) parent orientation. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVCGLPbCnbY&t=26s