BYOD for the classroom – it’s a budgeting lesson
Access to school internet ends at the school gate, and the Ministry of Education estimates around 100,000 pupils from 40,000 households have no internet access at home.
Kai Fong estimates as many as half of his pupils live in internet-free homes.
Even with BYOD devices, they would not be able to do what children from richer families do, and use their devices to learn, practice and research at home, Kai Fong says.
But the school is taking part in a trial with Crown-owned Chorus and Network for Learning (N4L) to push access to the school’s internet beyond the school gates.
‘‘We know that learning for students and adults occurs at times not just restricted to school hours, so having that access is really important for everyone in our community, not just those who can afford it,’’ says Kai Fong.
Pushing towards a 1:1 device to pupil ratio, and home school internet access for all students, will not close the digital divide completely.
The new digital divide is between the haves and the have-mores.
At some schools, such as Aorere College, the affordable Chromebook is the device of choice. But some of the simpler, cheaper devices are not on the menu at high schools in more prosperous areas.
‘‘A laptop, Netbook, or tablet PC (Smart PC) will provide students with a comprehensive learning tool and is ideal as an information and content creation device,’’ says Epsom Girls Grammar advice to parents. But, it says: ‘‘(no ChromeBooks or iPads please)’’.
More expensive devices allow schools to offer better learning opportunities.
‘‘Device selection is extremely important for students at senior levels and especially for any student wishing to study Design and Visual Communication, Digital Art or Art Design,’’ says Takapuna Grammar’s BYOD policy.
There’s a double pressure on many parents, who end up buying two devices for their children: a phone and a device to use in schools.
The schools discourage mobile phones being used as a device for learning because the screens aren’t big enough, and they aren’t easy to write on.
Realistically, parents may find themselves buying several devices over the period of their child’s schooling.
As the EGGS website tells parents: ‘‘Due to factors such as battery life and warranty, it will probably be necessary to purchase two devices during the 5 years at EGGS.’’