The BYOD pioneers

Are there real learning gains to be had from equipping every learner with a tablet or other device? Some school leaders clearly think so, spending heavily to achieve the magic ratio known as “one-to-one”.

Many, though, want to see more evidence of how teachers can use always-available technology to achieve new and better ways of learning. One way to explore this while keeping costs under control is through BYOD – bring your own device.

The case for a cautious, cost-limited step into one-to-one is well made by Paul Hynes, the vice-principal of George Spencer Academy in Nottinghamshire and formerly the ICT strategy leader at the SSAT. In a presentation about the George Spencer approach to BYOD he states: “Where are the improved learning outcomes? Answer -- they are not there yet – although there are some interesting isolated stories.”