Choose a BYOD Model
Applies To: Windows 8.1
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) deployments in education allow for many scenarios to provide access to learning - each has its own benefits and considerations including cost, management, capabilities, support, and application availability.
Several models exist for BYOD implementations, from school-defined BYOD to open BYOD implementations. The overall goal with a BYOD deployment is to provide access to the learning environment 24 hours per day. This section looks at the different models available for BYOD in an educational environment. Table 2 discusses the models and related considerations.
Table 2. Considerations for BYOD Models
| School-defined laptop | School-defined laptop plus another device | School-defined multiplatform laptop | Student choice of laptop or tablet | Bring whatever device connects to the Internet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cost |
School or parent |
School or parent for laptop, parent for device |
School or parent |
Parent |
Parent |
Management |
School |
School for laptop, parent/student for device |
School |
Parent |
Parent |
Capabilities |
Full capabilities |
Full capabilities for laptop, device used as a companion |
Full capabilities |
Some capabilities |
Limited |
Support |
School |
School for laptop, parent/student for device |
School |
Parent/student |
Parent/student |
Application availability |
All |
All for laptop, device used as a companion |
All |
Some |
Few |
School-defined single-platform laptop
In this scenario—the most popular for BYOD deployments—the school works with manufacturers to define the laptop or similar device, such as Surface Pro running Windows 8.1 for student use. The school frequently works directly with the PC maker or distributor to define a single manufacturer and model for the deployment. With this model, purchase of the device can be the responsibility of the school, the parent, or both. Additional payment options are available if the school purchases laptops in bulk. For example, schools could lease the laptops to parents. Also, educational discounts might be available for devices and software through the school.
Benefits
All computers in the classroom have the same capabilities, and teachers can build curricula around the capabilities.
IT can use processes and tools likely already in place to manage the laptops.
Volume purchasing lowers costs.
Support costs are lower, because all laptops are the same.
Fully functional laptops make a range of learning activities available.
Considerations
The cost of the laptop can be a hindrance for schools or parents, so co-contributions between parents and the school must be defined.
Ownership of the laptop both during use and after its life cycle must be clearly defined.
Support structures for the laptop must be defined, whether through the school, the manufacturer, or both.
School-defined single-platform laptop plus another device
In this scenario, the school provides a laptop for student use, as it would with the school-defined single-platform laptop model. However, the student is also allowed to bring another device, such as a smartphone or tablet. As with the school-defined single-platform laptop model, the cost of the laptop is borne by the school, parents, or both. The supplementary device is paid for and supported by the parent or student.
Benefits
IT can choose whether to manage licensing for student-owned devices.
The model enhances learning by allowing flexibility and personal choice in the learning experience.
Allowing an additional device in school enables the school to define the appropriate use of such devices rather than use of the additional device being outside of school policy.
Considerations
The additional device could be a distraction if not used properly.
The possibility exists for unfiltered Internet access through a 3G or 4G device.
The parent or student must provide support for devices.
School-defined multiplatform laptop
In this model, the school defines the minimum specifications for the laptop, but the student and parent can choose from which manufacturer they obtain the laptop. As with the previous scenarios, the school can fund this model in whole or in part.
Benefits
Students and parents can exercise choice over the manufacturer and model.
IT can manage software licensing and other aspects of the laptop.
Considerations
IT incurs additional costs in supporting multiple platforms.
Volume discounts may not exist.
Difference in platforms may prove difficult for teachers and students to overcome.
Student choice of laptop or tablet
This model enables students to use a laptop or tablet, depending on their choice. It offers a good amount of flexibility for students, but parents are responsible for providing the device, which may be a limiting factor.
Benefits
Students get the power of tablets and laptops in the classroom.
Teachers have greater flexibility in learning activities.
Considerations
Although tablets and laptops are more flexible than smartphones, not all devices have the same capabilities.
IT incurs additional costs by providing support.
Volume discounts may not exist.
Not all educational applications will be available for all platforms.
Bring whatever device connects to the Internet
With this model, students can bring any device as long as it can connect to the Internet. This is a true BYOD model and includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even e-book readers. The school doesn’t provide any minimum specification for the device, and parents must pay for the device in whole.
Benefits
This model offers the greatest amount of flexibility for students’ personal preference.
The relatively low cost of minimally capable devices makes purchase easier.
Considerations
Student devices will have widely varying capabilities.
Some devices will be centered on consumption, not on content creation.
IT must be familiar with and support many different types of devices.
Volume discounts will almost certainly not be available.
There is a limited ability to run educational applications across all devices.