These days, as well as the usual stationery, kids are heading off to secondary school with a laptop or a tablet tucked into their schoolbags. More than three-quarters of our high schools expect pupils to bring their own electronic equipment to lessons.
Having access to the internet at school provides students with unlimited resources and using electronic equipment on a daily basis also prepares them for their future working lives. They’re also able to communicate and collaborate easily with their teachers and classmates via the internet.
Research into the benefits of e-learning by staff at the University of Waikato found that having access to the internet at school can:
• Help to improve motivation and engagement
• Give greater independence
• Personalises learning
• Improves critical thinking
• Provides more opportunities to collaborate outside school
One of the other benefits of devices is they can cut down on the need for heavy text books. And they provide access to the latest information.
Stats: A report into how having iPads in the classroom affects students has found that students who use devices scored 23 per cent higher on tests than those who don’t. Meanwhile, a Californian study showed that children using iPads noticed that their maths test scores were increasing drastically.
There are some great apps available that provide interactive learning. Some teachers are even writing their own e-books for students to download so their course information is specifically tailored for them.
Schools usually start implementing their BYOD (bring your own device) policies by making them compulsory for Year 9 students, although older students can bring them if they wish.
Devices need to be able to access the internet, send and receive email, take photos and movies, and record voices. Students need to be able to take notes using them and they need sufficient battery life to last the school day – charging is not always available.
Some schools allow smartphones because many pupils already have them and it saves their parents money. But others don’t consider them suitable because of their small screens.
And because some NCEA subjects require lots of typed assignments, a device with a keyboard is recommended from Year 11 onwards.
While most parents will acknowledge how helpful a device can be, many of them have an issue with the cost. A suitable device usually requires an investment of several hundred dollars.
For many families, this amount of money is out of the question. As a result some schools let their pupils borrow or lease devices, or are running a rent-to-buy scheme.
Schools often do deals with major retailers so they can offer pupils large discounts. They also do the same with some of the software and apps you may need to buy.
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