Bring Your Own Device

Today's technology is making its way into classrooms with "Bring Your Own Device" (B.Y.O.D) day.  

In some schools it's not just a one day event but a requirement placed upon students and their families by faculty and administrators.  This can be a financial burden to families, especially if they have multiple children ("Digital Divide Feared," 2016). Parents often feel pressured to buy top-of-the-line devices so they will have the software their children need and also to ensure the device can handle the rigors of being transported to and from school everyday.  Having a daughter in high school who frequently uses her phone during class to do research, work on group projects and submit assignments, I understand the important role technology plays in education.  I also have a child in middle school and two in elementary school.  Thankfully, the devices they use are provided by the school.  If this was not the case, our family would definitely feel the financial burden of purchasing multiple devices.  While technology plays a big role in education, and society in general, schools need to be aware of the socioeconomic status of their students and make provisions for those who cannot participate in B.Y.O.D.

"'Digital divide' feared as parents fall under pressure to buy right device for school." Sydney Morning Herald [Sydney, Australia], 11 Jan. 2016, p. 4. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A439433484/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&xid=6746b62a. Accessed 25 Apr. 2017.