Technology in primary schools

Bring Your Own Device, Neil Selwyn, Monash University, Technology in schools

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs are a controversial issue with many parents in Victorian primary schools.  Purchasing personal devices for their children is expensive.  Neil Selwyn, professor of education at Monash University said, “Technology can make learning much more exciting and engaging – but so can a good teacher and a good whiteboard.”

He believes that teachers may sometimes struggle to ensure each student has a device and that it is charged up for the BYOD programs.  He said governments should be providing devices to children to try and eliminate inequalities.  “I think schools need a lot more advice and support, and unfortunately we’ve seen governments around the world withdraw from being involved with technology in schools.”