Devices for BYOD Scenarios
Applies To: Windows 8.1
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) deployments in education can enhance the learning experience by providing ways to perform Internet browsing and content creation and research, as well as the use of educational apps.
There are four primary types of BYOD devices:
Smartphones
App-based devices
Laptop client computers
Tablet PCs with pens
Each device type has its own strengths and weaknesses in an educational setting. For example, certain devices center on consumption rather than creation—a limitation that can be a hindrance for a curriculum that requires content creation.
Table 1 compares the devices involved in BYOD deployments.
Table 1. BYOD Devices
| Smartphone | App-based device | Laptop client computer | Tablet PC with pen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet access |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Audio-video capture |
Most |
Most |
Yes |
Yes |
Keyboard |
Small |
Medium |
Full |
Full |
Note-taking |
Very limited |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Video conferencing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
IT manageability |
Some |
Some |
Yes |
Yes |
Educational applications |
Limited for classroom setting |
Limited for classroom setting |
Yes |
Yes |
Smartphones
Smartphones have a limited role in a BYOD scenario. They might enable students to record classes or presentations for later playback or collaborate on assignments and use education-related apps, but their small screen size makes in-depth research or homework difficult.
Strengths
Internet browsing
Lightweight
Camera/video capabilities
Weaknesses
Small screen size
Students may use them for texting or voice calls
Potential liability for usage and loss
Management and control for IT typically requires Microsoft Exchange Server or Windows Intune
Limited ability to run some common educational apps
App-based devices
App-based devices, such as Windows RT devices or an Apple iPad, have greater potential than smartphones for enhancing the learning experience and for use in a BYOD scenario. These devices have a larger keyboard for note taking, a larger screen for research, and the potential for content creation and collaboration. Most app-based devices also allow users to add an external keyboard.
Strengths
Larger screen than a smartphone
Content-creation potential
Lightweight and portable
Weaknesses
May not have the ability to run all educational applications needed for a given curriculum
Digital keyboard can be error-prone and cramped (though external keyboards are available)
Limited management and control for IT, although Exchange Server and Windows Intune provide some management capabilities
Laptop client computers
Laptops enable a full computing experience. They provide the ability to run all educational applications, have a full keyboard, and promote collaboration.
Strengths
Full screen and keyboard enable content creation and research
Internet browsing capabilities
Resources such as memory, processing power, and USB ports for running specialized educational applications
Most educational apps are available for PCs
IT can manage the laptops running Windows editions that support it
Weaknesses
Not as portable as a tablet
Inconsistent configurations can lead to usage problems for students
Computer may not be protected against viruses and malware
Power and battery life may be issues if the laptop is used throughout the day
Tablet PCs with pens
A tablet PC offers the tablet experience with the advantages of a laptop. Using a tablet PC with a pen provides the best of both worlds—the power of a laptop in the form factor of a tablet.
Strengths
Resources for running educational applications
Internet browsing capabilities
Tablet experience when needed, laptop experience when needed
IT can manage the devices running Windows editions that support it
Weaknesses
Most tablet PCs are not as portable as a true tablet
Inconsistent configurations can lead to usage problems for students
Device may not be protected against viruses and malware
Power and battery life may be issues if the tablet is used throughout the day