Bring-Your-Own Technology and One-To-One Initiatives in Missouri Schools in 2012

Abstract

Every day, nearly every high school student in the United States brings to school in a mobile phone exponentially more computer technology than NASA had when it sent astronauts to the moon. Many school districts force students to turn their phones off while at school, yet at the same time districts are looking to harness the learning resources available through mobile technology. This study looks at one-to-one computing in schools, including bring-your-own-technology, tablets, and laptops. The researcher surveyed and interviewed technology directors, administrators, and classroom teachers working in Missouri schools in 2012. Results show educators believe student-owned devices are a disruption to learning, but technology directors predict one-to-one technology will be in schools within three years. The researcher concludes that Missouri school districts are ready to harness the power of mobile technology only on their own terms by providing mobile devices, rather than allowing students to use their own.