Educational Institutions are Adopting the BYOD Policy
Imagine this: a classroom full of seventh grade students are told by their teacher to break into their groups to work on their upcoming project. They get into groups, and instead of rustling around in their backpacks for pencils and paper, they pull out their respective iPads, smartphones, laptops, and tablets and get to work. This could be the future for classrooms across the nation. School boards and educational institutions nationwide have embraced a “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) policy for students, in the hopes of inspiring success and confidence through innovative learning techniques. The BYOD program has been steadily gained popularity in recent years, and continues to do so. Many see the use of electronic devices in the classroom as the next natural step when it comes to moving forward, and as a way to keep up with these times that have us dependent on technology.
When students have their own devices at their disposal whenever they need them, they’ll be able to learn freely and use their devices to access information that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to attain. BYOD policies have been promoted in schools, which means there are a lot more students bringing their electronics to school, and that school boards are purchasing their own. So, how will all these students be able to charge their devices when at school? One thing’s for sure—schools will need more device charging stations than ever.
Device Charging Is a Challenge
Smartphones and tablets have a tendency to die even when they aren’t being used frequently throughout the day, which will only become a more prevalent problem as more and more of them become tools for learning in schools. There are minimal outlets in classrooms, and students would have to stay chained to them to be able to charge their device. Even when children are able to sneak their phone in for a charge using an available USB charging station or wall outlet, they’ll likely have to spend at least 30 minutes there to get a sufficient charge. There are a ton of benefits to the BYOD policy, but the question remains: Do schools have the infrastructure necessary to implement it?
Increased Number of Devices in Schools
With a lack of charging ports to support the influx of electronic devices in schools, students’ smartphones and tablets are at risk of dying prematurely, which could inhibit their learning and ability to keep up with the rest of their class. Nearly every student will be bringing in their own individual device to work from, and they’ll all need a chance to charge them at some point throughout the day.
Infrastructural Renovation Requires High Investment
In newer buildings on university and college campuses, you’ll often find tables and desks with outlets and USB ports integrated right into them to allow students the convenience of charging their devices while still using them. However, it’s a little easier to integrate these technologies into new buildings, and even easier to do so on the private campuses on colleges and universities. Firstly, many high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools would need to undergo significant renovations to be able to accommodate these changes. Secondly, all public schools are funded by tax payers, meaning their budgets are a little more frugal compared to schools who receive millions of dollars in tuition every year. While high tech, integrated charging solutions would be the most convenient and beneficial for students, the truth is that not many schools can afford it—the return may be high, but sometimes there just aren’t enough funds to cover the investment that it takes.
Charging Stations Are the Best Solution
Since affording integrated charging solutions isn’t a viable option for many, a good alternative is a portable charging station. Of course, there are likely hundreds of kids that need to be catered to in any one school, so institutions should have a number of portable charging stations available for use. One option to organize charging stations is to have them in separate locking compartments so that students can plug in their laptops and tablets, go about their day, and return after their device has reached a sufficient charge. If there’s room in your institution for a charging locker setup, this is a great option.
If you’re low on space but desperately need a charging solution, think about converting library carts into charging carts. You can equip library cars with their own portable charging stations, and leave them in spaces that are easy and convenient for students to reach. Since this doesn’t provide the security of the lockers, students may want to stay close by to keep an eye out and ensure their device doesn’t get mixed up with anyone else’s. Charging carts are a great, inexpensive charging solution—and the best part is, they’re mobile so they can be moved to different areas as they’re needed.
What Ohming Technology Can Offer
Ohming Technology specializes in portable chargers and has the perfect solution for those struggling with the challenges that the BYOD policy in schools and other educational institutions has created. Our Charge M.E. Multiport USB Hub can charge up to eight devices at once and accommodate all types of devices, making it the perfect classroom phone charging station. No additional software installation is required to charge a new device, making it easy for students to plug in and get a quick charge when they need it. The BYOD policy was implemented to enhance the learning experience of students, but unfortunately that won’t happen without proper BYOD charging stations. Empower students and give them the tools they need to make a better future by supplying them with charging stations like the Charge M.E. Hub. Contact us for more information, or shop online now.
Paul Romanenko
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