Technology is an integral part of the classroom
Funding isn't consistent
Parent-funded devices enable scalable 1:1 programs
A growing trend
For some time now, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) approaches have been gaining traction in education. This ranges from managed deployments to the freedom of choice offered to parents regarding what their children can bring to class.
According to Futuresource, the lack of consistency in BYOD agreements for students is fueling potential issues related to classroom management, as well as student safety and well-being. Unmanaged BYOD deployments can present challenges such as unreliable technical support, inequity among students, insufficient professional development for teachers, and significant complications for IT departments. Long-term success for BYOD programs relies on effective deployment strategies.
What are PFD?
Parent Funded Devices (PFD) should be considered like traditional institutional purchases. They are required, controlled, and supervised by the educational institution, but are purchased by parents or guardians.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) devices, on the other hand, do not meet these criteria. They are considered personal property, purchased from retail stores, and brought to school by the student, thus offering the IT department fewer management functionalities.
Parent Funded Devices (PFD)
Purchased from an Apple Authorized Education Specialist (AAES)
Financed by parents
Controlled and supervised by the institution
Purchased from a retailer
Financed by parents
Minimal control by the institution
Why Parent Funded Devices (PFDs) for Parents?
Online safety
A report from the Safer Internet Centre reveals that 74% of parents and guardians worry about the rapidly evolving online world posing safety risks for children.
With PFDs, devices are fully managed and supervised, giving IT teams extensive control. They can filter web content to block explicit material, restrict access to specific websites or categories, and enforce additional limitations. This includes preventing app installations, limiting app usage to set times, and blocking App Store access.
Screen time
There's growing concern about the amount of time students spend in front of screens. According to UNESCO, prolonged screen time can negatively impact self-control and emotional stability, also increasing anxiety and depression.
By using Mobile Device Management (MDM) with Apple School Manager, IT teams can apply policies to minimize distractions and configure devices strictly for educational purposes, including access to specific apps and resources. Many MDM solutions also offer apps that give parents more control over the school-managed device, such as limiting apps at certain times.
Cost
A recent Parentkind survey indicates that 47% of parents struggle to afford sending their children to school, and one in six are concerned about the cost of technology.
Apple products are reliable and built to last. Furthermore, a PFD program is an opportunity to highlight unique offerings from the school, such as trade-in options, financing plans, or customized device bundles.
