When can students use personal devices?
Students may use these devices at any time provided they have the approval of the classroom teacher, with a few exceptions. The use of any camera functions other than for the expressed purpose of supporting classroom instruction is prohibited. The use of personal devices in any area where others would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as the Nurse’s office or a locker room, is strictly prohibited.
What happens if a personal device is damaged or stolen?
Incidents should always be reported to the administration. However, in accordance with Policy 237, the District assumes no responsibility under any circumstance whatsoever for the loss, destruction, misuse, or theft of any electronic or personal communication device that is brought to school at any time or to any school-sponsored activity.
Can students use 3G/4G connections to access the internet?
Under the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) The District is required to provide a technology protection measure, such as an internet filter, that prevents access of harmful or objectionable content by minors. The use of a 3G or 4G connection would actively bypass those protection measures that we have put in place and would be considered a violation of Acceptable Use as outlined in Policy 815.
Who is allowed to use a personal device?
The use of personal devices is restricted to District students and staff. The use of the WiFi network requires a valid District network username and password. Violations of Acceptable Use as outlined in Policy 815 can result in the suspension or revocation of network accounts, therefore removing access to the WiFi network.
Is this going to replace the laptop carts?
Probably not. There are classroom activities where portable devices will be appropriate and a laptop cart would not be needed. However, there are lessons and activities that will require resources that a mobile device simply doesn’t have. The goal is to increase opportunity for students to use technology without placing a financial burden on the District. It is highly unlikely that the level of availability will be enough to fully replace the need for laptop carts.
What do we do for students who don’t have any device?
The Technology & Media Services Department is currently investigating methods of delivering individual student devices to the classroom to augment BYOD so that all students have a similar opportunity to participate in Technology rich instruction.
Is this the beginning of phasing out textbooks?
The Technology Strategic Planning Committee is looking at digital content as part of a longer range initiative. The availability of digital resources could potentially supplant the need to purchase textbooks for students. While allowing students the capability of using their personal devices to access online content is supportive of digital resources, the implementation of BYOD does not necessarily lead directly to a shift away from textbooks. Any move to digital content will be a curricular decision separate and independent of the BYOD initiative.
What will students have access to on their own devices?
In simple terms students will have access to any resource delivered solely through the web. Applications like PowerSchool, GoogleDocs and Moodle would all be available to students. Other resources such as print services, and server folders, will not be available to student devices on the WiFi network.
Where will students charge their devices?
Data from other Districts as well as the information in our own survey suggests that the vast majority of students will have access to a mobile device or tablet with sufficient battery life to last a school day provided the device was charged overnight prior to the start of school. We do not have the physical capacity to accommodate large scale charging of personal devices. For the small number of students who may have access to a personal laptop at school charging will need to be done prior to the start of the school day with limited access to outlets provided during flex time.
Is there a device that District recommends or requires for BYOD?
We are currently not requiring or endorsing a specific device. Please watch for future updates from on this page. We plan on cataloging devices that are known to work and provide some pricing, links and general to help parents who are considering a BYOD device for their child.
I have my device, now how do I get on the network?
Open your device's network settings and join the appropriate WiFi network. Please note that the WiFi network exists to support instruction and is only available to students and staff during specific hours. Once your device is connected to the WiFi network, open a web browser (Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome). You should be asked for your username and password. Enter the required information and you should be off and running (download the related file below for detailed steps).