CCS#BYOD#FAQs# What are the requirements for student devices? The requirements are listed below, but the key to the CCS BYOD program is choice students choose the device (or devices) they are most comfortable with and that enables them to complete the assigned tasks. The focus, then, is on devices that produce the desired results, rather than on particular devices. In general, student devices need to: Access the internet through a Wi-Fi connection Create word processed documents, spreadsheets, and presentations Access Office 365, Microsoft s online version of its office suite Receive and send email Take notes Write and submit assignments in a paperless environment Develop presentations for class and for public access (under teacher supervision) Read e-books Have several hours of battery life The focus is on creating rather than just consuming content. That is, it s not just viewing webpages, reading online books, or viewing videos, but also writing essays, creating presentations, and taking notes. Where s the list of approved devices? By the nature of the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, there is not a list of approved devices. What are some examples of acceptable devices? A BYOD program emphasizes choice, so we cannot provide a definitive list of approved devices. That being said, here are some examples which are provided as suggestions: Windows laptops (wide variety), netbooks, and tablet computers (such as the Microsoft Surface). Please note: Windows computers should preferably have the Pro version of either Windows 7 or Windows 8. The Home versions are allowable, but they can only connect with difficulty to our school network. Mac OS MacBook Air, MacBook Pro ios ipad (iphone and ipod Touch are not recommended as the student s only device see below) Android any Android tablet (for Android smartphones, see below) Google Chromebooks Are there some unacceptable devices? Kindle, Kindle Fire, Nook, Nook HD These are content consumption devices (books, web surfing, videos) rather than content creation devices (writing, taking notes), so they don t fully meet student needs. Nintendo DS and similar These devices can access the internet, but are primarily gaming systems. Students are not allowed to bring these to school. 8/10/2015
What about smartphones, such as the iphone or Android phones? We have seen that students have difficulty using smartphones (as well as the ipod Touch) as their only device. While smartphones are useful for quickly looking up information, taking pictures of work, or completing quick online classroom quizzes, they are very difficult to use when students have to write essays or do online research and take notes on that research. Therefore, while smartphones are allowed, we strongly suggest that they not be the only device a student uses. If a smartphone is all a student brings, it is allowable; it s just that the student may have difficulty completing the work he needs to do with it. Will the school provide technical support for the devices students bring to school? Students will receive instruction on using various education services such as Office 365 and Schoology as well as instruction on connecting their device to the school network. However, detailed, device-specific technical support cannot be provided, due to the wide variety of devices available. Many times students can turn to other students for advice and help with particular questions. Devices that are not functioning properly will need to be repaired by an outside entity, Will the school purchase and sell devices to parents at a discount? Given the variety of available devices and the variety of our students, the school will not be selling any devices. What about STEM students? They are already expected to bring a laptop to school. Do they have to get another device for BYOD? The computer required for STEM students (sophomore and above) already exceeds the requirements for the BYOD program, so they will not need another device, unless they just want to be the cool kid with a laptop, an ipad, and a Chromebook! What are some suggested accessories for devices? The only semi-required accessory is a set of headphones or earbuds for listening to audio when needed. There are no other required accessories. However, these might be helpful accessories: Tablets: Cover/Case, Detachable keyboard or Bluetooth Keyboard Laptops: Case, extra battery Can students access the internet through their own cellular data plan, or are they required to use the school s Wi-Fi connection? The school s Wi-Fi connection is to be used by all students at all times since it s filtered by a robust system to help avoid accessing inappropriate materials. Though the school does not have a way to prevent students from using their own (rather, the parents ) cellular data plan, it is prohibited and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action. While the school will make every reasonable effort to insure that students do not access the internet through cellular plans, if students do so anyway, the school is not responsible for inappropriate materials accessed, nor is the school responsible for charges incurred on the cellular data plans. 8/10/2015
Are students required to purchase extra software? (apps, antivirus, etc.) No software is required to be purchased, as there are free options for doing the required tasks. Students may do so if they wish, but that is entirely up to the students and parents. As part of proper digital citizenship, students (especially those with Windows devices) should have current antivirus software installed on their computers. The school does not provide that software. There are good free antivirus options available along with paid versions. Will students be allowed to access Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks? These are normally blocked by our filtering system. However, there might be times when limited, controlled access is allowed to these or similar networks for educational purposes. How will you keep students from objectionable material and protect them from online predators? There are two ways the school addresses this issue: Filtering Our robust filtering system blocks most objectionable material as long as students are accessing the internet through the school s Wi-Fi connection. Of course, no filtering system is 100% fool-proof, but the system does an outstanding job of protecting students from most of the inappropriate material on the internet. Engagement Students are engaged with systematic, regular instruction in digital citizenship i.e. how to conduct themselves in an online environment. This involves, among other things, learning to avoid giving out personal information in ways that could become public; learning how to recognize potential predators; being taught to report anything suspicious or discomforting to a teacher. What happens if students forget to bring their device to school? This is similar to forgetting to bring other tools (pencil, paper, calculator) to class. With an occasional lapse, students could share devices in class, or wait until getting home to complete the work. If it is an ongoing occurrence, however, various disciplinary actions may be taken. How are teachers going to implement technology in the classroom? Will all lessons be replaced with online versions? Is technology usage going to replace personal interaction? Different teachers will make different uses of technology in their classes. Some teachers might use technology extensively and regularly in class, while others might use it on a more occasional basis. For example, one teacher might have students work together on research of a chemistry process and then collaborate on a class presentation. Another teacher might simply have students use their devices to take notes during a traditional lecture. All teachers will receive professional development in the effective use of technology, but we believe that God has gifted each of our teachers uniquely, and so we do not mandate uniformity among our teachers. CCS is not moving toward an entirely online format, and technology will not be replacing personal interaction. However, when a BYOD program is fully implemented, it s expected that students and teachers actually can have more one-on-one personal interactions. Instead of teachers spending most of every class standing in front of the class delivering content to the students (hoping that most of them understand it), students can receive the 8/10/2015
class content through technology. Class time then can be devoted more to one-on-one help and guidance, with the teacher going to students individually and working with them as needed. How will teachers keep students from goofing off in class (games, texting, etc.)? Remember that this has always been a problem in schools. In the pre-technology days, students have hidden comic books inside their science textbook, passed notes under the desk, played Hangman on a page of their history notebook, or drawn unflattering sketches of their teachers in the covers of their binders. In many cases, teachers caught the students and chastised them appropriately, but we all know that teachers couldn t catch every student. It s the same with laptops, tablets, and cell phones. Students will try to goof off; some will get caught, others won t. This actually comes down to classroom management for teachers. There are policies which help (such as, Your device must be on top of your desk and visible at all times ). Seating can sometimes be arranged so the teacher has a clear view of screens. But much more effective is the same thing that prevented goofing off in previous years when the class is fully engaged in the lesson and actively working, there is less opportunity (and less temptation) to do other things. We will certainly be working with teachers and students in a variety of ways to keep students on task. How do students connect to the school network? We will provide instructions for accessing the school internet connection through Wi-Fi after they submit a signed Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). How safe is the device/computer at school? Devices are as safe as any other student possession at school. Students must protect their own devices, and bring them to school at their own risk, just like any other personal item. The school is not responsible if an electronic device or other item is lost, stolen, or misplaced. Students should contact a teacher or administrator if their device is stolen. Will students be able to print to the school printers? At this point, students cannot print to school printers from their personal devices. If they have files stored in the cloud, students can access them from one of the school computers and print them from there. However, teachers are moving more and more toward having work submitted electronically, thus avoiding the need for as much printing as in the past. Why am I filtered on my own device? Shouldn t I be able to see or do what I want on my own device? Internet filtering is required of all schools through the Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Filters are not installed on individual devices but on the school network. You own your device, but the network belongs to the school, and internet access will be filtered. Will there be charging stations? At this time, there are not official charging stations. There are few power outlets available, so students should not plan on plugging in. Most devices will be able to hold a charge through the full school day if brought fully 8/10/2015
charged. Also, students will not use their devices continuously for the entire day; there will be many times that the device is powered down. Who is responsible for repairs and updates to personal devices? These are the responsibility of the individual students and their families. The school does not provide such support. Will there be a place for students to store their personal devices at school? We will not have special storage areas for students. They may keep their devices with them personally or store them in their lockers. What are the expectations for students bringing personal devices? We will go over these before school begins. In general, some expectations include: Devices should be fully charged at the beginning of each day. Students are only to use devices for educational purposes when permitted by their teacher. Students are expected to follow all school rules and be responsible digital citizens. What training will students receive regarding appropriate vs. inappropriate usage? We will provide extensive and specific training in digital citizenship at the beginning of the school year and will provide follow-up instruction regularly during the year. Which is better Mac or PC? Android or ios? CCS does not have a preference for any particular operating system. They can all access our network and can all carry out the tasks required. Do the student devices have to be registered with the school? No. Students access the school network through their regular login credentials. Will the students continue to have a school email address? The Office 365 environment includes email for all students and faculty. Student email accounts are filtered, with students only able to receive email from other CCS accounts and possibly from some limited educational accounts. Will the students have to have a signed Acceptable Use Policy on file? A complete Acceptable Use Policy is available elsewhere on this website, and is sent home during the summer before the beginning of the school year. It outlines basic policies for the use of technology at CCS. All students and their parents must sign and return this form before the first day of classes. 8/10/2015
Is there a fee for Office 365? Microsoft has made their online Office 365 environment available to schools for no charge to the school or students. What is included in Office 365? Students will have an email account and other Outlook tools (such as the Calendar); 1 TB of cloud file storage through OneDrive; file sharing through Share Point; and tools for collaboration with others. Most significantly, students can download and install full versions of the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook) on their own computers at no charge. These work on Windows and Mac computers, and there are also versions for ios and Android devices. Each student is allowed to download and install up to 5 copies of the full Office suite, meaning a student can install it on his personal laptop, on his tablet, on the computer he uses at home, on his phone, and on a second laptop. Can students access Office 365 from home? The Office 365 environment is entirely web-based and is accessed through any standard web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, etc.). Therefore, students will be able to access all their files and Microsoft tools wherever they have an internet connection. Can the student s existing Office 365 subscriptions at home be merged with the school account? While the two accounts cannot be merged, students will be able to access the two SkyDrive accounts. Will the students have to install the Office suite on their computer/device? It is not required that they do so; there are scaled-down versions available as Web Apps. However, since each student can download and install the full Office suite for free, there is no reason they should not do so. 8/10/2015