** Some of these FAQ's may not apply during the 2020 - 2021 school year due to the Covid Pandemic and the associated changes to instruction.
What is the purpose of BYOD?
BYOD will be used to support student learning and enhance instruction.
What devices may be brought to school?
Students may bring an iPads, chromebook or laptop - as longs as it is able to access the internet. Smartphones, and Smartwatch devices are NOT included, as they will not support the educational intentions of the BYOD program.
How do students access the Internet?
Students will access the school's specific BYOD wireless network. They may not use their data plan during school hours.
Why can't students use my 3G/4G network during school?
The wireless network provided by WCPSS has security and filters that make Internet access safer and more directed for learning. Students must use the BYOD wireless network provided by WCPSS, as specified in the contract.
When can students use their device during the day?
BYOD is for instructional purposes only. This can not be stressed enough. Students may use their device when directed by the teacher to use it in class. Their classroom teacher will let them know whether or not they need the device during his/her class that day.
Can students use their devices during before/after school, lunch, or recess?
No. Students will only be permitted to use their devices for instructional purposes during the school day. Devices are not to be used for personal texting, social networking, surfing the net, watching videos, listening to music, or playing games. They may not be used on any part of the campus where their teacher has not specifically instructed them to do so.
Where will devices be kept when not in use?
Participating classrooms will utilize a stoplight, in words and pictures, which will let students know if they are using devices that day. If they are not using them (red) the devices should remain turned off and in their backpacks. If they are, or might, use them (yellow), the devices should be turned on to silent put into the classroom “parking lot” (a bin, table, hanging rack, cart) until it is time to use them. They will remain in the parking lot when not in use. If the device is being used upon arrival at school, the device should be turn on to silent and brought to the students' seat.
What happens if a device is lost, stolen or damaged?
By allowing a student to bring a device to school, the parent and student assume liability for any damages or theft. School administration, however, will investigate any issues and follow standard student conduct policies regarding theft and damage. Students take full responsibility for care, safety and proper use of their devices. Personal technology should not be left on campus before or after-school hours. Olds Elementary School and/or WCPSS is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen devices.
What if my child doesn’t have a device to bring to school?
BYOD is not a requirement at Olds Elementary School. If students do not have a device to bring, they will continue to use the school provided devices.
Can students share devices?
Students may work in groups with their devices, however, the student who owns the device will be the ‘driver’ of the device (the person actually using it) and the other students would serve other roles in the group (recorder, time keeper, task director). Students are allowed to touch the device of another student.
What tech support is provided?
Students will be responsible for troubleshooting their own devices. They should be familiar with, and know how to use, the device they bring in. Teachers can provide guidance, but are not expected to be familiar with all brands and types of devices that might show up.
Can BYOD devices charge at school?
Devices are expected to be charged at home and put away after the battery loses its charge. At the teacher’s discretion, they may allow charging if time and space permits, however Olds Elementary is not responsible for providing facilities to charge devices.
What happens when a child uses the device at an inappropriate time or in inappropropriate way?
Per the contract, students will immediately comply with a teacher’s request to close or shut their device, or show the device and viewed material to the teacher. Failure to comply gets the device “parked” in a teacher approved area until the end of the day. A second incident will park the device in a locked cabinet in the office until a parent is able to physically come to school to retrieve it. Students will not have access to their device until this time. A third incident will result in a nulling of the contract and loss of BYOD privileges for the remainder of the year. The student will continue to have access to school-owned devices. BYOD is a privilege, not a right.
What 'apps' need to be downloaded/installed on the devices?
None. Teachers will use web-based applications and programs. Google Drive and associated programs like Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Classroom, and Google Meet are commonly used, so familiarizing your student with these may be helpful.
My child left his/her device at home, can I bring it to him/her at school?
No. Students are expected to bring devices to school in the morning and take them home in the afternoon. Parents are not allowed to drop off devices to students and students are not allowed to call home about forgotten devices. They will simply use a school-owned device if it is needed that day.
Who will be participating?
2nd through 5th grade.
How do we sign up for BYOD?
Students and parents of participating classrooms will sign the Olds Elementary BYOD contract and return to their homeroom teacher. This will need to be done annually. When completing the contract, please read each item carefully with your student and explain this privilege requires personal responsability on their part.