BYOD: Frequently Asked Questions
General Information:
What is BYOD and why is the Harrison Central Schools implementing BYOD?
How will using a device in the classroom help my child to learn more effectively?
Device Information:
Is there a specific device I should purchase?
Are there any additional items that I should purchase?
How much storage should my device have?
Taking Care of Your Device:
How do I ensure that my device is safe and secure?
How can I protect my device from accidental damage?
How can I ensure that my device is ready each day?
What happens if my child forgets an electronic device and he/she needs it in class that day?
What happens if my child's device breaks and is out of service for an extended period of time?
Internet Safety:
How do we ensure content viewable by students is safe and appropriate?
How does the school address internet safety?
Does the district have a Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for internet and network usage?
What happens if a student violates the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Miscellaneous:
Do I need to create a Google account for my child?
Has the addition of an electronic device increased supply costs at LMK and/or HHS?
Do I need to purchase Apps for my child?
Does the device need to have Microsoft Office applications? (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Who will help my child if he/she has technological problems with the device?
What is BYOD and why is the Harrison Central Schools implementing BYOD? Back to Top
BYOD stands for "Bring Your Own Device". The focus of the BYOD initiative is to provide students with 21st century skills by seamlessly integrating technology throughout the educational learning process. BYOD is a way to empower students to maximize their full learning potential.
P21 Framework for 21st century learning
How will using a device in the classroom help my child to learn more effectively? Back to Top
Students will use devices to access information, research and to write and collaborate with peers. Teachers will provide timely feedback and offer new opportunities to access and assess knowledge and skills.
Device Information:
Is there a specific device I should purchase? Back to Top
A Chromebook is cost efficient and runs the free applications that will be provided to every student including Google drive, docs, sheets, slides. However, any tablet with a 7 inch screen or any laptop with internet access will work well. You can find these devices at retail stores such as Best Buy and MicroCenter, as well as online marketplaces such as amazon.com and newegg.com.
The Harrison Central School District recommends the Dell Chromebook 11. These devices are highly rated and cost approximately $225 per device. While this device is used by staff and students in the district, there are many other brands that serve the same purpose such as, Acer, Lenovo, HP and Toshiba. To assist you in deciding on which Chromebook best meets your needs, you may refer to this link:
Review of the Top Chromebooks of 2019
Acceptable devices include; Chromebooks, Windows Laptops, Macbooks, Surface**, iPads**
**If a tablet is purchased, we recommend a keyboard to go with it.
Are there any additional items that I should purchase? Back to Top
Most devices come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers most defects. It will not cover accidental damage, such as a cracked screen. However, most manufacturers offer an additional warranty that would cover accidental damage. Additionally, you can purchase accidental damage protection from 3rd party vendors within 30 days of purchasing your device. Most extended warranties cost between $20 and $40.
We also recommend the purchase of a protective case for your device. Examples of such cases include: Bump Armor, iPearl Cases, and OtterBox cases.
How much storage should my device have? Back to Top
The district will provide students with access to Google Drive (unlimited cloud based storage); there is no need for large amounts of physical storage on each device.
How does the district address financial hardship for purchase of supplies and/or an electronic device? Back to Top
Parents/guardians experiencing financial hardships should call or write the principal or assistant principal at LMK or Harrison High School. All information will be held in strict confidence. The district is committed to providing all students with the tools needed for academic success. Students needing a device will be provided Chromebooks.
Taking Care of Your Device:
How do I ensure that my device is safe and secure? Back to Top
It is important that devices are not left unattended and secured in lockers when not being used in class. Like all other items brought to school, students are responsible for securing them. The importance of securing items and using lockers is reviewed with all students.
How can I protect my device from accidental damage? Back to Top
General Precautions:
1. Electronic devices are sensitive to temperature and light. Avoid leaving the device in cars, or outside exposed to the elements.
2. Avoid stacking heavy objects such as textbooks and binders on top of the device to prevent accidental damage.
3. Avoid eating and drinking near the device to prevent fluid damage.
4. Device screens are susceptible to cracking. Devices should be handled with care.
How can I ensure that my device is ready each day? Back to Top
Students should choose a specific location in your home to store and charge their device each night. They should make sure before they go to sleep that the device is plugged in and charging.
What happens if my child forgets an electronic device and he/she needs it in class that day? Back to Top
Classrooms/Library will have extra chromebooks for students to borrow. However, it is the expectation that all students come to school prepared with their device as they would any other school supply. (i.e. calculator, binder, pens, pencils, etc.)
What happens if my child's device breaks and is out of service for an extended period of time? Back to Top
Students may borrow a chromebook from the school library. This device will be signed out and may be taken home until such a time that your child's broken device is repaired or replaced.
Internet Safety:
How do we ensure content viewable by students is safe and appropriate? Back to Top
The Harrison Central School District filters web traffic and complies with Federal Regulations. In order to access the internet, students are required to log on to the district network using credentials provided to them.
How does the school address internet safety? Back to Top
The LMK Digital Literacy and Advisory Programs address Internet safety. We are committed to developing technology fluency and to heighten awareness of the dangers of the Internet.
Does the district have a Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for internet and network usage? Back to Top
Yes.
What happens if a student violates the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)? Back to Top
Students who violate the AUP are subject to disciplinary action as per the LMK Code of Conduct, or the HHS Code of Conduct.
Miscellaneous:
Do I need to create a Google account for my child? Back to Top
The Harrison Central School District creates Google for Education accounts for each student in grades 3-12. Usernames and passwords are distributed on the first day of school. Parents will be required to sign consent for their children to access Google Apps for Education accounts.
Has the addition of an electronic device increased supply costs at LMK and/or HHS? Back to Top
The Administration and faculty have eliminated and consolidated items from the supply lists. In addition, the school will now provide graphing calculators in grades 8-10, eliminating approximately $125.00 for this one item.
Do I need to purchase Apps for my child? Back to Top
Students are not required to purchase applications or software. All students will be provided access to a Suite of Apps, including Google drive, docs, sheets, slides and classroom. These are also included in a Chromebook. For other devices, these programs can be downloaded for free in the Google Play or Apple App stores.
Does the device need to have Microsoft Office applications? (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Back to Top
No. Since all teachers and students are provided access to the Google Suite of applications, Google docs, sheets, and slides fulfill the same function.
Who will help my child if he/she has technological problems with the device? Back to Top
Our staff will be available to help students along with many tech savvy students. We envision the BYOD initiative as an opportunity for students who have skill with technology to support their community by providing direction to their classmates.