FAQS
What does BYOD stand for? “Bring Your Own Device” is simply a program where staff and students can bring their own personal computing devices on campus and connect them to a new school district wireless network that will allow filtered internet access.
Is this a 1:1 initiative? No, 1:1 models presume that all students have devices at all times in the instructional day, often with a prescribed device or product. While there may be instances in which all or most students have devices in a given classroom, it is not expected that all students have devices or that they will be required for success in the class. In a BYOD model, a variety of personal computing devices may be used either as a part of individual, small group or large group instruction.
Are students allowed to bring their devices to school? Yes, at their own risk and choice.
Are teachers allowed to bring their own devices to school? Yes, at their own risk and choice.
Are parents (or other guardian) required to purchase a personal electronic device for this BYOD Pilot? No
If a parent (or other guardian) does not choose to purchase a personal electronic device for this BYOD Pilot, can a certain level of device usage be expected during the day? No device usage is subject to each individual and classroom and is not a requirement.
Are either teachers or students required to bring devices to use at school? No
How will my son/daughter’s device be used in the classroom? Schools must challenge students with rigorous, personalized, academic learning experiences that foster innovation and creativity. Students will engage in a cohesively integrated curriculum, access information, and apply it to solve authentic problems in a collaborative setting.
Will a student be at a disadvantage if they don’t have a personal computing device when they come to school during the BYOD Pilot? No. District curriculum remains the same. This district will continue to purchase basic supplementary textbooks, support materials, computers and software to support student learning. When electronic devices are used to enhance learning in the classroom, students without a personal device will be provided access to an appropriate district-owned device as needed individually, in pairs or as part of a group.
Can a teacher require students to have a personal computing device in their class? No
What if my child’s device is stolen and damaged? What recourse can I take? Students bring their personal electronic devices to school at their own risk, just like any other personal items. The school district will not be held responsible if a personal electronic device (or any other personal item) is lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced. Some personal devices have a device locator it is recommended that you enable this feature if possible and label all personal devices, cables and other related items.
What network access will users have with their own devices? Students will have access to district-filtered internet access only by logging into the guest network. Students will not have access to district-purchased software, building printers (they will email their teacher), or network files and folders when logged into the guest network on their own personal devices.
As a parent, am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device, etc.) to my child’s device? Virus protection for all personal electronic devices having internet connection capability is strongly recommended. Device location/tracking software is also recommended, but not required.
What YouTube/music is permitted? Video or music sites are not allowed unless a teacher gives permission.
What about privacy from pictures/videos? Students will not be allowed to take pictures or videos with their devices unless specifically requested by a teacher for a project. Any pictures or videos taken without permission will be subject to our discipline policy.
Are students and teachers still bound to district technology ethics policies and guidelines if they bring their own devices into school to use? Yes. The same policies and guidelines apply to personal computing devices as to district-purchased computers or devices.
What if my child has no device or we choose not to participate? The school will have a limited number of devices to check out.
Are there risks of students accessing inappropriate material from the internet through the HNMS Guest network? Although our HNMS Guest network security and filtering system prevents over 99% of inappropriate online material from access, there is always a chance that a student may be exposed to an unintended pop-up or screen. Through our digital citizenship lessons, students have been informed to immediately notify the classroom teacher if this occurs.
Will students have access to “chat rooms,” “instant messaging”, or other social network-type vehicles through the HNMS Guest network? No. All “chat” and “IM’ing” capabilities have been disabled. Students cannot access, Facebook or other social network sites. Students will continue to have access to Gmail only for the purpose of communication/collaborating with students/teachers for specific school projects and assignments. Because the Gmail is through our school network, as a school we have access to and do monitor student Gmail accounts and usage.
Specific student FAQ questions:
I brought my device to school to use it in the classroom, but my teacher said I couldn’t use it in his/her classroom. Can I still use it? No. The teacher in the classroom has the final say on procedures in that classroom (including specifics directions left for any substitute teacher). If the teacher (or substitute teacher) asks a student to not use the device, then the student must follow those directions.
I have my device with me in class. How do I get on the Internet now? Most devices will detect a wireless connection when you are near one. Most of the time devices will ask you if you would like to join the network. When prompted, choose the HNMS Guest network.
I need to save my work in my network folder. Why can’t I access this resource? You are in a guest network. It is not the same as the network you would normally access from a school computer. You will not see your network folder, so you will need to save your work to another place. Some options include a flash drive or your own hard drive (until such a time when you are able to transfer it to you school file/folder).
I need to print the assignment I just completed, why is there no printer when I try this? Like the network folders, printers are networked differently in the school and will not be available when you log into the guest network. Some network solutions include saving it to a flash drive, emailing it to the teacher or printing it form home or another school computer. Keep in mind that using school printers in the classroom or other learning spaces is at the discretion of the teacher.
My device was stolen or damaged when I brought it to school. Who should I contact about this? Bringing your own devices to school can be useful; however, some risks are involved as well. The school district is not responsible for theft, loss or damage to personal devices. It is always a good idea to record the device’s serial number to have in case of theft. Also, label personal devices, cables and other items in a permanent way, so that they may be identified. In the event that your personal device is damaged, lost or stolen, please report it to your teacher and the school office immediately. If appropriate, the school will contact the Sioux Falls Police Department. It is best to report stolen items prior to the end of the school day so that the school may attempt to prevent the stolen item from leaving school grounds.
When should I not use my personal device at school? During class when a teacher has stated that personal devices are not going to be used in the lesson today and should be put away; during lunch (unless under the supervision of a teacher during lunch detention or ZAP); or in the hallways during school hours. In fact, it is best to have your personal device powered down during these stated times in order to save battery life and prevent disruption to classroom instruction.
Are there risks for me as a student in accessing inappropriate material from the internet through the HSMS Guest network? Although our HSMS Guest network security and filtering system prevents over 99% of inappropriate online material from access, there is always a chance that you may be exposed to an unintended pop-up or screen. As you know, through our digital citizenship lessons, you are to immediately notify your classroom teacher if this occurs.
Will I as a student have access to “chat rooms”, “instant messaging”, or other social network-type vehicles through the HSMS Guest network? No. All chat and IM’ing capabilities have been disabled. You will still only have access to Gmail in order to communicate and collaborate with other students and your teachers in relation to specific school projects and assignment’s. Because the Gmail is through our school network, as a school, we have access to and do monitor your Gmail account and usage. Consequences will be issued for improper use.
Am I allowed to access the internet during class using a source/access point other that the HSMS Guest network? No. The HSMS guest network is the only allowed internet source/access point for HSMS students. Students attempting to access the internet outside of the HSMS Guest network (eg: personal data plans) will be subject to the “Consequences for Inappropriate Use” outlined on page 3 of this packet.
Is this a 1:1 initiative? No, 1:1 models presume that all students have devices at all times in the instructional day, often with a prescribed device or product. While there may be instances in which all or most students have devices in a given classroom, it is not expected that all students have devices or that they will be required for success in the class. In a BYOD model, a variety of personal computing devices may be used either as a part of individual, small group or large group instruction.
Are students allowed to bring their devices to school? Yes, at their own risk and choice.
Are teachers allowed to bring their own devices to school? Yes, at their own risk and choice.
Are parents (or other guardian) required to purchase a personal electronic device for this BYOD Pilot? No
If a parent (or other guardian) does not choose to purchase a personal electronic device for this BYOD Pilot, can a certain level of device usage be expected during the day? No device usage is subject to each individual and classroom and is not a requirement.
Are either teachers or students required to bring devices to use at school? No
How will my son/daughter’s device be used in the classroom? Schools must challenge students with rigorous, personalized, academic learning experiences that foster innovation and creativity. Students will engage in a cohesively integrated curriculum, access information, and apply it to solve authentic problems in a collaborative setting.
Will a student be at a disadvantage if they don’t have a personal computing device when they come to school during the BYOD Pilot? No. District curriculum remains the same. This district will continue to purchase basic supplementary textbooks, support materials, computers and software to support student learning. When electronic devices are used to enhance learning in the classroom, students without a personal device will be provided access to an appropriate district-owned device as needed individually, in pairs or as part of a group.
Can a teacher require students to have a personal computing device in their class? No
What if my child’s device is stolen and damaged? What recourse can I take? Students bring their personal electronic devices to school at their own risk, just like any other personal items. The school district will not be held responsible if a personal electronic device (or any other personal item) is lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced. Some personal devices have a device locator it is recommended that you enable this feature if possible and label all personal devices, cables and other related items.
What network access will users have with their own devices? Students will have access to district-filtered internet access only by logging into the guest network. Students will not have access to district-purchased software, building printers (they will email their teacher), or network files and folders when logged into the guest network on their own personal devices.
As a parent, am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device, etc.) to my child’s device? Virus protection for all personal electronic devices having internet connection capability is strongly recommended. Device location/tracking software is also recommended, but not required.
What YouTube/music is permitted? Video or music sites are not allowed unless a teacher gives permission.
What about privacy from pictures/videos? Students will not be allowed to take pictures or videos with their devices unless specifically requested by a teacher for a project. Any pictures or videos taken without permission will be subject to our discipline policy.
Are students and teachers still bound to district technology ethics policies and guidelines if they bring their own devices into school to use? Yes. The same policies and guidelines apply to personal computing devices as to district-purchased computers or devices.
What if my child has no device or we choose not to participate? The school will have a limited number of devices to check out.
Are there risks of students accessing inappropriate material from the internet through the HNMS Guest network? Although our HNMS Guest network security and filtering system prevents over 99% of inappropriate online material from access, there is always a chance that a student may be exposed to an unintended pop-up or screen. Through our digital citizenship lessons, students have been informed to immediately notify the classroom teacher if this occurs.
Will students have access to “chat rooms,” “instant messaging”, or other social network-type vehicles through the HNMS Guest network? No. All “chat” and “IM’ing” capabilities have been disabled. Students cannot access, Facebook or other social network sites. Students will continue to have access to Gmail only for the purpose of communication/collaborating with students/teachers for specific school projects and assignments. Because the Gmail is through our school network, as a school we have access to and do monitor student Gmail accounts and usage.
Specific student FAQ questions:
I brought my device to school to use it in the classroom, but my teacher said I couldn’t use it in his/her classroom. Can I still use it? No. The teacher in the classroom has the final say on procedures in that classroom (including specifics directions left for any substitute teacher). If the teacher (or substitute teacher) asks a student to not use the device, then the student must follow those directions.
I have my device with me in class. How do I get on the Internet now? Most devices will detect a wireless connection when you are near one. Most of the time devices will ask you if you would like to join the network. When prompted, choose the HNMS Guest network.
I need to save my work in my network folder. Why can’t I access this resource? You are in a guest network. It is not the same as the network you would normally access from a school computer. You will not see your network folder, so you will need to save your work to another place. Some options include a flash drive or your own hard drive (until such a time when you are able to transfer it to you school file/folder).
I need to print the assignment I just completed, why is there no printer when I try this? Like the network folders, printers are networked differently in the school and will not be available when you log into the guest network. Some network solutions include saving it to a flash drive, emailing it to the teacher or printing it form home or another school computer. Keep in mind that using school printers in the classroom or other learning spaces is at the discretion of the teacher.
My device was stolen or damaged when I brought it to school. Who should I contact about this? Bringing your own devices to school can be useful; however, some risks are involved as well. The school district is not responsible for theft, loss or damage to personal devices. It is always a good idea to record the device’s serial number to have in case of theft. Also, label personal devices, cables and other items in a permanent way, so that they may be identified. In the event that your personal device is damaged, lost or stolen, please report it to your teacher and the school office immediately. If appropriate, the school will contact the Sioux Falls Police Department. It is best to report stolen items prior to the end of the school day so that the school may attempt to prevent the stolen item from leaving school grounds.
When should I not use my personal device at school? During class when a teacher has stated that personal devices are not going to be used in the lesson today and should be put away; during lunch (unless under the supervision of a teacher during lunch detention or ZAP); or in the hallways during school hours. In fact, it is best to have your personal device powered down during these stated times in order to save battery life and prevent disruption to classroom instruction.
Are there risks for me as a student in accessing inappropriate material from the internet through the HSMS Guest network? Although our HSMS Guest network security and filtering system prevents over 99% of inappropriate online material from access, there is always a chance that you may be exposed to an unintended pop-up or screen. As you know, through our digital citizenship lessons, you are to immediately notify your classroom teacher if this occurs.
Will I as a student have access to “chat rooms”, “instant messaging”, or other social network-type vehicles through the HSMS Guest network? No. All chat and IM’ing capabilities have been disabled. You will still only have access to Gmail in order to communicate and collaborate with other students and your teachers in relation to specific school projects and assignment’s. Because the Gmail is through our school network, as a school, we have access to and do monitor your Gmail account and usage. Consequences will be issued for improper use.
Am I allowed to access the internet during class using a source/access point other that the HSMS Guest network? No. The HSMS guest network is the only allowed internet source/access point for HSMS students. Students attempting to access the internet outside of the HSMS Guest network (eg: personal data plans) will be subject to the “Consequences for Inappropriate Use” outlined on page 3 of this packet.