BYOD FAQ
My child already has a device. Can they use the one they already own?
Any student who already has a device may still use that device. If the device is 3 years or older, then you should consider upgrading it to a new device as older devices may not meet the functionality requirements.
Can my child use their smartphone as their BYOD device?
NO, they may not use a smartphone as their primary device. The only devices allowed are WIFI only devices so that content may be filtered. Smartphones should be turned off and students may not use cellular data to access the internet while on campus.
How does this impact the textbooks my child will need?
Most curriculum programs in core subject areas are becoming digital. It is anticipated that in five years, almost all programs will require digital devices for access. We are aware that there are possible disadvantages to a 100% computer-assisted teaching and learning environment. Our message to our teachers have always been that technology is a tool, among many, and to reach all students, we have to use the diverse tools available for instruction. To prevent eye strain, our teachers realize that on-screen time must be monitored and paced so that there is ample time for rest and movement.
What happens if my child's device is not working?
Cavitt faculty and staff will be able to help with basic issues but we will not provide comprehensive technical support for these student/family-owned devices. The provider of the device will need to support the device, and we recommend investigating support packages when purchasing the device. In the event a student’s device needs to be repaired, Cavitt has a limited number of devices to loan to students until their device is repaired.
How can I support my child in the use of their device?
Additionally, your support to ensure sure your child's behavior is appropriate in the digital world is critical. This is a venue where young people can make poor decisions that may impact their lives and the lives of others in serious ways.
Will Cavitt monitor the devices when they are on campus?
Cavitt will monitor devices to the same extent that we currently do. Just like the our Chromebook program, Cavitt does not employ management software to directly monitor the activity of student devices. We do monitor activity on the network and the network does have regularly updated firewalls and web content filters. We believe students need to learn to manage the use of their own device in this educational setting.
Will students be able to charge their device on campus?
We are looking to expand the places on campus to charge the battery of a device. The spaces are limited, so we recommend that students charge their devices at home and come to school with a fully charged device. Please note: Battery life is an important factor that you should consider when choosing a device.
What device is my student expected to bring?
The key element to BYOD is choice. Students have a choice in selecting size (laptop or tablet); operating system (Mac, Windows); and production tools (Google Apps for Education is fully supported by EUSD). Below are questions to consider when choosing a device:
- Which operating system is the student and family most comfortable with/currently using?
- Is this the primary computing device for the student? Tablets often require a larger “home base” computer to sync and run back-ups.
- Is the device WIFI enabled, can it access the web, and connect with their EUSD Google account?
- Is the device one that is comfortable to type on or navigate with during a 7-hour school day?
Will Cavitt be offering devices for discounts or sale?
The Eureka Union School District and the Eureka Schools Foundation are thrilled to offer the opportunity for the parents of our students to purchase a Chromebook for school and home use at the district pricing. This offer is optional and available to any student in our district, however; only grades 4 - 8 will be allowed to bring their own device to school at this time.
We have partnered with CDWG, one of our district vendors, to offer competitive pricing for a HP Chromebook 11 G5 - Education Edition which is appropriate for the work students will be completing at school. This device has been specifically selected to be compatible with the current 4-8 grade curriculum. In addition, the Chromebook 11 G5 - Education Edition is designed for school use as it is a sturdier product and similar to what the district purchases for the classroom.
Please visit http://www.eurekausd.org/Programs/BYOD/index.html for more information
What accessories do you recommend?
For all devices: Cover/case; headphones; a warranty; portable or additional battery for devices with poor battery life. For touch screen tablets: detachable keyboard or Bluetooth keyboard.
What about viruses?
No computer is immune to viruses or spam. As computers become more popular, they become more of a target for virus and spam creators. Cavitt recommends that all students protect themselves through virus protection programs or apps (available even for smartphones). Cavitt assists all users by providing additional protection “at the gates” of the network, but no single solution is foolproof and devices are certainly vulnerable off of the school network (such as home, coffee shops, or on a cellular network).
Do I need a warranty?
We STRONGLY recommend that devices have some form of warranty. While research shows that students statistically take much better care of a device that belongs to him or her than a school-provided device, accidents happen. Cavitt will have a limited number of devices available for students when they have short- or long-term repair issues but cannot give a total replacement solution for students whose device is destroyed.
What about theft?
Part of the daily use of technology is the daily care of that technology. Cavitt is proud to say that we have not experienced theft even with our previous policy of allowing reading devices brought onto campus. Students must also take care in securing their devices appropriately. Do not leave devices/backpacks unattended.
Are students always on a device?
The focus of BYOD is not so much teacher- or classroom-specific as it is student specific. While some activities require the use of an electronic device, there are other times where students have a choice to use the device to write notes, set reminders on a calendar, or use the device that supplements the learning experience. These opportunities are determined by the teacher and may differ from classroom to classroom.
