BYOT Frequently Asked Questions
Published July 31, 2014
Williamson County Schools is about to kick-off year three of the district’s Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) initiative. Students in grades 3-12 are invited to bring digital devices such as laptops and tablets to school to communicate, collaborate and create. Devices must use a WIFI connection while at school. Content will be filtered on personal devices the same way it is filtered on district owned devices. Students will be able to check out a device from the school to support instruction if they do not bring their own device.
Students must have a signed Acceptable Use, Media Release, and Internet Safety Procedures agreement and returned it to the school prior to bringing a device to school or using a district owned device. CLICK HERE to view the district’s BYOT Manual. Additional information can also be found on the BYOT website by going to https://old.wcs.edu/byot/.
Below are a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
My son is bringing his iPad to school for instructional purposes. Will he have access to things he normally does with district equipment?
Answer: Your son will have access to any of the web based software school campuses currently use (databases, library search tools, Google apps suite of tools etc.). Some district provided subscriptions offer free supporting apps. These apps may be installed by the owner of the device. Examples of these apps include Renaissance Learning, Wixie, Wowzers and the Wonders reading series.
Software may run differently on different devices for varying reasons. You should consult your owner’s manual or other support materials provided with the device for software limitations. (Ex. iPads cannot run software requiring Flash Player)
As a parent, am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device etc.) to my child’s technology tool?
Answer: No. Currently we are not requiring any additional software for school use. Virus protection is always advised, but not required. While on the WCS-Guest network, students will be monitored through the district’s filter, so there is no need for additional filtering software.
I have read the agreement and I do not wish to have my daughter accessing the Internet using her own laptop. Is this allowable in this plan?
Answer: Your daughter is not required to bring a device to school. You would still need to agree to the WCS Acceptable Use, Media Release and Internet Safety Procedures to use district owned devices. The school will provide, whenever possible, a district owned device for use within the class period as needed for instructional purposes at the discretion of the teacher.
If my daughter’s laptop is stolen or damaged, what recourse can I take?
Answer: The district is not responsible for any damage or theft of student owned equipment. Keeping track of the device’s serial number, model and type at home is suggested. Theft or vandalism of any kind should be reported immediately to a campus administrator, so he/she can take the appropriate steps.
What are the campus/classroom rules for using student owned devices including phones?
Answer: Teachers make the final decision for any tools used in the classroom; student owned equipment would be no different. It will be up to the individual teachers to communicate their expectations to parents and students. For example, the student may choose to use their personal device for note taking. During class the teacher may ask the student to turn off the device during a test. Contact your child’s teachers or campus administration for his/her expectations.
Will my child have access to communication tools like email or message boards while on the WCS-Guest network?
Answer: Yes. All students in grades 3-12 have education Google user accounts providing student safe email as well as other communication tools and digital storage to save and retrieve work.
Where can I see the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology?
Answer: Board policy is available online at the following link: https://old.wcs.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/4406p1415.pdf.
How can I help keep my child safe on mobile devices?
Answer: Digital citizenship is a shared responsibility between home and school. Parents are encouraged to monitor BYOT devices outside the school setting and engage in conversation with their student(s) regarding safe and appropriate use. The schools and district host events focused on Digital Citizenship for parents. For more information about keeping your child safe online go to https://old.wcs.edu/instructionaltech/students.htm.