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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program at ARGS

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a BYOD Program?

• Makes possible a 21st century classroom

• Fosters student ownership of their own learning

• Student real time access to information

• Smooth transition between home and school

• Provides easier student access to online instructional materials

• Supplements school resources and equipment

What are the policies of the BYOD program?

Users may not connect to any other wireless network except the ARGS Wireless Network while on-campus. This includes wireless internet access by cell carriers and access points maintained by the residences adjacent to the property. Any user found to be accessing the internet on a personal device with wireless connectivity without express permission by a teacher, administrator, or the I.T. Department will be subject to the disciplinary actions set forth in this policy.

Access to the Wireless Network is restricted to a per-user basis. Anyone who is authorized for wireless access to the network will be subject to the rules and regulations set forth in this policy. If a user violates any portion of the Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy, the right to access the Wireless Network will be immediately and permanently revoked.

 

Students may not use laptops or portable computing/communication devices while in class without the express permission of his or her teacher.

It should be noted that wireless connectivity is considered a secondary network and connectivity is not guaranteed on your device. ARGS provides and maintains computers for students and staff to use.

 

No assistance besides the information provided on the I.T. site will be provided for anyone connecting a personal device to the ARGS provided wireless network.

How may my child use their device during the school day?
Students may use their devices to complete in class activities, complete homework, collaborate in real time, research for projects, access websites with curriculum-related content, keep track of classroom assignments, and record journal entries and other approved instructional activities, at the direction of the teacher or administration.
Students should only bring personal devices for a specific use in classes where the teacher has permitted them. 

Will there be a permission form that needs to be signed before a student brings their own device to school?
No. There is no special permission form to be signed, but students are always expected to abide by the Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy.

What consequences will a student face if he or she is in violation of the AUP or Code of Conduct regarding BYOD?
If a student is not following the school division policy for the use of his or her personally owned device, that student will loose access for their device and all future devices for the duration of their stay at ARGS. Further disciplinary action may be at the discretion of the AUP and ARGS administration.

How can a teacher or staff member tell if a student is using a non-school wireless connection to the Internet rather than the provided wireless access?
While it can be difficult to tell at times, if a staff member sees a student accessing a website that is typically blocked from the ARGS network, the student is likely on a non-school connection. The quickest way to help enforce this is by observing what students are accessing. If you believe a students is non-school wireless connection to the Internet simply ask them to visit www.filter.com or another blocked site.

What about security/theft/damage?
Devices are the sole responsibility of the student. ARGS accepts no responsibility for the security or safety of the device. Students are responsible for the security of the device. School technology support or teachers will not support, repair or troubleshoot student devices.

Will the wireless access be filtered?
Yes.The wireless Internet access available through the ARGS network is the same level of access the student would receive on one of our school owned devices.

Will there be technical assistance provided to access the wireless network?
No. Since there are literally hundreds of devices that could be brought to school as part of the BYOD program, there is no technical assistance provided other than providing the name of the wireless connection. Students will be expected to know how to connect their own devices.

May teachers require students to bring their own devices?

No. Students are not required to participate in the BYOD program.

Will students be able to use their devices before or after school? During lunch? In the library media center?
The administration at each school will determine which, if any, locations other than the classroom setting that personally owned devices may be used during the instructional day. However, if the use of the device causes disruption in the specific setting, the student will be directed to put it away.

May students use another student’s device?
No. Devices should only be used by the owner of the device. 

How will students be able to access network resources such as printers and network drives?
Students will not have the capability to print or access other internal network resources from their devices in school.

How will teachers prevent students from just texting their friends or just surfing the Web?
Students should be instructed to put devices away when they are not completing a specific instructional task. Teachers should always be mindful of what students are doing during class.

Should I go out and buy my child a device?
Personally owned devices are a supplement to the equipment already in use in the classroom. BYOD is an optional program and parents are not required to purchase a device for their child. Students who do not choose to bring their own device to school will still be able to use school technology resources for instruction. ARGS provides a ratio of school owned computers at an approximate ratio of 2:1 (2 students to every 1 computer). These computers are well spread out through-out the campus and are easily accessible.