Bring Your Own Learning Device (BYOLD) Program
Greely High School will be continuing the Bring Your Own Learning Device (BYOLD) requirement for the upcoming school year. Below, we have shared a list of frequently asked questions that will hopefully provide you with a better understanding of student needs and expectations associated with this requirement. If you have additional questions, please contact Dirk Van Curan at ([email protected]). We have also included information about appropriate devices.
IJNDB Student Use of District Owned Technology Devices and Internet Use
IJNDB-R Student Technology Devices and Internet Use Rules
JFCK Student Use of Personal Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices
MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS FOR LAPTOP
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS FOR LAPTOP/TABLET
| PC Laptop / Tablet | Macbook Laptop | Chromebook Laptop | |
| Storage Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB | n/a, cloud storage included |
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Mac OS 10.13.3 | Chrome OS 84 |
| Memory | 4GB** | 4GB** | 4GB** |
| Minimum Screen Size | 11” | 11” | 11” |
| Recommend Accessory | |||
| Wireless Capabilities | WiFi (802.11g/n/ac) | ||
| Minimum Battery Life | 6 hours | ||
| Required Accessories | Headphones | ||
** Memory 4GB minimum / higher memory (8GB) are faster for video streaming
The Technology Support Center recommendations for new laptops are as follows:
Solid State Drive (SSD)
SSDs are the new hard drives that do not rely on a spinning disk to store memory. SSDs improve the speed, security, and portability of any computer. This is the single best decision that can increase the speed of any computer dramatically. MacBook Airs, Macbook Retina Displays, and several Ultrabooks come with a SSD by default.
8 GB + RAM
If you plan to have the computer for several years, we recommend shelling out the extra dollars for 8 GB RAM. Programs and operating systems are using more and more RAM. This way you are sure to have a computer that lasts.
TOUCH Screen
If buying a PC with Windows 10, we recommend you purchase a computer with a touch screen. Windows 8 is designed around having a touch screen and may feel awkward to use without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose Responsibility Is It?
Students are responsible for their device(s) at all times.
Students are responsible for their device(s) at all times.
Who pays for the technology brought to school?
These devices will be purchased by and remain the property of the family.
These devices will be purchased by and remain the property of the family.
Will the district rent a device for the year?
No. However, arrangements can be made with families who have expressed the need for a device.
No. However, arrangements can be made with families who have expressed the need for a device.
Who is responsible for any repairs or updating to personal computing devices?
Students and/or their families are responsible for their personal computing devices at all times.
Students and/or their families are responsible for their personal computing devices at all times.
Who is responsible for damage, loss, or theft of devices your child brings to school? Families must stress the responsibilities their children have when bringing their own computing devices to school. Any devices students bring to school are their sole responsibility.
MSAD #51 takes no responsibility to search for lost or stolen devices nor is there any assumption of financial responsibility by MSAD #51 for damaged, lost or stolen personal computing devices.
Does my child have to have a device everyday?
YES, GHS students are now required to have a device that meets the minimum requirements at every class. Think of this as having a pencil and/or pen and paper.
YES, GHS students are now required to have a device that meets the minimum requirements at every class. Think of this as having a pencil and/or pen and paper.
Do they use them in every class?
Not necessarily, The teacher will be the deciding factor if a device will be required for any particular class. Just like the pen/pencil, They may not be needed for period one but will be used in period two. The student needs to have the device when asked to use. Every day? YES
What if our family cannot afford a device?
The district will provide a device for students whose family is unable to afford to purchase a device. This device will meet the minimum specifications and most likely will be a Chromebook. If you are a student in need of a device, please stop by the GHS library and let the school librarian know.
Are there any specifications for the type of laptop or chromebook my child may bring to school?
Buying a computer is a personal choice. Ultimately, each person will need to choose the device that works best for his/her child. CLICK HERE for minimum specifications for devices.
All lessons will be based on World Wide Web access, so the only hardware requirement is the ability of the device to connect wirelessly to the MSAD #51’s wireless network. We recommend devices with a screen size of at least 11 inches.
How can my child’s computing device connect to the Internet?
MSAD #51 provides a wireless network which students may connect to while using their devices in the building. Additionally, students may use an Internet connection from an outside provider. In this case, the family will be responsible for any expense incurred using this type of Internet connection. Students using Internet from an outside provider may not visit websites otherwise blocked by the district’s web filter while at school.
What software will be needed on my child’s computer?
No software needs to be purchased.MSAD #51 uses Google Workspace for Education to store student work. Students will be able to use these capabilities provided by MSAD #51, rather than purchasing software.
Because purchasing a computing device is a personal choice, anyone may purchase and use other productivity tools that best suits one’s personal needs.