Technology » Bring Your Own Learning Device (BYOLD) Program

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. Having BYOLD at Greely High School puts students at the center of their education and empowers them to take control of their own learning. Over 90% of our students bring their own computing device to school. For those families who can’t afford a device, a Chromebook will be provided by the District.

 

District Policies Regarding Technology

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

 

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].

 

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS FOR LAPTOP

The specifications below represent a range of options for students and their families to consider (cost ranges from Chromebooks starting at $150 to Macbook Airs starting at $800).

 

  PC Laptop Macbook Laptop Chromebook Laptop
Storage Capacity 64 GB 64 GB n/a, cloud storage included
Operating System Windows 10 Mac OS 10.15.0 Chrome OS 110
Memory 8GB** 8GB** 4GB**
Minimum Screen Size 11” 11” 11”
Wireless Capabilities WiFi (802.11g/n/ac)
Minimum Battery Life 6 hours
Required Accessories Headphones/earbuds

** Memory 8GB minimum / higher memory (8GB) are faster for video streaming

Frequently Asked Questions

Whose Responsibility Is It? 
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.
 
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. Students who need a device should stop by the GHS library on the first day of school to request a District loaner.
 
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 be a Chromebook that meets the minimum specifications. If you are a student in need of a device, please stop by the GHS library and let the school librarian know.
 
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.  
 
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. 
 
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, the device may not be needed for period one but will be used in period two. The student will need to plan to transport their device to school and home on a daily basis.
 
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.