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BYOD

Bringing Your Own Device (BYOD) to School

Carroll ISD is a BYOD school districts and students are encouraged to Bring Your Own Device to school. At our district, we understand that some families may prefer to purchase a personal device for their student. While this is completely optional, we want to provide guidance to help you make the best decision for your child’s learning needs. Students in grades 5-12 are welcome to bring their personal device to school to use for instructional purposes.

What Devices Work Best for BYOD?

If you choose to provide a personal device, you can select any type that works for your family. However, we recommend a laptop or Chromebook since these best support our instructional programs. Student submitted assignments must be accessible on the Teacher's computer. Teachers Use Windows computers and can access Microsoft Office and Google Documents. 

For parents that are wanting to purchase a device for their child, below are some recommendations:

  • CISD has purchased Chromebooks for some grades, if you would like to purchase your child a device that closely aligns with what other students have you can purchase a Dell 3120 Chromebook
  • For windows computers, we recommend the specifications below.   
    • Intel i3 processor or better
    • 8GB of ram or better
    • 128GB Hard drive or better
    • Computers designed for students are much more durable and less expensive than business or gaming computers. A list of Dell education focused computers can be found here.
    • Must have a currently supported and updated operating system.
  • For MacBooks, we recommend device is able to run the current version of macOS, but we require that it is running a currently supported versions of macOS at minimum and updates are applied. 
  • Good warranty
    • This can be harder to find. Most store bought devices only have a 1yr warranty. We have found that some students can be hard on computers and a multi-year warranty is a good investment. If you order your computer from Dell's website, you can choose up to a 5yr. warranty, and you can include accidental damage coverage for issues like broken screens that are not due to parts failure, but are common breakages for students.
  • All devices are required to have currently updated antivirus software

Where to buy

  • It is often helpful to purchase your computer from a business that has local repair staff available in case you have trouble you can take the device to them for repairs. A variety of options are available, but Best Buy has a range of options and staff on site for technical needs.
  • If cost is a primary concern, online sites are generally less costly, but are not available for you to take your device to them in person if you have trouble.
  • Locations like Costco or Walmart are good options for cost savings, and they have good return policies, but they are not set up to provide technical support like Best Buy, or a local computer repair shop can. 
  • Don't forget the warranty! Not all locations sell multi-year warranties. It is not uncommon for a 4yr warranty to add >$100 to the price of the device. Keep this in mind since the advertised price probably only includes a 1yr manufacturer warranty. 

BYOD Required Procedures

  • Instructional Use Only:

    • Devices are to be used solely for educational purposes during the school day.

    • Use during class is subject to teacher approval and oversight.

    • All usage of BYOD device must comply with the District's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

  • Cybersecurity: BYOD devices are required to be updated with current software updates and be running current version anti-virus/spyware protection software.
  • Software & Updates: Students are responsible for keeping their device updated with the latest software and browser versions to ensure compatibility with school resources. Students may need to install some software on their device, for example, in order to take online tests, the teachers may require students to install the Respondus Lockdown Browser on their device.
  • Technical Support: CISD technology will provide limited technical support for BYOD devices since we will not have admin rights and most district licensed software can only be installed on district owned computers. However, students do have access to Desktop computers in locations like libraries if they experience technology problems on their BYOD device. Hardware repairs of BYOD devices are the responsibility of the family. Technicians will be able to provide some technical support information, like what Wi-Fi to connect to, or where to access resources.
  • Phones (including: Tablets, Smart Watches, ...) are Not BYOD devices: Students must follow the student handbook regarding cell phone use on their campus.
  • Internet Filtering: 

    • Students must connect their devices to the District’s Wi-Fi network while on campus.

    • Use of personal hotspots or cellular data for school-related activities is prohibited.

    • Students are not permitted to have or use tools to bypass District filters (i.e. VPNs, proxies, personal websites).

    • Parents are encouraged to install internet filtering software on all devices accessible to students. A list of recommended parental control tools is available here

    • All student devices connected to the District network are subject to internet filtering in accordance with federal and local regulations.

  • Security & Responsibility: The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices. Students should take care of their devices and keep them secure. 
  • Printing Limitations: Personal devices are not able to print on school printers. If printing is needed, students should plan ahead using at home printing options or submitting their assignment via email or Canvas.
  • Classroom Use: Teachers may set classroom-specific expectations for device use. Students should follow their teacher’s guidelines to ensure devices are used appropriately for learning.
  • Consequences for Misuse May Include:

    • Confiscation of the device for parent pickup

    • Disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct

    • Revocation of BYOD privileges

Important Information

  • Instructional Resources: The CISD Curriculum and Instruction Department has secured web-based resources that are fully compatible with the Chrome browser on both BYOD and district-issued laptops. All students are provided access to Google Docs, allowing them to create and collaborate on documents and presentations from any device with internet access. Online resources can be accessed from any computer through the District’s single sign-on portal, Classlink.
  • Discounted Off Site Repairs: CISD has built an exclusive relationship with a local computer repair shop Computer CPR ( https://www.computercpr.com/ ). Students can show their student ID badge and receive 10% off the cost of repairs for their personally owned student device.