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5-12 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.

5-12 Grade Rental Devices

While the district still has inventory of existing devices students will be able to rent one for $85/year. Included in the rental is 2 repairs.

  • The rental option will only be available while inventory lasts.
  • The devices being rented are not new laptops, they are laptops previously assigned to students and they no longer have manufacturer warranties, but are in good working order. Since the devices are previously used, they may have cosmetic blemishes like scratches or fading paint.
  • If a rented student laptop needs support, it will be turned into the campus Librarian. If the device is broken a different device will be provided. Included in the $85 cost is the replacement of the device due to part failure 2 times. If the support is software related (i.e. needs a program reinstalled), the laptop will be serviced and returned to the student as soon as possible.
  • An unmanned self service kiosk will be available for students to turn in and pick up laptops as well as submit a help request to the technician letting them know what the issue is. Parents can also create a tech support help request, but sending an email to: help@southlakecarroll.edu
  • The fee is waved for students who qualify for free/reduced meals.

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.
    • A 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.

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

  • Cybersecurity: BYOD devices are required to be updated with current software updates and be running current version anti-virus/spyware protection software.
  • 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.
  • 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 student may need 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.
  • 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.  
  • Phones are Not BYOD devices: Students must follow the student handbook regarding cell phone use on their campus.
  • Internet Filtering: BYOD devices are only filtered when connected to the district’s Wi-Fi network and not using tools like VPNs to bypass the filters. In contrast, district-owned devices are filtered at all times, including at home. Students are required to connect BYOD devices to the district Wi-Fi while at school and must not use personal hotspots, cellular data, or VPNs. Parents are encouraged to install internet filtering software on all devices accessible to students. A list of recommended parental control tools is available here.
  • 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.