Do students need their own devices?
In 2015, the Strategic Planning Committee recommended that CISD adopt a plan to “provide each student and teacher with a mobile device to use both at school and at home to encourage and support 21st century learning, anytime, anywhere.” (Strategy 3.3)
How were these devices chosen?
A Device Selection Committee comprised of students, teachers, administrators, and district curriculum and technology department members researched and tested multiple devices in spring 2017.
How will the Digital Dragons program be funded?
The district will purchase devices for K-12 students using funds from the 2017 Bond.
Can students opt out of the Digital Dragons program?
Yes, students can elect to opt out of the program and bring their own device. In the event the student brings his/her own device, the student is responsible for ensuring the device is compatible with district resources and tools. CISD staff will not be responsible for support of BYOD devices.
Device Specifications
What devices will students receive?
Students in grades 5-12 will receive Dell laptops. Students in grades K-4 will receive an iPad.
Will the district preload devices with needed software?
The laptops will come preloaded with a standard set of software installed. The iPads will have apps from the CISD approved app list. These apps have gone through an extensive vetting process to check for student privacy, safety, security, content relevance, and accessibility features.
Will students be able to add software/apps to the device?
Students will not be able to add software to laptops. In the case that additional software is needed, the student may visit the technician on campus for assistance. Students will not be able to add apps to their iPad. In the case that additional apps are needed, the teacher may request apps for approval.
Will the devices print to campus printers when at school?
Laptops will be able to print to school devices. iPads will not be able to print.
Deployment
What do parents need to do before their child can receive his/her device? Will there be required training for parents? Students?
For students in grades 5-12, parents must pay a $75 optional annual Device Fee and complete an orientation. The information shared during the orientation will be offered both online and face-to-face. Students will receive their device after a parent has attended the required orientation meeting and signed the Device Acceptance Agreement and AUP. For students in grades K-4, parents must review and sign the AUP in Skyward during the Annual Verification Process.
When will students receive devices?
Students in grades 7-12 will receive laptops at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year.
Students in grades K-4 will receive iPads and students in grades 5-6 will receive laptops at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.
Will the devices include a protective case or bag?
Students in grades 5-12 will need to bring a protective sleeve or bag for their laptop. Students in grades K-4 will receive an iPad in a protective case.
Rules and Procedures
Are students required to receive a device?
It is not mandatory to receive a student laptop. Students may opt to bring their own personal devices. However, the laptops being provided by the district have been specifically configured to meet the needs of our instructional curriculum. For example, the math classes have shared that the student device needs to have a touch screen. These laptops have been configure to meet these curriculum needs.
Who is responsible for loss, theft, or damage?
Parents will pay a non-refundable $75 optional Device Fee, which will be utilized to repair accidental damage to the device. For more information on the device fee and related details, see the Device Support page.
How is payment collected?
Parents will utilize Skyward Family Access to pay the annual Device Fee and any additional assessed fines. To learn more about potential charges, see the Device Support page.
What if the device runs out of battery during the day? What if students come to class without their device charged?
Student devices must be brought to school every day fully charged. Students may carry the AC adapter if they choose; however, the battery should last the entire school day. In addition, there will be a few open area charging stations, and some classrooms have access to electrical outlets for students to charge.
Do students keep the same device every year?
Yes, students in grades 5-12 will use the same device every year. Students in grades K-4 will be logged out at the end of the year and log back in to a device in their new teacher's classroom.
Do students keep devices during the summer?
Yes, students in grades 5-12 will keep their assigned device during summer.
What if a student leaves the district?
Students who leave the district will return the device and accessories to their home campus during the school year. In the event that a device is not returned, CISD will report the device as stolen to the local police department. If the student withdraws from CISD during the summer months (when campuses are closed), the device must be returned to the CISD Technology Department (at the Carroll Administration Building).
Will students be able to take devices home? Can students keep their device at school?
Students in grades 5-12 will be able to take their device home. Devices should be taken home every day for charging. Students in grades K-4 will not be taking their device home. Devices will be kept at school and charged overnight in the homeroom classroom.
Parents and Students
How are students protected from inappropriate content?
Carroll ISD provides internet filtering to prevent viewing of unauthorized website content.
For tips on protecting your child at home, visit our Parent Resource page.
Will digital citizenship and cybersafety be taught?
Yes, lessons will be taught based on ISTE standards.
How can parents protect children at home?
Some of the ways parents can protect children at home is to monitor social media activity, check internet browsing history, and discussing appropriate use. Visit our Parent Resource page for helpful information on protecting your child at home.
Where does a student receive technical assistance?
The student should contact the technician on campus for support.
