BYOD Overview

  • Bring Your Own Device to school!

     

    Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD now offers BYOD for all 7-12 students, which promotes a  true anytime, anywhere teaching and learning environment. The goals for the BYOD program are simple - to better engage and prepare our students for future success. These students may bring their own internet enabled devices to school. This includes laptops, netbooks, smartphones, iPod Touches and any device that meets minimum system requirements. Students who choose to bring their own device will have access to a student wireless network.

    The Internet will be filtered the same as if the student was using a district owned computer. The use of the technology in the classroom will be at the teacher’s discretion and ultimately the student will be responsible for any applications and support needed for their device. To support the implementation of the BYOD program the district is rolling out Google Apps for Education for students.

    Through the program, SCUC are more equipped to support a true anytime, anywhere teaching and learning environment. To better prepare for this program, SCUC High School staff will be participating in numerous professional learning activities over the upcoming months. 

     


    BYOD Definition

    Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD defines BYOD as a privately-­owned, Internet capable electronic mobile device that can be used during the school day to increase student engagement and facilitate learning. Under teacher supervision, students may use their own device in the classroom to enhance student learning. 

    Connectivity & Safety                                                          

    Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD believes that Internet safety is of utmost importance. As such, all students who bring devices to school to use as part of the BYOD learning initiative should connect to the scucstudent network. Teachers and administrators will provide students with the password for this network. Using the SCUC network will ensure that BYOD devices have appropriate network filters and comply with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Students will only use the SCUC network in school. Any attempt to bypass the SCUC network using a personal cellular data network could result in disciplinary action that could include loss of BYOD privileges.  Students and parents should be aware that data is being recorded as to sites visited by each device. Additionally, as part of this initiative, teachers will incorporate digital citizenship as part of their instruction.

    Security and Damages

    Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD is not liable for any device that is stolen or damaged. Ultimately, the responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. However, if a device is stolen or damaged, it will be addressed through the administrative office in the same way that any other personal artifact would be handled. Devices will need to be labeled with personal markings to physically identify your child’s device from others. Additionally, a protective case for the device is suggested.

     

    Teachers’ Role

    Teachers are facilitators of instruction in their classrooms. Therefore, they will not spend time troubleshooting technical difficulties with students’ personal devices in the classroom. They will educate and provide guidance on how to use a device, but they will not provide technical support. This responsibility will reside at home with parents/guardians. Teachers may communicate information regarding educational applications and suggest appropriate tools that can be downloaded to personal devices at home. Applications may be downloaded at school only with express instruction from teacher.

    Teachers will communicate the expectations for the use of personal technology to their students. Teachers will monitor students to ensure appropriate usage of technology in the classrooms.

    Use of Devices

    Devices will be used in the classroom only as directed by school personnel. Students must immediately comply with teachers’ requests to shut down devices or close screens. Students must put away devices when directed by teachers. Students should not use devices in bathrooms or locker rooms.

     

    Students will...

    • abide by the Acceptable Use Policy      

    • bring their devices to school fully charged

    • store their personal devices in appropriate areas (book bags, lockers, etc.)

    • only use headphones and earphones when directed by school personnel

    Student will not...

    • use any technology to harass, threaten, demean, humiliate, intimidate, embarrass or annoy fellow students or others in their community

    • use any technology to capture or post videos or photos of themselves or other students without their knowledge and written parental permission

    Any form of cyber bullying will not be tolerated, and will be subject to disciplinary action.