BYOD FAQ

1. Who pays for the technology brought to school?

• These devices will be purchased by and remain the property of the family.

2. 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.

3. Who is responsible for damage, loss, or theft of devices your child brings to school?

• The UGDSB takes no responsibility to search for lost or stolen devices nor is there any assumption of financial responsibility by the UGDSB for damaged, lost or stolen personal computing devices.
• Families must stress the responsibilities their children have when bringing their own computing devices to school. Students bring electronic devices to school at their own risk, just like any other personal item.
• The UGDSB highly recommends that families discuss their own expectations for their child’s use of their personal device at school.
• Students are responsible for the security of their devices they bring to school; teachers and other staff will not store nor hold onto student devices.
• Anytime theft occurs, a school administrator should be contacted to make him/her aware of the situation.

4. Will my child need to have a signed an acceptable use policy?

• By clicking on “Accept” when logging onto the UGDSBPublic connection, students are accepting the terms and conditions outlined in the Responsible Use of Digital Technologies Procedures Manual 318-A (PDF).

5. What software will be needed on my child’s computer or device?

• No software needs to be purchased. As our school board uses Google Apps for Education (UGCloud), all activities and programs can be done online.

6. Are there any specifications for type of laptop, netbook, tablet or Smartphone?

• Buying a computer or device is a personal choice. Board suggestions for types of devices Ultimately, each person should choose the device that works best for his/her child. Online lessons and activities will be based on World Wide Web access, so the only hardware requirement is the ability of the device to connect wirelessly to the Internet.

7. What types of devices are allowed at school?

• Depending on the situation and the teacher’s suggestions, laptops, chromebooks, netbooks, ereaders, tablets and Smartphones are all possible devices that could be used within class.

8. How can my child’s computing device connect to the Internet?

• The Upper Grand District School Board 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.

9. Where will my child’s work be stored?

• Since most activities will be taking place online or within UGCloud, there is no need for a physical storage device such as a hard drive or memory stick.

10. Will we need to have Internet access at home?

• No. It would be helpful, however, to have some form of Internet access (wired or wireless) in order for a child to make full use of school resources from home, as well the multitude of resources available on the World Wide Web. But, it is not required in order for a child to use a personal computing device at school.

11. Does the UGDSB suggest any other considerations?

• Protect your investment with a protective casing.
• It is always a good idea to record the device’s serial number to have in case of theft.
• Some devices have a device locator; it is recommended to enable this feature if possible.
• You may want to consider theft or hazard insurance.
• If purchasing a new computing device for a child to use at school, you may wish to consider purchasing the extended warranty.