Dear Parents/Guardians,

Technology has become an essential part of education. To be able to live, learn, and work successfully in our information-rich society, students must be able to utilize technology effectively. Many students’ lives today are filled with technology that gives them access to information and resources, enabling them to pursue their learning in their own way and at their own pace. The opportunities are limitless, borderless, and instantaneous.

With many students owning mobile computing devices and frequently using these devices for their school work while at home, the school division would like to encourage students to utilize their own technology in a more seamless way at school. In an effort to put students at the center and empower them to take control of their own learning, students may wish to use personal technology devices for educational use while at school.

This year, some teachers will pilot the Bring your own Technology (BYOT) program.  Students in the pilot phase of this investigation will be able to bring their own mobile computing devices to school for use in their classes. A filtered Internet connection will be provided for students to use for educational purposes.

The student is solely responsible for any equipment that he/she brings to school. The Prairie Spirit School Division is not liable for damaged, lost, or stolen equipment. All students must adhere to the School Acceptable Use Policy. When students use technology inappropriately while on the school network, the same consequences apply, regardless of who owns the device.

 

FAQ: Parents

What type of device may my child bring to school?

Students may use any device that will allow them to access the internet and have a battery life that will last the school day.  For example:  laptop, Chrome book, Surface, iPad, iPod, Smartphone. Something that is not too heavy for the child to carry or too cumbersome to have on a desk. A case to protect the device is essential. A method to secure the device at school (locked locker or teacher provided storage) are also essential.

What else should we consider when purchasing a device?

1. Anti-Virus Software
2. Additional battery
3. Theft and hazard insurance

Does my child have to bring in a device? What if a family cannot afford to buy technology for their child?

No, it is entirely optional.  We are hoping to have a few devices available in classrooms and in some cases extra devices for sign-out.   School sign-out devices may only be used at school.

 

What if my child’s device is stolen or damaged? What recourse can I take?

Students bring electronic communication devices to school at their own risk, just like any other personal items. The school will not be held responsible if an electronic device or other item is lost, stolen or damaged. In some cases registering the device with your home insurance will cover lost or stolen items. Please check with your insurance provider to determine your level of coverage.

Is it required that my child use the school wireless connection? Can they use their own 3G or 4G service?

Students with a personally owned device are encouraged to use the school’s public wireless network to access provincially licensed subscriptions and ministry owned multimedia resources. Students that choose to use the non-filtered 3G or 4G connection from their device provider should be reminded that inappropriate behavior at school holds the same consequences regardless of the connection or who owns the device.

My child is bringing a device to school for instructional purposes. Will they have access to things they normally do with district equipment?

Your child will have access to any of the web-based software the school currently uses (databases, library search tools, cloud services, email etc.) Software may run differently on different devices for varying reasons.

How will you handle students accessing inappropriate websites during school?

Students are held accountable by the school’s Acceptable Use Policy, the school student handbook and student behavior policies. Students connecting to the school network will be able to access the web in a more secure, safe and resource-rich manner.

How will my son’s/daughter’s device be used in the classroom?

At the teacher’s discretion, students will utilize their devices to access information, research, solve problems, collaborate, communicate and engage in the curriculum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ: Students

I don’t have my own electronic communication device to bring to school. Will I be penalized or miss out on instruction?

No, it is not mandatory for students to bring a device, even if they do own one. Use of personal electronic devices will be optional. Keep in mind that learning can be enhanced greatly for the entire class even if only a handful of students have a device.

I have my device with me in class. How do I get on the Internet now?

Most devices will detect a wireless connection when you are near one. Most of the time devices will ask you if you would like to join the network when prompted, choose “Prairie Spirit Schools” from the list and use your school network credentials to logon. Instructions for connecting: http://bit.ly/pssdconnect

I can’t get my device to connect to the network. Can I get some help from someone?

If you are having problems, first ask a friend who is tech savy.  If you are still having problems please ask Mr. Karras or Ms. Gruending.

I need to save my work in my network folder. How do I do this?

No matter how you connect, school wireless or ISP provided 3G/4G, your network files are available at https://files.spiritsd.ca

My device was stolen when I brought it to school. Who should I contact about this?

Prairie Spirit School Division is not responsible for the theft of a device, nor are they responsible for any damage done to the device while at school. Any time a theft occurs, you should contact a teacher or administrator to make them aware of the offense. Bringing your own devices to school can be useful; however, some risks are involved as well. It is always a good idea to record the device’s serial number and to enable your device’s geo-location services and any “find my device” tools in case of theft.

Does the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) apply to me even though this is my personal device?

Yes, students using a personally owned device must adhere to the school Acceptable Use Policy and school behavior guidelines. Students with a personally owned device are encouraged to use the school’s public wireless network to access provincially licensed subscriptions and ministry owned multimedia resources. Students that choose to use the non-filtered 3G or 4G connection from their device provider should be reminded that inappropriate behavior at school holds the same consequences regardless of the connection or who owns the device.