Will my son be expected to bring his device every day?Just as a student is expected to bring course materials required by the teacher, i.e. books, calculator, notebook, etc., he will be expected to have his charged device in classes if the teacher indicates that he will need it. He will be permitted to use his device for other educational purposes, such as note taking, at his discretion.
How will the teachers incorporate the use of his device in class?
Teachers will expect students to be skilled in using their device. They will expect students to use that device for basic educational needs (research, word-processing, presentations, and data display and management [i.e., Excel-type program]). In addition, teachers will expect students to work effectively in collaboration with other students to illustrate and/or communicate what they have learned, and to create products that demonstrate that learning.
Will my son need access to specific apps or programs?
Yes. Depending on the projects on which they will be working and the products they will be creating, students may be required to access specific apps or programs. These types of apps/programs will only be required if they are available across multiple platforms. Students may elect to use apps or programs that he finds useful in specific classrooms.
Will textbooks be available or expected on the device?
Yes. Each year, more textbooks become available in an electronic format. If that format suits a student’s learning style, perhaps loading textbooks on the device would be useful.
How will my son access the network while at school?
Following the technology training session, each student will receive a unique access code that will allow him to register one device. That access code is good for only one device and will allow the student to log on to the school’s network anywhere in the building.
Will my son be expected to do homework on his device?
Yes. Because the student is participating in the BYOD program, it is assumed that he will have to complete assignments using the device. If a student has begun work on a project using the device, he is sure to continue that work at home on the device. Moreover, as the program becomes compulsory beginning next year, he will be expected to do homework on his device.
What options does my son have if we don't have WiFi at home?
Even if he does not have WiFi at home, a student can go to any building or local institution that offers free WiFi (i.e., neighborhood library, Starbucks, etc.) in order to access work saved on the virtual Cloud. Because he will have access to the network while at school, he would be able to complete work anywhere at school before or after school.