B.Y.O.D
Q&A
Q: What type of device should my child bring?
A: Our preference is that students bring a laptop; either PC, Apple, or Chromebook computers are fine. We feel that laptops are the gold standard for content creation, given that students can easily type, create web content, program, and edit digital content on laptops. Tablet devices (e.g. iPads,) are our runner-up devices. While tablets have many wonderful uses, students are often less comfortable typing with on-screen keyboards, some websites do not work properly on tablets, and installing/updating software can be somewhat more complicated.
Q: Does my child need a new device?
A: Students do NOT need a new device at school. A hand-me-down or refurbished laptop would be perfect! Our main technical requirements are that the devices can wirelessly connect to the internet (Wi-Fi enabled), ideally can hold a charge, and has access to Google. If you send in a device that is set up with administrative passwords, please provide the necessary information so that we can update and install software, and connect your device to the school’s wireless network.
Q: Where will the device “live”?
A: The laptop/tablet (called the “device” here,) will remain at school for the duration of the school year. It is unwieldy for the students to bring their devices to and from school on a regular basis, (the devices weigh too much in their backpacks,) and if the devices travel back and forth, they are far more likely to break. Devices will return home at the end of the school year.
Q: What will happen if my child does not bring a device to school?
A: Providing a device for your child is NOT mandatory, and we completely understand that it is not possible for all families to send a device to school. We have many devices at school that will be available to students who do not bring in a laptop from home, and we will make every effort to ensure that all students have access to technology while at school, regardless of whether they have brought in their own device. B.Y.O.D. is intended to augment, not replace school-owned technology, and we hope that B.Y.O.D. will free up school-owned devices to allow greater access for everyone.
Q: Who is responsible for the device?
A: Ultimately, you (and your child) are responsible for the device that your child brings to school. Chelsea Prep is not liable for damaged, lost, or stolen devices. However, we understand that fourth graders cannot entirely manage their devices without teacher support. We will provide a secure storage solution (locked cabinet/closet) for all devices within the classroom, as well as basic technical support. We will teach students how to responsibly care for their devices. Both fourth grade teachers have taught extensively with devices in their respective classrooms and have excellent track records in terms of the successful maintenance of classroom devices. While the school is not legally responsible for B.Y.O.D. devices, as always, we teachers are responsible for how the devices are used by the students in the classroom, and we will teach appropriate digital citizenship. (Devices will join our school wireless network that enables safe, filtered web access.) Furthermore, we will make sure that all classroom technology use is purposeful and supports a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and social interactions.
A: Our preference is that students bring a laptop; either PC, Apple, or Chromebook computers are fine. We feel that laptops are the gold standard for content creation, given that students can easily type, create web content, program, and edit digital content on laptops. Tablet devices (e.g. iPads,) are our runner-up devices. While tablets have many wonderful uses, students are often less comfortable typing with on-screen keyboards, some websites do not work properly on tablets, and installing/updating software can be somewhat more complicated.
Q: Does my child need a new device?
A: Students do NOT need a new device at school. A hand-me-down or refurbished laptop would be perfect! Our main technical requirements are that the devices can wirelessly connect to the internet (Wi-Fi enabled), ideally can hold a charge, and has access to Google. If you send in a device that is set up with administrative passwords, please provide the necessary information so that we can update and install software, and connect your device to the school’s wireless network.
Q: Where will the device “live”?
A: The laptop/tablet (called the “device” here,) will remain at school for the duration of the school year. It is unwieldy for the students to bring their devices to and from school on a regular basis, (the devices weigh too much in their backpacks,) and if the devices travel back and forth, they are far more likely to break. Devices will return home at the end of the school year.
Q: What will happen if my child does not bring a device to school?
A: Providing a device for your child is NOT mandatory, and we completely understand that it is not possible for all families to send a device to school. We have many devices at school that will be available to students who do not bring in a laptop from home, and we will make every effort to ensure that all students have access to technology while at school, regardless of whether they have brought in their own device. B.Y.O.D. is intended to augment, not replace school-owned technology, and we hope that B.Y.O.D. will free up school-owned devices to allow greater access for everyone.
Q: Who is responsible for the device?
A: Ultimately, you (and your child) are responsible for the device that your child brings to school. Chelsea Prep is not liable for damaged, lost, or stolen devices. However, we understand that fourth graders cannot entirely manage their devices without teacher support. We will provide a secure storage solution (locked cabinet/closet) for all devices within the classroom, as well as basic technical support. We will teach students how to responsibly care for their devices. Both fourth grade teachers have taught extensively with devices in their respective classrooms and have excellent track records in terms of the successful maintenance of classroom devices. While the school is not legally responsible for B.Y.O.D. devices, as always, we teachers are responsible for how the devices are used by the students in the classroom, and we will teach appropriate digital citizenship. (Devices will join our school wireless network that enables safe, filtered web access.) Furthermore, we will make sure that all classroom technology use is purposeful and supports a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and social interactions.