What devices will be supported?
We recommend the Chromebook as the ideal device due to price, battery life, fast startup and usability. Students are welcome to use laptops, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones all accessing our WiFi.
What are the minimum requirements for a device?
A device brought for learning should meet the following requirements:
- Internet ready (preferably with the Chrome browser)
- Ability to type
- Battery life of a full school day (6 hours)
- Labelled for identification
- Google Apps For Education (GAFE) friendly if it’s a handheld device. This means it has the following Google apps:
- Google Drive
- Gmail
- Google Docs
- Google Slides
- Google Sheets
- Google Classroom
Is there anything else you recommend the device to have?
Yes. It is recommended that the device have a minimum screen size of 7 inches as well as a physical keyboard for ease of use.
Do you have a partnership with any distributor for us to purchase a device?
Yes! We partnered with Staples School Tools. Click here for more information.
My child does not have a device to bring to school. Will they be penalized or miss out on instruction?
No, it’s not mandatory that you bring a device to use, even if you do own one. Technology is another tool that students can use that will enhance their learning making it more personalized and authentic.
We would like to participate in this initiative but currently do not have a device for my child and do not wish to purchase one. What options are available for us?
EICS has a device leasing program in place for those who would like to utilize this option. For a yearly fee, students will receive a Chromebook to use for the school year. This is considered a personal device and therefore management of the device is the student’s responsibility.
Who is responsible for maintaining the device?
Students are responsible for the management and maintenance of their own device.
As a parent, am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device, etc.) to my child’s device?
Virus protection for PC’s is recommended . Device location software is not required but is always a good idea.
Will my child be able to charge their device at school during the day?
Students will be expected to bring their device fully charged for the school day. Due to the number of students we expect to participate in the One-To-One initiative, we cannot reasonably expect to provide charging facilities in school for the student devices.
Where can students use their device?
Students will be allowed to use their device in the classroom and throughout the school to support their learning and at the discretion of the teacher.
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 (Google Apps For Education, library search tools, etc).
How will my son’s/daughter’s device be used in the classroom?
Students will engage in an integrated curriculum, access information and apply it to solve authentic problems. For more information please contact your child’s teacher.
What if my child’s device is stolen or damaged? What recourse can I take?
Students bringing their own device to school due so at their own risk, just like any other personal item. The school will not be held responsible if an electronic device or other item is lost, stolen or misplaced. We suggest that you label the device in some way as to identify it if needed. As well, some devices have a device locator and it is recommended that you enable this feature if possible.
Is it required that my child use the school wireless network? Can they use their own data service?
For security reasons, students with their own device need to use the POD wireless network. You own your device, but the network you’re using belongs to the school and internet access will be filtered.
My child cannot get their device to connect to the network. Can someone from EICS help?
Please keep in mind that it is not the responsibility of EICS staff to troubleshoot individuals devices through the day. However, EICS will provide support for connectivity to the POD network.
My child needs to print the assignment they completed, why is there no printer provided?
Printers are networked differently in the school and may not be available when you log in to the POD network. Some solutions to this is creating and sharing a Google Doc, emailing the document to your teacher, printing it out at home or another computer linked to a printer.
As a student, am I still held accountable for the “Responsible Use Agreement for Technology” I signed even though this is my personal device?
Yes, in order to use your personal device in the learning environment you must have both the Responsible Use Agreement and the One-To-One User Agreement signed.