BYOD Information
As we approach the upcoming school year, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that your student entering grades 4-5 at Park elementary, grades 6-8 at the middle school, and grades 9-12 at the high school will need to bring a digital learning device with them to school when we start in September as part of our “Bring Your Own Device” or BYOD initiative.
All students in grades 4-12 will be asked to have a Chromebook or similar electronic device for use in the classroom. Parents also have the opportunity to apply to the school district for use of a district device based on income eligibility. Forms to apply for the use of a District device may be found at the District’s Central Office, 30 Glen Street NW, Hutchinson, MN after July 1. If the application for use of a District device is approved, the device may be picked up at the HS Media Center.
Please review the information below when considering the type of device to send to school.
Who Needs a Device?
- Hutchinson Park Elementary: All students in grades 4-5
- Hutchinson Middle School: All students in grades 6-8
- Hutchinson High School: All students in grades 9-12
What does a BYOD Classroom look like?
You may be surprised to find that students are not accessing their devices every minute of every day. It is our philosophy that devices should be used for a defined learning purpose that supports the objectives of the lesson. We feel that technology should enhance what teachers already do in the classroom, not replace it. We also feel that a blended approach to learning is best, where some classroom activities may utilize devices and some may not. Devices will be an important part of helping students to stay organized and have access to classroom materials when they need them. They will also help teachers to bring relevant and current materials into their classroom to supplement their curriculum.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions as well as some information on financial assistance for qualifying students.
FAQs
Who needs a device?
- Park Elementary : Students in grades 4 and 5.
- Hutchinson Middle School: All students in grades 6-8.
- Hutchinson High School: All students in grades 9-12.
What device is recommended?
We recommend the Chromebook. It has an 8 hour battery life and works well with each student’s Google Apps for Education account.
Can a student utilize a smart phone or tablet?
Our minimum device requirements developed by administrators, teachers and the technology team state that the device used for BYOD should have a keyboard. It will be difficult to impossible for a student to keep up with coursework on a phone. If a tablet is used, it must have a working keyboard and be able to run the Chrome browser. Please see the table below for more information.
Can I use a laptop for BYOD?
Laptops are discouraged for 4th and 5th grade. For 6th-12th grade, please keep in mind that laptops have shorter battery life, meaning that your child will need to bring a charger and find an outlet in class to charge. Laptops tend to be more costly to purchase, and are typically slower to load. We have also found that pre-loaded antivirus software will often cause issues when attempting to connect to our wireless network. We provide technical support in the buildings during open house to troubleshoot connectivity issues, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to facilitate a connection.
What device does the district purchase for classroom use and device checkout?
The district purchases HP 11 Chromebooks or similar devices each summer for teachers and students to utilize in school.
Does it matter which brand of Chromebook I get?
No. Each Chromebook performs essentially the same functions. Some have slightly more memory than others, which explains why some are more expensive. They also vary in terms of the “ruggedness” of their cases, which can be helpful in protecting your investment against accidental damages.
What else do I need, other than a device?
We strongly recommend a case, which will help protect the device during transport to and from school, in addition to protecting your investment. Students can be hard on devices, and we have had incidents of breakage over the years due to a number of common issues, including accidental droppage, devices being crushed in backpacks, or items being closed between the screen and keyboard. A hard case along with a padded backpack will help protect student devices and ensure longevity.
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. If your student qualifies for free and reduced lunch, and you need assistance getting a device, please contact the District Office to get the necessary paperwork. Forms to apply for the use of a District device may be found by clicking link below or at the District’s Central Office, 1365 South Grade Road SW, Suite #2, Hutchinson, MN after August 1. Please note this form must be signed by both the student and the parent and the yearly fee must be paid before the student can pick up the device. If the application for use of a District device is approved, the device may be picked up at the Media Center in your student’s school building.
Device Recommendations
The type of device we recommend that families invest in would be the Chromebook. This device is fairly cost effective, averaging around $150, and has a life of about 3 years. The device does everything that we would need it to do in an educational setting by providing web access on our district’s wireless internet connection and allowing for a single sign-on utilizing the student’s school Google Apps for Education account. Accounts are managed through the district, so we are able to control and monitor what your student has access to while regulating elements such as email and blocked websites. We are also able to push out helpful applications, websites and extensions that teachers request for easy access during class. Students benefit from having a full keyboard, and parents don’t have to worry about maintaining a device with an operating system or hard drive. Learn more about the Chromebook
We recommend keeping an eye on prices, as these devices do go on sale from time to time. You can purchase them online, or from local retailers like Target, Best Buy and BusinessWare Solutions.
If you prefer to send a different type of device, please ensure that the device meets the requirements listed below to ensure a good experience for your student.
Minimum Device Requirements
| Specifications | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Screen size: 10″ | Students will be reading documents, articles, and textbooks on their device. For that purpose, devices should be at least 10″ screen for optimal viewing of resources. |
| RAM: – 2 GB Chromebook – 4 GB Laptop | Laptops need more RAM because of their operating systems. Chromebooks and tablets require less RAM to function effectively. |
| Keyboard | In order for students to have the ability to type a document effectively, they will need a full sized keyboard. Wireless keyboards may be utilized with tablets, however, these may also need to be charged periodically to ensure they are in good working order. |
| Wireless Connectivity | After completing the device registration process, students will be granted access to the ISD 423 Staff/Student Wireless Network. Personal devices will not be allowed to connect to our network through an Ethernet connection due to security concerns. |
| Runs Chrome Browser | In order to effectively utilize our school’s system of Google Applications, students will need to be able to access a Chrome browser. Their bookmarks and settings will automatically save in the cloud, which will allow for easier access to information an coursework. |
| Battery Life: – Laptop: 2 hours – Chromebook: 6 hours | Chromebooks have a longer battery life, reducing the need for students to charge them during the school day. If a laptop is used, please consider that the device will need to be charged periodically throughout the day. This may affect their ability to use the device during class. |
Prepare Device for BYOD from Home
You can prepare your device for BYOD from home, with the exception of connecting your device to our school Wi-Fi which will need to be completed within one of our buildings. Students who are NEW to BYOD must fill out the form in step 2. If you have filled out the form in a prior year and still have your device sticker, you do not need to do this again. If you have a new device or have lost your sticker, please visit the Media Center to receive a new one.
Is your device ready for BYOD? Please ensure that you have completed THE BYOD STEPS to receive your device sticker.
Step 1
Login to your device using your school Google account.
On a chromebook: When you turn on your device for the first time after purchase, you will need to connect to your Wi-Fi in order to login. If you do not have Wi-Fi at home, you may do this step at school (see step 3.) Upon connecting to the internet for the first time, your device may automatically update, which can take several minutes to do.
Once you are connected, you will be prompted to enter your email address and password.
- Email Address: firstnamelastname#@student.isd423.org
- The # should be replaced by the last digit of your graduation year. If you are graduating in 2019, your number would be 9. Example: [email protected]
- Password: Tigerslunchnumber
- The T is the only letter that is capitalized, and there are no spaces. If this password doesn’t work, stop by the media center at open house and we can help you get it changed. Example: Tigers4444
On any other device: Go to Google and click sign in. Use the account information above to login.
Step 2
Go to the link below to fill out our Personal Device Regulations form.
We ask that both the parent or guardian and student be present to read through the regulations and digitally sign the form together.
Step 3
Connect your device to the ISD 423 Staff/Student Wi-Fi:
- Username: firstnamelastname#
- Your username is the first part of your school Google account. The number is the last digit of your graduation year. Example, joestudent9
- Password: Tigerslunchnumber
- Your password is the same one you use with your Google account.
Step 4
At open house or sometime during the first week of school –
Stop by the Media Center at HMS or HHS to tell us your name and get your device sticker.
9th grade students may also get their sticker during orientation.
If you have any problems signing in or completing the steps above, please visit with us in the HMS or HHS Media Center during open house and we will be happy to assist you.
Other questions? Please email Jocelynn and she will be happy to help you.
Parenting in a Digital World
Want to know more about how to navigate parenting in a digital world? The following resources cover a variety of topics ranging from the basics of internet safety to digital citizenship and managing your digital footprint.
- Kids and Tech: Parenting Tips for the Digital Age: This article gives parents some direction regarding the ways that technology has changed parenting and provides some suggestions for how to best manage your child’s relationship with technology.
- ThinkB4Uclick: This website gives parents and teachers the information needed to educate themselves, their families, students and the greater community about a multitude of topics including but not limited to identity theft and protection, digital citizenship and fraud detection. This website is the result from a collaboration between Google, Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely and the National Consumers League. The result is a website that can be utilized to achieve high levels of digital literacy and understanding for all internet users.
- Google Safety Center: This website is great for offering some practical and immediately applicable information to help your family utilize new devices, technologies and applications. Google compiles this information from a variety of resources including safety experts, parents, teachers and communities worldwide in order to stay up to date on the most relevant information. The goal is to produce digital citizens who are responsible users of technology.
- Raising Digital Natives: Technology and Our Kids: This is a special series developed by NPR that looks into a number of issues pertaining to raising children in an increasingly digital world. Topics addressed include digital citizenship, video game use, how childhood may be affected by digital media immersion, and some information about babies, toddlers and screen time.
- NetSmartz Internet and Real World Safety Pledges: This website produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children helps families to navigate sensitive issues regarding technology. The safety pledges contained on this site provide age-appropriate internet and real world safety topics to address with students. The goal of these rules is to facilitate discussions with children about these issues and create safer boundaries for technology use at home. There are three levels-Primary, Intermediate, and Middle/High School-with downloadable discussion guides for each level and topic.
