Educational Technology, Device Distribution, & BYOD
Student 1:1 Initiative
In order to support our ever-changing technological landscape, we will be providing each student (who is in need of technology tools) with a school-owned laptop. This page is where you can find the necessary forms and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will assist in getting your student a device or laptop. If you have opted to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), please be aware that DCSD (and CMS) will not provide any support or repairs to your device. If your BYOD is not working, please contact Cresthill Technology Support to check out a CMS-owned device for your home use or contact Indira Narayanasamy at inarayanasamy@dcsdk12.org or 303-387-2800.
Why Chromebooks?
An important consideration.
In short, they're 1.) inexpensive, 2.) aligned with many of the learning tools that our students already employ (e.g., Google Classroom), 3.) are supported by the district (with purchasing and warranty options), and 4.) have been part of the overall learning culture of our building long enough to build a solid "comfort level" for student and staff usage. If you bring your own Chromebook, it must be updated to the most recent operating system (OS) in order to adequately connect to the CMS wifi.
Student Google Accounts
Powerful online learning and teaching.
Students and staff in Douglas County are frequent users of the tools afforded in the Google Suite. If you haven't already, have your student give you a tour of some of the work they are already doing (working on, collaborating on, and saving and sharing) in their district Google Apps account. Ask him or her to sign in here and give it a whirl.
What "BYOD" entails.
Our BYOD Initiative:
Consider this to be a strong invitation for your student to bring their own device with them to CMS. In looking ahead, we recognize that the best way for us, as a building, to "shore up" the foreseeable technology needs is to invite families to consider purchasing a device for now and for the future. Students are already bringing to Cresthill their own learning devices (e.g., Chromebooks). We would like to extend the invitation for others to do so as well.
Purchasing Options
The District and The Chromebook
Because we have become so well-versed as a learning community in the Chrome "realm" -- and because these versatile devices are so cost-effective -- we encourage you to consider a Chrome device. Consider the support and warranty aspects as well!
Purchasing Connections:
Digital Citizenship & the 21st Century Learner
A few thoughts . . .
College and workforce readiness requires that students use 21st Century skills and tools. Almost one in four college students will take an online course, and technology is embedded throughout the workday of many careers.
Our goals at Cresthill Middle School are to...
- Maximize Student Potential
- Educate and prepare students for the 21st Century.
- Use technology in meaningful and engaging ways.
- Allow for educational connections on a global scale.
Students must know how to...
- Navigate vast amounts of information on the web.
- Critically analyze the large variety of sources.
- Be mindful of their digital footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the BYOD policy?
- Are students required to have a device?
- Is participation in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy mandatory?
- What devices are appropriate for BYOD?
- Will students have a place to safely store their devices when not in use?
- Will students be on their devices all the time?
- Will students use their devices enough to justify purchasing one?
- Who is responsible for my child's device at school?
- Does BYOD affect the current cell phone policy?
- Will my child be responsible for repairs or replacement of a school-issued device?
- Will students be able to access inappropriate content?
- What happens if my child’s device battery dies?
- What if my child’s device is stolen or damaged?
- What if a student doesn’t have the resources to bring a device?
- Will my child have access to technical support at school?
- Will my child’s device be confiscated if used inappropriately?
- Will parents’ cellular plans be impacted by BYOD?
- When can students use their devices at school or online?
What is the BYOD policy?
Are students required to have a device?
Is participation in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy mandatory?
What devices are appropriate for BYOD?
Will students have a place to safely store their devices when not in use?
Will students be on their devices all the time?
Will students use their devices enough to justify purchasing one?
Who is responsible for my child's device at school?
Does BYOD affect the current cell phone policy?
Will my child be responsible for repairs or replacement of a school-issued device?
Will students be able to access inappropriate content?
What happens if my child’s device battery dies?
What if my child’s device is stolen or damaged?
What if a student doesn’t have the resources to bring a device?
Will my child have access to technical support at school?
Will my child’s device be confiscated if used inappropriately?
Will parents’ cellular plans be impacted by BYOD?
When can students use their devices at school or online?
If you have other questions or concerns, please contact our Professional Learning Specialist, Mark Wakefield, at mdwakefield@dcsdk12.org.