Bring Your Own Device
At a Glance
Who
Students in grades 5–12
Participation
Always voluntary
Network
Guest Wi-Fi only
Required
Signed Responsible Use Agreement
Questions?
Contact your child’s teacher or school principal.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
BISD provides a Chromebook to every student for schoolwork. Students in grades 5–12 may also use a personally owned device, such as a personal laptop, within specific guidelines. This is called Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD.
Participation is completely voluntary, and BYOD can never be required of students or teachers. In most cases, teachers will let students and families know when BYOD is an option in their classroom, based on their learning goals.
How BYOD Works
Always Optional
Families decide whether their student brings a device. No student can be required to bring one.
Teachers Decide When
Teachers decide if and when personal devices are used in class and during school activities.
Guest Wi-Fi Only
For security, all non-BISD devices must use the open Guest Wi-Fi, which includes required content filters.
Agreement Required
Students and parents must sign the Responsible Use of Electronic Resources Agreement. Classrooms may add their own agreements.
BYOD is a privilege. Students who violate the Responsible Use of Electronic Resources Agreement or other school policies may lose BYOD privileges and be required to use a district-issued device. Students are fully responsible for the safety and care of any personal device they bring to school.
BYOD FAQ
What is Bring Your Own Device?
BYOD allows students to bring a personally owned computing device to school for educational purposes and connect it to the district’s wireless internet.
Why offer BYOD?
Online resources and technology are an important part of learning today, and students benefit from developing skill with devices and online tools. BYOD gives students more ways to find information and learning resources when and where they need them.
Who decides whether a student brings a personal device?
Parents decide whether to allow their child to bring a device, and students choose whether to bring one. Teachers decide if and when personal devices are appropriate in class and during school activities.
The final decision about classroom and school use rests with school staff, based on students’ learning needs and goals. A student who brings a device takes full responsibility for its safety and its use as a learning tool. No student can be required to bring a personal device.
What internet access will students have?
Students who bring a personal device must use the district’s internet connection during school hours and activities. Under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), school districts are required to filter certain content for students, and the BISD Guest Wi-Fi network has the required filters in place.
Are there guidelines for using technology at school?
Yes. All students and parents or guardians sign the Responsible Use of Electronic Resources Agreement, which outlines the responsibilities for safe and effective technology use at school. The agreement and related school board policies are available on the district website.