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BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

August 25, 2021

Bring your Own Device Laptop Program

Abbotsford Senior Secondary School is proud to launch our Bring Your Own Device program for all students. This program provides students with the opportunity, with parent support, to use personal laptop computers under supervision in the classroom for learning. We believe that the use of digital technologies to improve student learning is a key part of being an innovative school that prepares students for lifelong learning.

Bring Your Own Laptop Benefits

· Improved access to online resources and digital tools

· Enhanced opportunities to learn appropriate digital communication and citizenship skills

· Additional opportunities to create digital projects

· Access to assistive technologies

· Ability to collaborate during class time on digital presentations and documents

Device Recommendations:  Students are asked to bring a basic laptop to school that meets the following minimum requirements:

Chromebook laptop (highly recommended) Windows or Mac laptop not more than 4 or 5 years old (Windows 10 operating system or newer; Mac 10.6 operating system or newer). Battery capable of holding a charge for at least 5 hours Internet capability Working microphone and webcam if available Headphones Case or sleeve for protecting the laptop when it is inside a backpack or bag to increase the lifespan of the computer Charging power cord

STAPLES Abbotsford BYOD Program

The school is recommending Chromebook laptops and has worked out special pricing with Staples in Abbotsford. Chromebooks are one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to access technology in the classroom while bringing most of the benefits of a traditional laptop. They rely on cloud-based applications that can be accessed anytime and on any device. They also require minimal troubleshooting.

Staples is offering special pricing on BYOD bundles with 6 and 12 month interest-free financing options. Staples also offers a comprehensive warrantee plan that allows students to quickly get replacement devices if their device is damaged (including accidents such as spills or drops). Please see links below for more information on Staples BYOD Program and Easycare Plan. These offers are valid until September 5th, 2021

Bundle options include:

- Acer 11.6 inch Chromebook 11 for $299.99

- ASUS 11.6 inch Chromebook for $319.99

- Acer 11.6 inch Touch Screen 2-in-1 Notebook $419.99

Financial Hardship:  Chromebooks are available for lease through our Learning Commons for those families facing financial hardship. If a family is not able to provide their own laptop, please see Mrs. Wenting in the Learning Commons to arrange for use of a device. lauri.wenting [at] abbyschools.ca

Note:  An expensive laptop (like a Microsoft Surface Pro or MacBook Air) is not needed. An inexpensive new or used Chromebook is more than adequate and meets all the requirements. No purchased software is needed as the school will be using Google Apps for Education and other online platforms.

All students are expected to bring the laptop fully charged to school, and to take the laptop home each evening.

Additional Information:  Students will be taught the appropriate use of technology with clear guidelines around expectations and consequences. The district firewall, which provides website filtering, will be in place for students while using their computer at school (not at home). It is important for students and parents to understand that while at school, students are using the internet access supplied by the district; during this time, we treat the device as a “school device” to reinforce that school rules and expectations regarding behaviour always apply. Our process is one that works in tandem with parental expectations. If a device is confiscated, parents are contacted, and we discuss how they would like to proceed to help make this a learning opportunity.

You will also find additional information and forms under the "Student" tab of our website.