Richmond County School System Bring Your Own Technology

(BYOT) Procedures

Learning today and Leading tomorrow….indicates that the students of Richmond County require a
world class education that includes the use of technology to prepare them for the future. The
mission statement of the school system is to educate students to become lifelong learners and
productive citizens. In today’s society, the use of technology and good information literacy skills
are an integral part of day-to-day life in the work force. The Richmond County School System
believes that to accomplish this mission, students must utilize technology and be provided with a
variety of learning opportunities and experiences.

The Richmond County School System is dedicated to providing equitable access to technological
resources including software and hardware. A procedure is in place to centralize many server based
systems giving all schools access to a number of educational tools. Gaps in each school’s hardware
inventory have been identified and great strides have been made in making sure that all schools have
the same student to modern computer ratio. In addition to the existing wired infrastructure in each
building, RCSS has developed a plan to ensure that all schools have a wireless infrastructure which
will allow for students to engage in a more personalized learning environment with the use of mobile
devices.

Our vision for the future includes permitting students who own technological devices to be able to
use them in the classroom for learning and to provide those who do not have such technology with
equitable devices. The CCRPI (College and Career Readiness Performance Index) supports the use
of technology not only because schools can earn points for being STEM (Science, Technology,
th
Engineering, and Mathematics) focused, but also for the number of 8 grade students scoring
proficient or advanced on the 21st Century Skills Technology Assessment.

By providing our students w i t h opport uni t i es and i n c r e a s i n g information a n d

t e c h n o l o g y literacy, the Richmond County School System’s students will be learning today and
leading tomorrow.
 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – STUDENTS

What is BYOT?
BYOT is an acronym for Bring Your Own Technology. This is a program that allows students to use
their own technology during the school day to enhance learning in conjunction with the curriculum and
the teacher’s plans.

What do I have to do before I can bring my own technology to school?

Students and parents have to read the Richmond County BYOT packet and fill out the Technology
Agreement Form as well as the technology description form. Once you have received approval from
the school, you may bring your own technology.

Once it is approved, can I use my technology at any time?

Students will only be able to use their technology with teacher approval. The teacher will ultimately
decide if the technology will be appropriate to use with the curriculum. The use of technology outside
of the classroom will not be permitted.

What if I do not have my own technology to bring to school?

RCSS will provide technology whenever possible. You will not be penalized for not having your own
technology.

Why is my own device filtered?

All public school networks must comply with the rules of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
The Richmond County School System network is filtered for all users.

I have my own Internet service provider; may I use it instead of the school’s wireless network?
No – all technology must use the wireless network provided by RCSS. Students using any other network
or who try to bypass the RCSS wireless network will have BYOT privileges revoked.

What if my technology is lost, stolen or damaged?

Report it immediately to the school’s administration. The Richmond County School System is not
responsible for privately owned technology.

Will I be able to print?

No – the RCSS will not allow for printing from personal devices.

What if something is wrong with my technology?

Unfortunately, your teacher or the RCSS IT staff will not be able to troubleshoot personal devices.

What about charging my technology?

Students are responsible for bringing fully charged technology to school.

What happens if another student is bullying me using technology?

Report it immediately to your school’s administrator.
Can I use video recording or the camera?
Only with teacher-directed instruction. At no time should you record others without their knowledge
or consent.

How can I make sure that my technology is secure?

It is your responsibility to secure your technology. You may keep it with you at all times or lock it
in a locker. The Richmond County School System is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged
personal technology.

How can I access the wireless network?

Most devices will detect a wireless connection. You should choose the RCSS-Guest network. The
password for this network will be obtained when you turn in your forms. Remember when you log
into this network, you are accepting the RCSS Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

What if I cannot access the wireless network?

A very general troubleshooting guide will be available in the Media Center. Also check your
technology’s user guide.
 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – PARENTS

Am I required to purchase a device for my student?

The BYOT program is voluntary and class activities are designed so that a device will be provided
for students who do not bring their own. Students will NOT be penalized for not having a device.

What if I do not want my student to participate in the program?

Please just indicate that you would not want your child to participate on the RCSS Technology
Agreement form. Your student will be able to partner with another student or will be able to use
school provided equipment.

How will this affect my data plan?

Students will only be able to use the RCSS wireless network. They will not be allowed to use any
data plan. The RCSS wireless network is a free and filtered network for the students, faculty and
staff of Richmond County schools.

Will I have to purchase special software for my student’s technology?

The Richmond County School System is not requiring any specialized software, but all devices should
have antivirus (if applicable). There are free antivirus programs available. All devices will be filtered
through the Richmond County School System’s filtering software.

What if my student’s technology is stolen or damaged?

The Richmond County School System is not responsible for any student owned equipment. Theft or
vandalism should be reported to school administrators immediately.

How is the school teaching the students about Internet safety?

All schools have a plan for teaching digital citizenship. The Media Specialist in each school
coordinates this effort. This is an ongoing effort to instruct students about keeping information
private, handling cyberbullying, and communicating in an appropriate manner.

What measures are in place to filter the Internet?

The Richmond County School System has an Internet filter that blocks inappropriate websites. A
process is in place to instantly block sites that make it through the filter. Students and parents must
agree to the Internet Acceptable Use policy which states that the Internet should only be used for
instructional purposes. Students will only be allowed to use the RCSS wireless network and not their
own provider’s network while at school. Students who try to bypass the RCSS network will lose
BYOT privileges.

What if my student has technical issues with the technology?

The Richmond County School System will not be able to support technical issues.
RCSS Mobile Device and Bringing of Personal Technology Agreement

The Richmond County School System’s mission is to educate students to become lifelong
learners and productive citizens. In our world today, technology is an integral part of both
work and home environments. Because the Richmond County School System wants
students to have opportunities to learn using technology, we are implementing a one-to-
one environment with mobile devices, as well as permitting teachers and students to bring
personal technology to use for instructional purposes only.

Definition of Technology – Technology covers hand-held and other mobile equipment

such as tablets, netbooks, notebooks, or other systems that can be used for word processing,
Internet access, recording audio or video, and that may serve other purposes as deemed
appropriate for a subject area by the teacher. It also includes peripherals such as batteries
and charging cables.

Responsibility – School-supplied mobile devices will be checked out to one student.

Students are responsible for the safe- keeping, storage, updating, charging and usage of
school-supplied devices, as well as personal technology. Students should log in with his
or her own account and should never share his/her password with another student. The
Richmond County School System is not liable for theft, loss, or intentional damage. All
school-supplied devices have accidental warranty coverage. Students must report any
damage, theft, or loss immediately to his/her teacher.

Internet Access – All users must follow the Richmond County Internet Acceptable Use
Policy both at school and at home when using a school-supplied mobile device. Personal
devices with other connectivity besides wireless (such as 3G or 4G) must only use the
wireless network provided by RCSS while at school.

Conditions – All students using mobile devices and/or bringing their own technology must
agree to the following:

 All users must follow the Richmond County Internet Acceptable Use Policy and
Procedures.
 All RCSS Code of Student Conduct and Discipline rules apply to mobile device and
personal technology use.
 The user takes full responsibility for his or her mobile device and/or personal
technology. This includes making sure the technology is charged and is in
good operating condition.
 The technology must be used for instructional purposes only.
  If a student comes across information, pictures, etc. that makes him/her feel
uncomfortable, he/she should notify his/her teacher immediately.
o All devices, with the exception of personal technology brought by a student,
are the property of the Richmond County School System.
 Only the RCSS wireless network may be accessed. No other Internet gateway is
permissible.
 There will be no attempt to bypass the network filter or network security.
 If antivirus can be loaded on a personal device, it should be updated and in working
order.
 There will be no unauthorized recording of audio, pictures, or video.
 The school system has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected
of causing problems on the network.
 RCSS will not provide print services for mobile devices.
 The teacher is in charge of his/her classroom and can request at any time for the
mobile devices to be put away or shut down.
 The device will be surrendered for examination at any time upon request.
 The use of mobile devices and/or personal technology is a privilege and not a right
and can be revoked for misconduct.

I have read and understand this agreement as well as the Richmond County Acceptable
Use Policy and Procedures. I will abide by this agreement and understand that the
privilege of using school-supplied mobile devices and/or bringing personal technology
will be revoked and disciplinary actions may occur if I violate this agreement.
 BYOT Description Form

Student Name_

Teacher Name

Please list the technology that you are planning to bring to school. This form will stay
on file at the school. Please make sure that you have a copy for home or that you
record the serial number of the device in case of loss or theft. The Richmond County
School System is not responsible for personal technology. Devices should be
personalized to reflect ownership by using an engraver, permanent marker, paint pen,
etc.

Type of Device (laptop, eReader, iPad, tablet, etc.)

Serial Number of Device

Any special identifying features of the device (color, stickers, etc.)

Parent Name

Phone Number

Parent Signature