Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a program that allows staff and students to use their personal device for CCPS sanctioned activities and to connect to the Internet for instructional activities.
Bring your own device (BYOD) is a program that allows staff and students to use their personal device for CCPS sanctioned 
activities and connect to the Internet for instructional activities if approved by the Superintendent.
CCPS is committed to providing students and staff a next generation learning environment in which every student has access to learning experiences and instruction designed around discovery, connectivity and experience. Furthermore, CCPS is committed to immersing our students in the creation of knowledge and empowering our students to collaborate, communicate, and innovate.
The length of this pilot program will depend on (1) the success of adapting instruction and improving learning in the classroom; (2) the success of students adhering to the guidelines and policies for use of their own technology at school; and (3) the impact of load on the network infrastructure.
High School
Students are permitted to carry personal communication devices with them during the school day. They must be turned off or in silent mode at all times. These devices may not disrupt instructional times. Instructional time is defined as from the start to the end of a class period.
Middle School
Students are permitted to carry personal communication devices with them during the school day. They must be turned off at all times unless approved for instructional use. These devices should be put away in a pocket, notebook, or locker. Students may use their personal communication devices before or after school hours in secondary schools.
Elementary School
Students are permitted to carry personal communication devices to and from school. The devices may not disrupt instructional times and should be put away in a backpack or locker when not in use. Students may not use their personal communication devices before or after school hours, while on school property. The devices should not be visible on the school bus or at the bus stop. Students may not use their personal communication devices during lunch, recess, or hallway/transition times. During the school day all communication devices must be turned off at all times unless approved for instructional use. Instructional time is defined as from the start to the end of a class period.
All Students
Students are expected to follow the Code of Student Conduct and Charles County Public Schools Acceptable Usage Agreement at all times. Individuals will be permitted to use personal technology devices in accordance with related CCPS policies. Failure to comply with these policies may result in the temporary or permanent revocation of use privileges, in addition to any other disciplinary action that may be taken. CCPS is not responsible for lost or damaged devices.
What are the benefits of a BYOD Program?
- Fosters student ownership of his/her learning
- Students and teachers have real time access to information using personal devices
- Smooth transition between home and school
- Increases student access to online instructional materials
- Allows for personalized learning
- Increases access by supplementing school resources and equipment
What software will be needed on my child’s computer?
No software needs to be purchased.
Will my child need to have a signed Acceptable Usage Agreement on file?Yes. Each principal/designee will ensure that signed CCPS parent permission forms (Code of Student Conduct/Acceptable Usage Agreement) are collected and are on file for student device(s) to be used. Signing these documents indicates that the student and parent/guardian have read and understand the expectations of the Charles County Public School System.
When can my child use his/her personal device at school?Students may use their personal devices in class as instructed by the teacher. It is not expected that a teacher will need students to bring devices every day, and CCPS will not mandate that students provide their own technology at school. Individuals may use personal technology devices only when approved by a teacher or an administrator.
Who is responsible for personal devices?
Staff and students assume full responsibility for their non-CCPS owned technology devices. This includes the device's safety, security and maintenance. CCPS will not be liable for any costs incurred related to the use of personal technology devices, including usage/data fees, upgrades, damages, and replacements.
Do CCPS policies apply to personal devices?
Yes. Staff and students will use personal technology devices in accordance with all CCPS policies. Failure to comply with these policies may result in the removal of temporary or permanent use privileges, in addition to any disciplinary action. Individuals will not use personal technology devices to circumvent, modify, or disable technology security measures implemented by the CCPS. These measures include but are not limited to:
- Anti-malware software.
- Internet content filter.
- Microsoft Group Policy and Apple Parental Controls.
- Network firewalls.
- Computer and server administrative management software.
Who will support students and staff with personal device troubleshooting?
Teachers and other staff will not store personal devices for students. CCPS employees will not be responsible for the technical support of personal technology devices.
How will personal devices be connected to the Internet?
When performing CCPS activities, individuals will use the designated CCPS wireless network, when applicable. Students should use the CCPS Wi-Fi Internet connection with their BYOD device while on CCPS property. Cellular data plans do not use CCPS' Internet connection and therefore do not use CCPS' Internet content filter.
Will the device be protected with Internet Content Filtering?
To facilitate instruction and practice Internet safety, CCPS' Internet connection is protected by a content filter that blocks certain websites. In order to comply with Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), CCPS deploys technology which attempts to block abusive, libelous, obscene, offensive, profane, threatening, sexually explicit, pornographic, illegal, or other inappropriate material.
Who should be contacted about this?
Students are responsible for the security of the devices they bring to school; teachers and other staff will not store student devices. It is always a good idea to record the device's serial number to have in case of theft. CCPS is NOT responsible for the theft of a device; nor is CCPS responsible for damage done to the device while at school. If theft occurs, the student should contact a school administrator or school resource officer to make him/her aware of the situation.
Can students use another student's personal device?
Personally owned devices should only be used by the owner of the device.
What are acceptable BYODs?
- laptops
- netbooks
- tablets
- e-Readers
- smartphones
- iPods.
Are there suggested accessories?
A padded bag or protective sleeve is suggested. A headset or ear buds with a microphone will be useful when accessing a website with audio and/or video. CCPS will not provide accessories for personal devices.
Will there be “charging stations” so my child’s electronic device can be recharged?
We anticipate that not every class will be using an electronic device in a lesson every day. Students are responsible to ensure that a personal device’s battery charge should be sufficient for use throughout the day. “Charging stations” will not be provided.
Are there any specifications for the type of laptop, netbook, tablet, or e-Reader my child may bring to school?
Buying a computer is a personal choice. Ultimately, each family will need to choose the device that works best for his/her child. Generally speaking, as long as the device is able to connect to a wireless network and access the Internet, this should suffice.
Will there be technical assistance provided to access the wireless network?
Since there are literally hundreds of devices that could be brought to school as part of the BYOD program, there is no technical assistance provided other than providing the name of the wireless connection. Students will be expected to know how to connect their devices.
What access is available to my child if he/she does not bring his/her own device?
Teachers frequently provide collaborative lessons which encourage students to work together, sharing information accessed through personal devices. When individual work is assigned, students may use computers and other devices located in classrooms and/or in the Media Center. A student’s learning experience or academic performance will not be affected because he or she does not have an Internet-connected device to bring to school. CCPS is committed to ensuring equity in education for all of its students. Students are not required to provide a personal device for school use, even if they do own one. Use of personal electronic devices is optional. Keep in mind that learning can be enhanced greatly for the entire class even if only a handful of students have a device!
