PSD schools are committed to enhance student learning through the BYOD Initiative. We hope to encourage an environment where each student has his or her own mobile device to use both at school and at home.
The BYOD Initiative is entirely optional, and students are not required to bring their own devices to use at school.
High Park is participating in BYOD to achieve increased student engagement in learning and greater ownership of the learning process by our students. Students who bring personally-owned devices typically invest time, thought and energy in customizing the device and setting it up to optimize productivity, communication and learning.
Purchasing Devices
Parents and students can make their own decision as to which device to purchase for BYOD. We will not endorse a specific brand or type but rather encourage you to think of what your expectations are of the device. We do recommend that all BYOD devices meet the following criteria:
- Internet connectivity (through Wi-Fi or other)
- 6 Hour Battery Life
- Ability to connect to Google Workspace For Education
- A Keyboard – integrated, Bluetooth or touch screen
- Word processing capability (more than 1 paragraph)
- Ability to integrate images, video and sound
Chromebooks, netbooks and laptops have full function in Google Apps, while most tablets will not. Please note: a cell phone/iPod is considered an accessory, and does not qualify as a device under the BYOD pilot.
If students choose not to purchase and bring their own device, a school device will be made available. These devices are signed out by a number of students and are often less productive and functional.
Parkland School Division has partnered with a selection of businesses to aid with BYOD purchases. Visit the Technology For Learning page to access these offers and learn more about BYOD.