April 3, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Ho-Ho-Kus Trustees approve ‘bring your own device’ policy by Jennifer Crusco A “bring your own device” policy was approved last week by the Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education. Commonly known as BYOD, the policy will allow students to use their own technology devices, including laptops, tablets, and ereaders, during school hours for approved educational purposes. Ho-Ho-Kus Superintendent Deborah Ferrara said the new policy could be implemented at one grade level within the K-8 school by the end of the current academic year. She pointed out that, before privately-owned devices can be brought into the school, the district must first ensure that the proper infrastructure is in place. She pointed out that filters and other forms of protection will be required. “We would start with one grade, if we’re ready,” Ferrara said. Asked whether the policy includes provisions for students who do not own devices, Ferrara said that, while the policy does not address that issue, any student without a device will still be able to use a laptop or other device from a school cart that carries equipment for student use. The policy does state that teaching staff members, “in considering the use of privately-owned technology, will ensure such approval does not provide any advantage or benefit to the pupil who owns such technology over the pupil who does not own such technology. The teaching staff member will not approve the use of privately-owned technology if the teaching staff member determines the use would be advantageous or beneficial to the pupil who owns such technology over the pupil who does not own such technology.” Ferrara explained that BYOD will allow more access to school-owned equipment as students who own devices begin to use them at school. She added that BYOD will allow the district to purchase fewer laptops, tablets, and ereaders. The superintendent noted that these items would still have to be replaced, but said replacements would occur at a reduced rate as the school’s equipment undergoes less wear and tear as it is used less frequently. BYOD, she said, will allow the district to “get up to the 21st century without astronomical costs.” “The board of education recognizes technology is always changing and, as a result of increased accessibility to technology, many pupils possess technology devices for their use during non-school hours,” the newly-approved policy states. “These privately-owned devices may be beneficial to pupils during school hours for approved educational purposes. Therefore, the board of education will allow pupils to use their privately-owned technology devices under conditions outlined in this policy.” One of those conditions is the ban of all devices with cellular connectivity. In addition, the policy states that “the use of privatelyowned technology by a pupil in the educational program during the school day must be approved by the pupil’s parent or legal guardian. A teaching staff member may allow a pupil’s use of privately-owned technology based on the assignment(s) to the pupil. The teaching staff member may also prohibit the use of privately-owned technology for an assignment(s). “Teaching staff members must get prior approval from their supervisor or principal before allowing pupils to use privately-owned technology during instructional time.” Students who use their own devices in school will not be given access to the district’s servers or networks. “In the event a teaching staff member approves the use of privatelyowned technology to access the Internet, the access must be through Ho-Ho-Kus School’s guest wireless network and individually provided password,” the policy states. “A pupil granted permission to use a privately-owned device must comply with school district policies and regulations regarding acceptable use of computers and technology. Any use of privately-owned technology by a pupil shall be in strict accordance with the teaching staff member’s specific approval(s) and Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education policies and regulations. Any violation will subject the pupil to appropriate discipline and/or grading consequences.” The policy specifies that the district will not assume responsibility for any privately-owned devices that are brought to school by the students, nor will staff members be responsible for the effective use or technical support of those devices. These responsibilities will fall on the students who use privately-owned technology. Loaning and/or borrowing devices between students will not be permitted. Students who wish to use a personally-owned electronic device within the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School must read and sign an agreement that expressly states that the student will take full responsibility for his or her own device. A parent or guardian must also sign this agreement, which requires the student to list the make, model, and serial number of the device to be used. The agreement states that the student is responsible for the proper care of his or her personal device, including any costs of repair, replacement, or any modifications needed to use the device at school. Students must agree to only use appropriate technology as directed by teacher, and the school reserves the right to inspect a student’s personal device if there is reason to believe the student violated board policies, administrative procedures, school rules or has engaged in other misconduct while using his or her personal device. Students may not use the device “to record, transmit, or post photos or video of a person or persons on campus. Images or video must not be recorded at school or be transmitted or posted at any time without the express permission of a teacher,” according to the agreement. Students will be required to charge their devices prior to bringing them to school. “Recharging a device is not the responsibility of the school district,” the agreement states.