Hallsville ISD
Parent Technology Resources

Using Your Personal Device with Google Apps

Note: If you're running Android version 12 or higher, you no longer need to install the Google Device Policy app. Simply add your HISD account from your device account settings.

If you're wanting to use your personal device with HISD's Google Apps (G Suite) instance, you may encounter errors when attempting to log into Google Classroom and other Google apps, especially if your using an Android or Apple phone or tablet. If students are sharing this device, it gets even more complicated. If this is the case, you may need to install the Google Device Policy application, especially on older Android devices. This app allows you to create profiles (called a "work" policies) that keep your school data and apps separate from your personal stuff. It can be a hassle to set up but this ensures that what happens at school, stays at school, and it protects your personal applications and data as well.

The Google Device Policy app is available from your device's app store, for Android devices visit the Google Play Store and for Apple/iOS devices go to the Apple App Store. After installing the app you'll need to login with your HISD student email account and allow Google to apply and enforce an administrative policy. This does not give HISD control of your device, it only allows us to manage your HISD profile, data, and applications. Depending on the speed of your device and the number of apps you have installed, creating the work profile may take anywhere from 2-30 minutes to complete. Plug up your device and maybe go grab a cup of coffee. Note: If you're already using an administrative application like Google Family Link, you'll need to remove this device from your Family Link group first.

• Installation and troubleshooting guides for Android devices: Set up G Suite on an Android device

• Installation and troubleshooting guides for Apple/iOS devices: iOS security and management

• Installation and troubleshooting guides for other devices: Set up G Suite on your mobile device

Using Your Personal Device on the HISD Network

Hallsville ISD provides guest internet access to visiting guests and students using personal devices (BYOD). To use the guest network, open your device's network control application and look for the hisd-wnet-guest network. This network does not require a username or password but does require the user to accept the HISD Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) before allowing the device to connect to the internet. Most devices will automatically detect and load the agreement page but older devices may show a message similar to “Connected. No internet” in the notification shade or system popup. If this is the case, simply opening the device's web browser and trying to connect to a page you've never visited before (something like "duh.com") should take you to the AUP page. Once the agreement has been accepted the device will be permitted internet access.

Using HISD Devices on Your Home Network

If you’ve been assigned an HISD Chromebook for use on your home network, here’s a quick how-to to help you get connected. If you’re having problems send an email to support@hisd.com, or send a text to (903) 660-5262. If possible, please include pictures of any errors you're seeing on the screen.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

What is BYOD?

Bring your own device (BYOD) refers to technology models allowing students to bring a personally owned device to school for the purpose of learning. A personally owned device is any technology device with a screen 7 inches or bigger, brought into the school and owned by a student (or the student’s family).

• Students and staff will be responsible for setting up their own device to access the Wi-Fi network.

• Access to school resources will depend on the device and its capabilities.

• No cell phones or devices with a screen smaller than 7 inches will be supported.

• Teachers have full control over if and when devices will be used in their classrooms.

Device Requirements

We recommend devices with at least a 7" screen or larger. Devices should have at least 4GB of RAM, at least 32GB of hard disk or SSD storage and should be capable of supporting modern wifi standards (802.11g/n/ac). The device operating system must be current (Windows 10 or higher, MacOS 10.13.6 or higher, ChromeOS 80 or higher) and the system clock must be accurate and up to date.

• Devices must impose no tangible costs to the District.

• Devices must not unduly burden the District's computers, or network resources.

• Devices must have no adverse effect on a teacher's job performance or on a student's academic performance.

• Devices must not cause a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Acceptable Use of Devices

Access to the District's electronic communications system is a privilege, not a right. All users shall be required to acknowledge receipt of the HISD Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Noncompliance with the applicable regulations may result in limitations, suspension, or loss of privileges, and other disciplinary action consistent with Hallsville ISD policies. Any parent permitting their child to use a personally owned technology device in accordance with this agreement on Hallsville ISD property, must agree to the following:

• The student is responsible for keeping his or her device in their possession and properly securing it at all times.

• Hallsville ISD is not responsible for the security or condition of student's personal devices.

• The student is responsible for the proper care of personal technology devices, including all maintenance and repair, replacement or modifications, and any software updates necessary to effectively use the device.

• Hallsville ISD reserves the right to confiscate and/or inspect personal technology devices if there is reason to believe that it was used to violate our policies, administrative procedures, school rules or for general misconduct.

• Violations may result in the loss of privilege to use personal technology devices in school, and/or disciplinary and legal action as appropriate.

• The student must comply with the teacher's request to refrain from using a personal technology device, verify/display the authentication login screen, or to power down the device when instructed to.

• The student may not use any personal technology device to record, transmit or post photos or video of any person without their prior knowledge and consent. Images, video and audio files recorded at school may not be transmitted or posted to any social networking site at any time without the expressed permission of a district faculty member.

• All students will be required to only use the district's secured wireless network to access the Internet. The use of private cellular wireless connections and/or virtual private networks (VPN) is not allowed.

Recommended Devices

If you're looking to purchase Chromebooks for youself or your student, here's a few affordable models we recomend:

• Acer C720-2103 Chromebook

• HP 11-v000nr Chromebook

• Samsung 11.6" Chromebook (Intel N3060)

• Acer Chromebook R 11 Convertible

• Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1

• ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-in-1 Laptop 14

• Samsung Chromebook Plus V2, 2-in-1

Used or Refurbished Devices

If you're just looking for a cheap Chromebook to get through the year, you might take a look at deals on used or refurbished devices. For example, here's a link for cheap Chromebook (under $150) on eBay. Please note that these devices may not have the latest version of ChromeOS and may not qualify for extended Google support but hey, it's good for the environment and your bank account.

More Info

• Using the HISD Guest Network