BYOD ASSISTANCE & FAq

BYOD ASSISTANCE: LONG-TERM LOANERS

What do I do if I cannot afford a device?  If a student cannot purchase their own device, they can rent a device for the school year. Scholarship opportunities are also available for families in need; please contact your child's guidance counselor or grade level administrator for more information.

How should students apply for a loaner device?  Students should apply for a loaner device by contacting their grade level administrator directly and submitting a request in writing (e-mail will suffice).  Once this written request is received, your administrator will provide you with additional paperwork (see below).

How much does it cost?  The annual fee for a loaned laptop and charger is $50. Payment may be made out to New Canaan Public Schools.

Is there a contract that needs to be signed?  Yes. Students and families using a “loaner” device must sign and submit a copy of the NCPS Student and Parent Device Loan Agreement.  When completed, the signed agreement will be forwarded to the NCHS Technology Integrator, and arrangements will be made to provide the student with a device.  

What should a student do if they have a problem with the device?  There are several ways that a student can get support if they experience technical issues with their device:

• Students can either complete this Student Helpdesk form (also available on the ClassLink Launchpad) or email studenthelpdesk@ncps-k12.org with any technical issues. Whether on the form or email, students should explain which device and browser they are using, and include screenshots of the error if applicable.

• For problems related to the loaned hardware (e.g. the camera or keyboard is not working), students may contact the NCHS Innovation Specialist for support. The NCHS Innovation Specialist desk is located in the NCHS Library Workshop.

If  the device needs to be repaired, the Innovation Specialist will make that determination and make arrangements with the student for a backup device (see below for details).

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Do we have  devices to loan students if they forget their laptop or it is being repaired?

We have both short-term and medium-term loaner devices available for student use:

Short Term:  These are devices that can be used if a student forgets their laptop at home and are intended for 1 day loans only.  Students may check out a device from the NCHS Library Circulation Desk at the beginning of the school day.  These devices are older generation iPads and Chromebooks.  Devices must be returned at the end of the academic day.

Medium Term: On occasion, students have legitimate reasons for not having their regular device for an extended period of time (e.g. repairs).  In these cases, the student should notify the NCHS Technology Integrator, who will make arrangements for a loaner device and secure a signed NCPS Student and Parent Device Loan Agreement.  The student will be responsible for returning the device to the TI at the predetermined date.  These loan periods will last no longer than 1-2 weeks.

Where can students charge their devices?  Students are responsible for bringing a fully charged device to school each day.  However, there will be times when students need to charge a device.  We have installed charging stations in several high-traffic areas in the school.  We have power strips available in classrooms, charging stations in the library, and a series of power and USB charging ports are located at the base of the woods bench seats throughout the cafeteria.  

Where can students store their devices?  Students are encouraged to store their devices in a secure location (locker) when they are not in use.

Which wireless network should students use at school?  Are there any restrictions to student access to this network? Students should only access the NCHSBYOD network.  This network has been specifically designed for student use, and is needed for activities such as printing.  Student access to video streaming (i.e. Netflix, Hulu) is restricted on this network.

What other resources are available to students to help troubleshoot issues? There are numerous resources available to students, including:

• A Tech & Research Boot Camp which includes learning modules for all things tech, basic research skills, and digital citizenship. Freshmen and new students are automatically enrolled in this course. If you are not a freshman or new to NCHS, you can request access to the course by emailing the NCHS TI.

• Basic tech tips are available in the Resources section of the NCHS Students Group in Schoology.

• If students experience technical issues, they can either complete this Student Helpdesk form (also available on the ClassLink Launchpad) or email studenthelpdesk@ncps-k12.org. Whether on the form or email, students should explain which device and browser they are using, and include screenshots of the error if applicable.