Student-Owned Computing/Network Devices Initiative
FCPS has introduced an exciting new initiative encouraging students to bring in their personally-owned computing and network devices to school -- including laptops & netbooks. The ever-increasing amount of online instructional resources is the primary motivation behind this initiative. Participation in this initiative is strictly optional, at the discretion of each family.
Personal Device Information and Permission Form
Personal Device Usage Guidelines & Expectations
- Device recommendations: It depends on what you want to be able to do with the device...
- If you want a device that will help your child complete school work, we recommend laptops running Windows. They are highly functional & portable "content creators". Try going to a store with lots of laptop choices where you can experience the important features of the device, such as:
- does this keyboard feel comfortable to type on?
- how big a screen is a "good" size for the user?
- how easy will this be to get to and from school in my backpack, if this device will be used at school?
- how long will the computer run on a single battery charge? (3 hours should be the minimum.)
- Tablet computers, are very good for "content consumption" (their primary function). They are comfortable for surfing the web, reading/listening to books, playing educational games (there are MANY), watching video & staying "connected" at all times.
So, it all depends on the function you wish the device to fill...
- If you want a device that will help your child complete school work, we recommend laptops running Windows. They are highly functional & portable "content creators". Try going to a store with lots of laptop choices where you can experience the important features of the device, such as:
- Students may download a FREE, full version of MS Office for Windows or Mac. Click here for more information.
- Students should FIRST check with their teachers if they are interested in bringing in their own device to school. Each teacher will be able to advise their class about when and for what they might need to use personal devices in class.
- BEFORE being allowed to use a personal device in school, students/parents MUST completely fill out the form above.
- If you are having trouble locating the MAC address for your device, please check this guide.
- After completing this form, students must personally register thier device with Mr. Murphy and Mr. Craig-Kuhn, whose offices can be found in the Technology Lab. Each student will receive a small gold sticker on their device that signifies the completion of the registration process.
- Students and parents need to be aware that the students are responsible for any device(s) they bring in to school, and although Mr. Murphy and Mr. Craig-Kuhn will assist in registering new devices to insure they work on our wireless network, we cannot troubleshoot or repair student devices.
- Please plan to routinely bring your device to school fully charged on days teachers request the devices be brought.