Technology & BYOD
In an increasingly interconnected world, learning today cannot be authentic and enduring unless technology is embraced as a key strategy within the learning environment. As you will find in many schools around the globe, NIS teachers are continually extending the ways in which they integrate technology into the learning experience, and finding new ways to forge connection, inquiry and reflection through technology.
At NIS, we believe in the power of technology for communication, collaboration, creativity, and research, and for building connections within an atmosphere of responsible and ethical use. To that end, we provide WIFI access throughout the school and a robust infrastructure comprised of both PC and Macintosh hardware. Through significant investment in hardware, including invisible ‘back-end’ infrastructure, NIS has outstanding connectivity, which has enabled a multi-platform Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative in the high school.
Vision of Technology at NIS
Through technology, we contribute to our school mission of inspiring and empowering students to think creatively and critically, pursue lifelong learning, and contribute positively to the global and NIS connected community.
Inquire
We inquire into and reflect upon our own technology use and understanding.
Inspire
Technology use inspires a dynamic, creative learning environment where we can pursue our passions within the context of our mission.
Impact
We understand our responsibility as digital citizens to engage in principled action within a global context.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
NIS has implemented Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to further foster and encourage the use of technology for learning.
With classroom teacher approval, students may use their own devices in the classroom to enhance lessons, through access to digital textbook supplemental materials and increase access to learning content. Students are better able to connect with learning material and objects when they feel comfortable with the technology that they are using.
Please note that students who cannot bring their own device will be able to access and utilize school equipment. No student will be left out of our instruction but students who do bring their own devices may have greater optional access to technology to facilitate their learning in more self- directed ways.
What kind of Device does your child need?
We encourage parents to consider the variety of needs of their children when deciding which device would be the best. Each device has its own merits, however we would recommend a laptop, notebook or tablet with wireless capability.
Middle and High School parents considering buying a new device for their child may get the most return on their investment from a full service laptop/macbook, as it has the greatest capability
Which students are included in the BYOD program?
All Grade 7-12 students are required to ‘BYOD’ as a condition of enrollment at NIS. All Grade 6 students are encouraged, but not required to ‘BYOD’. Other students are encouraged to utilize the hardware provided by the school.
Access to the Internet and school server
Students must register their devices on our BYOD Wi-Fi network. This will give them access to the Internet, school files and printers. Once on the WiFi network, all users will have filtered Internet access just as they would on a school owned device. NIS is not responsible for the content accessed by users who connect via their own tethering service (cellphones, air-cards, etc.).
Conditions of Use:
Students and parents/guardians participating in BYOD must adhere to the Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
- The student takes full responsibility for his or her technology device.
- The school is not responsible for the security of student-owned technology.
- The technology must be in silent mode while on school campuses and while riding school bus.
- The student accesses only files on the computer or Internet sites that are relevant to the classroom curriculum.
- The student complies with teachers' request to shut down the device or put it away.
- The student acknowledges that the school's network filters will be applied to one's connection to the Internet and will not attempt to bypass them.
- The student understands that bringing on premises or infecting the network with a Virus, Trojan, program designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide access to unauthorized data or information is in violation of the AUP and will result in disciplinary actions.
- The student realizes that processing or accessing information on school property related to ‘hacking’, altering, or bypassing network security policies is in violation of the AUP policy and will result in disciplinary actions.
- The school has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems or was the source of an attack or virus infection. All personal devices must be clearly labeled with a student’s name and grade.
- The responsibility for solving hardware/software problems will reside at home with parents or guardians.