Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Middle & Upper School students are expected to have access to an electronic device in each of their classes on a daily basis.
Here is an overview of the CSS school policies and protocols for "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) programs. The student's technology device needs are listed here for the Middle & Upper School for the academic year. We expect that students will bring their own devices for ease of access across all classrooms and learning spaces.Learning in a “connected” environment is great preparation for the fast-paced and highly networked academic environments students will encounter in college and beyond.
Device capacities
At the most basic level, student devices must:
- Connect to the Internet wirelessly
- Run apps (either on a hard drive or in the cloud) to create word processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Log-in to the Google Apps suite
- Capture photos, video and audio
NOTE: CSS does not expect any parent to buy a new device for their child based on this email. However, parents who are looking to buy a device for their child should first review the below minimum requirements in order to make an informed purchase.
To ensure students benefit from lessons learned through our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, here are some guidelines for technology that will best support students’ learning when we return to school this fall. Devices that do not meet these guidelines can result in difficulties with effectively running virtual meetings and other learning apps used in many CSS classes.
BYOD Purchasing Guidelines
Each device platform (Mac iOS or Windows) comes with its own minimum requirements:
All devices must have the ability to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wifi networks and must be able to run for 2.5 hours or more without being charged.
- All devices must have the capability of running a supported version of the Chrome browser (version 126 is the June 2024 release but slightly older versions are still supported) and a recent version of Zoom. Link to Current Chrome requirements: Chrome requirements
Apple MacOS devices: A Mac laptop capable of running at minimum MacOS Catalina (10.15) with a functional battery and charger will be accepted. The future versions of the Chrome browser will require Big Sur (OS 11.7 or higher). Apple now requires Catalina (10.15) or higher to continue to get security updates for the Macbook. Current school iMacs are now running Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura or Sonoma. For functionality purposes, it is recommended that the device be built after 2015.
Apple iPadOS (iOS) devices: Any iPad capable of running iPadOS 16 or 17 (and with a keyboard or keyboard case) will be accepted. iPad models older than 2015 may not be able to install the needed Google Workspace applications used at CSS. The iPad should be able to run Zoom without issue. It is recommended that the student have the iPad in a case to prevent damage, and that it be covered under a service plan in the event that damage does occur. iPads may be incompatible with some online tests and a school device will need to be loaned out for testing.
Windows devices: Intel Pentium, Core i, or Xeon Processor with at least 4 cores; AMD processors with 4 cores built after 2016 will be acceptable. The device should have at least 8GB of RAM, a keyboard, and be able to run the current version of Windows 10 or 11. Windows 10 will be supported until Oct 2025 but an 8th generation processor or newer will be needed for Windows 11. NOTE: Celeron Processors are less recommended on campus due to difficulty running multiple applications at once. Minimum device specifications are based on a Microsoft Surface Go or Higher. Dell offers the following website featuring discounts on devices for CSS staff and families: Dell.com/mpp/ColoradoSpringsSchool .
Chromebook devices: Chromebooks are accepted on campus however some applications, such as CollegeBoard AP Testing Software, are not supported. In addition, CSS has recorded a higher-than-average number of issues from students using Chromebook devices during eLearning, particularly while running Zoom. Therefore, a Chromebook that will be used for eLearning must have a processor with at least 4 cores/1.1GHz (Pentium or Core i or newer Celeron Quad-core processors), 8 GB Memory (RAM), and a minimum of a 64GB Hard Disk (often called SSD or HDD). While functional with Google Workspace for Education, Chromebooks that run a Celeron duo core processor will struggle or overheat when videoconferencing. Chromebooks should have been manufactured no more than three years ago and be capable of running ChromeOS 124 to 126. Google has a site that shows the end of support date for each brand and model of Chromebook. Google Chromebook end of support.
Examples of Recommended Devices:
Apple:
Windows Devices:
Chromebooks:
Reviews of 2023 Chromebooks Teachers liked the Acer with Quad Core
Questions? Contact the CSS technology team: Email
