Can I use this device in all of my classes?

• While the school has a policy in place for BYOD, the teachers still have the final say.  Check with your teachers to see if they will allow personal devices.  If so, ask them if you should always have it with you or if they will tell you when to bring it to class.

How do I get online with my personal device?

• Students can connect their device to the psd-user wireless network and then use their district username and password to gain filtered Internet access on their personal device while at school.

What is an acceptable device?

• We welcome just about any device that will allow access to the Internet.  This includes laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, iPhones, and iPod touches. Windows based, Apple, and Chromebook operazting systems should work without issue.

I am looking to purchase a new device.  What should I buy?

• This is completely up to you!  Think about what classes your child is taking and what he or she will be doing with the device.  Remember, that since all Palisades students have Google accounts, much of their work can be done online, eliminating the need for expensive productivity software.  Our advice is to talk to your child and his or her teachers and see what device would best suit the kind of work they will be doing in class.  Here are some points to consider...

  • Mobile Devices: They are small and easy to carry...but they are also small and difficult to create new products. Mobile devices are great for accessing Internet-based tools for research, planning, and collaboration. They also have apps that can be useful in the classroom.

  • Tablets: Tablets are perfect if all you need is Internet access. Dpending on the operating system, they can be costly, but they are a nice size and are easy to travel with.  Creating projects is easier than on mobile devices,  Consider tablets that have keyboard attachments for word processing.  Also, keep in mind that iPads do not have Flash which is necessary for some websites.  Tablets also have a wide selection of apps.  There are many different types of tablets out there. If you think this is a possible option for you, do some research on different tablets and see which is the best fit.

  • Chromebooks: Chromebooks are basically laptops without hard drives.  If all you need is Internet access, but you like the feel of a laptop, this is a good option.  They are also cost effective.  Since they do not have hard drives, you will not be able to download any software.  This means all of your work must be cloud-based.  This works if your are committed to online tools such as Google.

  • Laptops: Laptops are ideal if you want a device that does it all.  They have Internet access, but they also have the hard drive space for software.  Laptops range in price and specs so be sure to do your homework.  The downside of laptops is that they tend to be heavy and are not as easy to bring to school as the smaller devices.  However, the functionality always make them a good option.

Can I print from my own device?

• Currently, personal devices cannot connect to school printers.  You can always use a school computer to print your work.

What if I need to charge my device?

• It is the student's responsibility to make sure they come to school with their devices charged and ready to go.  That said, check with your teachers.  If you have a charger, tey just may let you plug in if you need to.