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Loudoun County Public Schools allows students to use personal devices for instructional purposes when deemed appropriate by the teacher.  Having access to a personal device in addition to their school-issued device may provide additional opportunities for collaborating and interacting with their teachers and peers to conduct research, solve complex problems, create original products, and publish their work.

What is the purpose of BYOT?
The BYOT allows students to use their personal devices to support their learning. Personal devices may supplement the functionality of their school-issued device or be used as an alternative to their school device. Students' use of their personal devices is limited to instructional uses only, and the use of a personal device is at the discretion of the teacher.

Can I VPN or use 3G/4G/5G at School?
When you are in the LCPS environment, you should use LCPS-Open to ensure you are on a protected network that is filtered. VPN or 3G/4G/5G access is not allowed; more information is available in the Student Technology Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy.  

Is there a specific device that is recommended? 
There is no specific BYOT device recommended for students. Laptops, tablets, iPads, and/or Chromebooks are all acceptable options.

What accessories may be recommended for use with the device? 

• Headset/earbuds

• Protective case or cover

• Anti-virus software

Students will not be required to add any apps or software applications to his/her device to accommodate classroom use of the device. Students will have access to division-provided web services, e.g. Schoology and cloud-based productivity tools, via the internet.

What resources and information is available for students, teachers, and parents? 

• Digital Curriculum and a number of resources are available through Common Sense Media and Google's Be Internet Awesome. 

• Educational technology staff provide training to teachers on responsible and appropriate use, and sample instructional practice.  

• Teachers and Administrators will provide expectations to students on responsible and appropriate use of devices for learning.

Who will provide technical support for BYOT devices?
No Division IT, Instructional Staff, nor Office Staff (School Secretaries and Parent Liaisons) will provide technical support or troubleshooting for personal devices that malfunction or will not connect to the wireless network. Students and parents are expected to have a thorough understanding of the devices that students are bringing to school and how they operate.    

How will the safety and security of the devices be addressed?  

• When connected to the LCPS-Open Network, content filtering is enabled and monitored for Internet activity.

• The student is ultimately responsible for the security of his/her personal device. No portable device should ever be left unattended. When not in use, the device should be with the student or in a secured location. 

• Unattended devices will be turned in to school administration.

• LCPS is not responsible for loss, damage or theft of any personal electronic device. Any loss, theft or damage is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian.

• Personal Property Insurance (in Spanish) is available for students or parents wishing to further protect their device.

When are BYOT devices used?
Teachers determine when BYOT devices should be used according to the intended learning outcome of each lesson. Students should follow the rules communicated by each teacher.

When can special device features, for example video recording, be used?
No unauthorized image, audio or video recording will be permitted.  Specific permission will be granted by teachers for recording as needed to accomplish specific instructional activities.  Use of devices in locker rooms or bathrooms is prohibited. 

Are students able to print from their personally owned devices?
No. 

How do students charge personally owned devices during the day?
Students are expected to bring their BYOT devices fully charged for the school day. 

What policies govern the BYOT initiative?
All rules and regulations set forth in School Board policy, the Student Technology Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy, Student Handbook and Code of Conduct and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations will be enforced.