eCLASS is Gwinnett County Public Schools' digital learning initiative that encompasses online resources, content, and applications. It aims to enhance student engagement and teaching. As an extension of eCLASS, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) allows limited student access to the school network using personal devices for educational purposes. Teachers will integrate devices into lessons for activities like accessing online content and collaborating. Strict network filtering and security protocols are in place. Students are responsible for their devices but cannot charge them at school. A permission form is required for participation.

1. eCLASS
A Teaching and
Learning Initiative

2. What is eCLASS?
○ Digital Content, Learning, Assessment & Support
System
○ Picture an umbrella with all our current resources
underneath it along with new resources and
applications to enhance student engagement and the
teaching and learning process.
○ GCPS is not adopting eCLASS; GCPS is creating
eCLASS along with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Bring Your Own Device is an extension of eCLASS
eCLASS

3. BYOD
○ Bring Your Own Device
○ Digital Natives
○ It is not a technology initiative.
○ It is a teaching and learning
initiative.
eCLASS

4. ICES related to BYOD
○ Teacher access to the network with
personally owned devices (Internet)
○ Limited access by students to the network for
Internet usage on personally owned devices

5. What kind of access will students
have?
○ Internet access similar to what they have
when they log on to a school computer
○ We have some school-owned devices in
classrooms (Thanks to FUND RUN proceeds,
we’ll be purchasing more!)
○ Devices may not have all the software
students are used to, and all websites don’t
run correctly on all devices.

6. How will devices be used?
○ Utilize digital content via teacher websites, the
student portal and the internet
○ Read and reference digital e-books and online
resources
○ Access online educational games and learning
activities
○ “On the Fly” activities and teachable moments
○ Collaborate and communicate using online tools
○ BYOD is a TOOL not a learning outcome or source
of entertainment!

7. What about security?
○ Network Security
○ BYOD awards the same set of permissions as if you are on a
school computer.
○ Internet usage on the BYOD network is still monitored, as it is
on a regular school computer.
○ Classroom Management
○ Teacher will send home notice on days BYOD is going to be
used
○ Devices will be locked in a file cabinet when the class is not in
the room.
○ Students are responsible for their device although teacher will
‘remind’ them to keep their device secure.
○ Same Discipline procedures apply

8. BYOD
○ All users must agree to use the school network
(and not personal 3G, 4G or other cell providers)
○ This ensures filtered, appropriate use
○ GCPS/ICES staff or teachers are not responsible
for damages, fees, lost functionality, support, or
costs associated with participating in BYOD
○ User is responsible for protecting the device at
school, on the bus, or at school functions
○ Devices may NOT be charged at school (consider
a battery stick to prolong battery life)
○ Apps may NOT be downloaded at school -
HOMEWORK!

9. What device is best?
○ FIRST – we can not recommend, or endorse,
a device for your family, but we can share
some information to help inform your
decision-making.
○ Device specs for optimized performance (see
handout)

10. Common devices
○ Apple: iPad, iPad mini, iPod Touch, iPhone
○ BN: Nook HD
○ Google: Nexus
○ Kindle: Fire, Fire HD
○ Microsoft: Surface
○ Samsung: Galaxy Tab 2
○ Also smartphones, netbooks, and laptops
○ Smartphones no longer being used for cell service
can access the network!
○ NON EXAMPLES: PSP, DSI, Digital Hand Games

11. Considerations
○ Price
○ Risk of loss or damage
○ Data (saving, storage space, data plan)
○ Ruggedness
○ Clarity
○ Response time
○ Operating system
○ Plays Adobe Flash?
○ Keyboard
○ Memory required
○ Battery life (NO CHARGING AT SCHOOL)
○ Available apps

12. Preparing Your Student
○ Can your student do the following independently?
○ Turn the device on and off
○ Adjust the volume
○ Open & close Apps
○ Go to settings & select a Wi-Fi network
○ Launch & navigate the Web browser
○ Bookmark websites and go to the home screen and
access bookmarks
○ Take a screenshot & access the photo library
○ Take a video & access the video library

13. Suggested Apps for BYOD
For Added Security
Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager
● Mill Creek Cluster Connection
● Lensoo Create
● QR Code Reader
● BryteWave K-12
● Quizlet
● BrainPOP
● BrainPOP Jr.
● Socrative Student
● Kahoot!*
● Nearpod
● Skitch-Snap. Mark Up. Send
● Thinglink
● Movenote
● Tellagami
● Book Creator
● Lightbot- One Hour Coding ’14
● The Foos: Free Code Hour
● Tynker- Learn to code

14. Next Step?
○ Personally Owned Device Release Form must be
completed
○ Have a conversation with your child
○ about responsible use
○ about sharing
○ about expectations
○ Resources will be placed on the Ivy Creek Website &
School Course Page in eClass
○Powerpoint
○Handouts
○Websites (Common Sense Media, Popular device
sites, etc.