BYOD Program

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program - Chromebook

We are excited to introduce the Bring Your Own Chromebook program to our students. It is our hope that most, if not all, students in our Pod will be able to participate in our pilot program. In the 2017-2018 school year, a number of Middle Schools in Abbotsford initiated a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. The feedback from parents and teachers in these schools has been very positive. This program provides students the opportunity, at the teacher’s discretion and with parent support, to use personal laptop computers for learning in the classroom. We believe that the use of digital technologies to improve student learning is a key part of being an innovative school that prepares students for lifelong learning. 

The Administrative Procedure (AP 344) providing guidance for students and parents regarding the use of Online Communications and Digital Learning can be found at this link and provides further information for parents.

Bring Your Own Chromebook Benefits :

  • improved access to online resources and digital tools  
  • enhanced opportunities to learn appropriate digital communication and citizenship skills 
  • additional opportunities to create digital projects  
  • access to assistive technology  
  • ability to collaborate during class time on digital presentations and documents 
  • improved ability for assignment revision 

Device Recommendations: We strongly recommend a Chromebook for the following reasons: 

  • Inexpensive (typically $300-$400) 
  • Less than 10 second boot time eliminating wait times at the start of class 
  • Full school day battery life (8+ hours) 
  • Portable (typically 2.5 lbs, 0.7 inches thin, 11.6-inch display) 
  • Full-size integrated keyboard for rigorous academic content creation 
  • Updates occur regularly and quickly 
  • No antivirus required 
  • Less troubleshooting needed (no software management issues) 
  • Apps and bookmarks can be easily deployed 
  • Chromebooks emphasize the web as a learning platform 

If students already have a device and wish to participate in the program with this device, it must meet the following criteria: 

  • Windows or Mac laptop not more than 4 or 5 years old (Windows 10 operating system or newer; Mac OS X 10.13 operating system or newer). 
  • A battery that is capable of holding a charge for at least 3 hours 
  • Internet capability 
  • Working microphone and webcam 
  • Charging power cord 

Please Note:  

  • An expensive laptop (e.g., Microsoft Surface Pro or Macbook Air) is not required.  
  • Purchased software is not required as the district will be using the Google Education Suite. 

Additional Information:

  • Parents or students with questions can contact their teachers. 
  • Students will be taught the appropriate use of technology with clear guidelines around expectations and consequences.  
  • Students are expected to bring their Chromebook to school each day fully charged. 
  • Students are ultimately responsible for the security of their own devices. 

Where to purchase your device 

  • Parents and guardians are welcome to purchase their device from any supplier.  However, the school district has arranged special pricing at the Abbotsford Staples (32500 South Fraser Way) which includes a 1 yr warranty