D. Technology

Library Borrowing

Students are permitted to check out books from the library collection.

1. Enter both first and last names on the book card. Put the date in the date column. 2. Hand the card to one of the librarians. 3. So that they will be available for student use, reference materials and magazines may only be borrowed with the librarian's permission. 4. Textbooks and books reserved for class projects are for in-library use only.

Students are encouraged to be thoughtful of fellow students and use library materials promptly; then return them for others' use. If a student loses any library material, they will be expected to pay for it.

Technology in the Library

The library has a number of desktop computers and a supervised multi-function copier available for student use. Students are expected to use all of these devices responsibly and bear in mind that their use is covered by Branson’s Technology Acceptable Use Policy.

Expectations for Student Behavior in the Library

The library is a place for research and study. Group work in the Main Reading Room is encouraged, if students are respectful of others studying nearby. Study carrels are available on the Quiet Porch for solitary, silent studying.

To protect books, computers and furniture, no food or open containers are allowed in the library.

Any and all use of Branson technology systems or platforms must adhere to the tenets of the Acceptable Use Policy.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

At Branson, we believe that a student’s own device is the best device to facilitate learning, which led us to adopt a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. The details of the program are listed here and will ensure all students have access to technology appropriate to the academic and co-curricular requirements at Branson. Foremost on our minds is a commitment to digital equity. The section on financial aid at the end of this document details this commitment to ensure no Branson student is at a technological disadvantage.

General Program Philosophy

The Branson BYOD program was developed with digital equity in mind. We felt it was important to ensure all Branson students had access to appropriate, late model devices regardless of income.

Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for any device: ● The device needs to be a late-model Apple laptop with a minimum screen size of 13 inches. Late-model being defined as less than 3 years old. If you have any questions regarding the purchase of an appropriate device, please reach out directly to the technology department. ● The device must come to school each day fully charged and be available to the student in the evenings for homework (no shared devices). ● Branson provides institution Google accounts that will suffice for the student's need to create documents, presentations, etc. ● Special Note: Students will be required to participate in the Branson-sponsored anti-virus program and will need to enroll their device in the Branson School device management system. Software will be provided by Branson for the student machines free of charge.

Recommendations

The following, though not required, are strongly recommended to ensure a positive technology experience: ● A robust protective case for the device to guard against cracked screens and other damage, which can be very expensive and frustrating issues to deal with. ● We strongly recommend that your device is covered by AppleCare or an equivalent protection plan from a different vendor.

Special Note: Although Branson does provide Google accounts for all students, these accounts are not designed for storage of personal data (e.g., photos, movies, music, etc.). Students should have a way of backing up this material on their own.

On-site Support

We are happy to assist students with their devices to the extent we are able. This includes minor troubleshooting and fine tuning the devices to work with Branson networks and systems, providing loaner laptops, if available, and helping send computers for repairs covered by AppleCare or other programs. We are not able to conduct major repairs, services, or upgrades.

On occasion, Branson will license and distribute software deemed necessary for all students to have.

Financial Aid

Students on financial aid may access additional aid, if needed, based on the following criteria: ● Students on financial aid, who do not already possess a compatible device, are eligible to access financial aid for a new, school-purchased, Apple laptop. The device will also come with an insurance policy. ● Students may access this aid once during their time at Branson. ● Access to additional financial aid for repairs or for a replacement machine will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ● Students are typically eligible for financial aid based on the percentage of tuition already covered by their financial aid package. At 75% financial aid and above, the student will be eligible for full coverage of the device purchase. ● If you would like to participate in this program or if you have questions regarding financial aid, please email Amber Johnson, our finance director, at amber _johnson@branson.org.

If you have any technical questions or questions about the requirements of the BYOD program, please feel free to reach out via email to either Cécile Lelievre at cecile _ lelievre@branson.org or to Justin Culley at justin _ culley@branson.org.

Google Applications

Branson is a Google Apps For Education school, which means that students have access to and are encouraged to use Gmail, Google Docs (Google Drive) and the Google Calendar for all school related communications and work.

Creation and sharing of documents on Branson’s Google Drive accounts must adhere to the following guidelines. ● Use of Branson Google accounts must comply with all policies outlined within this Branson Family/Student Handbook. ● The Branson Google domain is not appropriate to use for personal business, (i.e., storage of personal documents, photos, etc.). Students and families are expected to create and use a personal email address and/or other accounts for all personal business.

Note: Information within Branson Google accounts, (i.e., email, Drive, etc.) is not under the sole supervision of Branson and, therefore, Branson cannot guarantee the security and privacy of this information.

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