BYOT

We believe that students should use the device with which they are most comfortable and with which learning will be most effective. Recognising the importance of choices, we are not recommending specific brands or models of technology devices. We have prepared a list of devices in the BYOT Guidelines document, which outline the strengths and weaknesses of various devices for the learning activities in which the students will be engaged.

Under the BYOT strategy, the use of smart phones for learning activities would be permissible, but the smart phone has limitations that make it unsuitable to be the main BYOT device. Students are not allowed to use the 4G/5G capabilities of the phone to access the Internet (including hot spotting or tethering), as it is bypassing the School’s filter.

As with other equipment, individual students are responsible for their own property at school. Common sense would suggest that students ensure their devices have protective cases or coverings. Parents are advised to make their own insurance arrangements and cover for accidental damage.
The School will not take responsibility for accidental damage to student property, nor do our insurance policies cover it. We will continue to refine our practices for the security of devices at school.

It would be sensible to ensure that your child’s property is named through engraving or other indelible marking (please clarify that this does not void the warranty before getting your device engraved). Different devices also have different options for locating them when they’re missing. For example, any iOS device (iPhone, iPad) has a built-in service called “Find my iPhone/iPad” that can help locate the device on a map if it is enabled before the device is lost. Likewise, software is available for laptops that can enable them to be located when missing.

We are conscious of the issue of bag weight, particularly for our younger students. We utilise various approaches that help reduce bag weight, including digital textbooks. However, it would be wise to consider weight and size when choosing a device for your child; tablets and thinner laptops are significantly lighter than full-size laptops. We recommend that devices weigh less than 2kg.

All student usage of the School’s network and internet connection is filtered. Their complete web history is also logged and able to be tracked. Parents need to be aware that if they provide their child with a device with direct 4G/5G access, the school is unable to filter, log and monitor the student’s usage.

We are discouraging students from planning to recharge at school; power cords/chargers can be a Work, Health and Safety hazard and they add extra weight to school bags. For this reason, battery life is key in choosing technology. Students will need to cultivate the habit of charging their device overnight.

The protocol is that the students’ use of ICT will take place only with a teacher’s explicit authorisation. Students should refer to the School’s Appropriate Use of ICT – Student Guidelines that outline our expectations of students.

We have developed a comprehensive Home Group program that looks to empower students to be good cyber citizens in the modern world.

Yes. In classes when specialist software is required (Music, Media, Computing etc), the School provides ICT support.

We live in a culture that constantly makes status symbols out of possessions, so it is unlikely that technology will be exempt from the same fate. The school commends values that place character over possessions and virtues over brand names.

No. Firstly, ICT is utilised as a tool that teachers and students use only some of the time to add value to the learning; it is not suitable for every aspect of learning. Secondly, the School maintains our present practice of requiring technology to be switched off and out of sight in the playground at recess and lunch. Face-to-face interaction and physical activity are the priorities during these unstructured times that we are gathered at the School.

The School has a Learning Foundations Technology curriculum that helps students to use ICT effectively for their learning. This involves resources and lessons that equip students with a recommended set of practices for the storage and management of technology-related learning, including basics such as managing files and backing up work. Students are assisted to implement these recommended practices through formal lessons and informal support.

The reality is that ICT does provide the potential for multiple distractions. All of us face the challenge of developing self-control in avoiding these distractions; in fact, you could make a case that this is a vital skill for the 21st Century workplace. School and home both have a role to play in helping young people to self-regulate in these areas and minimise distractions.

If the School was to provide computers for students, parents would ultimately be paying for them through increased school fees. In addition, there would be significant inefficiencies and extra costs involved, which would also be reflected in school fees. It makes more sense for families to purchase the technology that best suits their circumstances, budgets and needs. We also consider it likely that students will exercise more care and responsibility in looking after their own property.

The School has recently increased the number of resources in this section of the school to better integrate technology into the curriculum. Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 have access to iPads for learning. We have an established school-provided Chromebook program for students in Years 2 – 4.

No, particularly as the HSC credential still requires students to handwrite and the students will need to maintain and develop this skill with their final examinations in mind. In addition, there are some forms of learning and recording information that are better suited to pen and paper. We anticipate that there will be a place for writing and ICT in schools in the foreseeable future.

Further to this, advancements in stylus technology continue to improve, allowing ‘handwriting’, albeit on the computer screen, to remain an integral part of learning.

As part of the BYOT initiative, student storage of files is recommended to be primarily cloud-hosted. All students are highly encouraged to backup their work.