2024 BYOD PROGRAM

Enrolling on the 2024 BYOD Program

If you wish to enrol your child into this program for 2024, please use this link to enter your details.

https://tinyurl.com/byod-enrolment

Introduction

Starting in 2024, we ask that all students in Years 4 to 6 bring a compatible device to school daily. This will enhance their learning experience and prepare them for the digital age.

This year, we encouraged every student from years 4 to 6 to bring a device to school under our BYOD Program. 79% of students brought various devices to assist them with their learning. Teachers observed numerous advantages when students brought their devices to school this year. These included increased individualised learning opportunities, greater access to online educational resources and interactive materials, improved collaboration through digital platforms, enhanced communication with students, and the ability to tailor lessons to students’ diverse learning styles. Furthermore, teachers noted that students were more motivated and engaged in their studies, fostering a more dynamic and interactive classroom environment.

Studies consistently demonstrate that students who bring their own devices to school benefit from enhanced engagement, improved digital literacy, and increased access to educational resources, ultimately contributing to better learning outcomes.

Equal Opportunity

Shared device usage can make digital learning more challenging in classrooms. Students must find an available device from a class set that is usually shared with another class. Some of the teaching time that should be spent concentrating on a lesson is spent logging in or out of devices and online resources. Think of the analogy of your workspace where devices had to be shared with other co-workers. It can be inefficient for you and your colleagues, and there is a lack of ownership or personalisation. The same is true in education.

Given that computers, technology, and the internet are rapidly redefining all areas of modern life – from education to careers – parents or carers need to consider providing a device for their child because of the following:

Students need consistent, immediate access to computing devices throughout the day.
Teachers can fully utilise new technologies and online resources when all students are adequately equipped.
Teaching digital literacy, computing skills and learning to be productive is still a high priority in today’s schools.
Students can work online simultaneously in a class or collaboratively outside the classroom.
Teachers can use interactive technologies and strategies more productively, such as online surveys.
Increased student motivation, engagement, and interest in learning from different methods.
Many educational assessments are being administered online. Students not confident using devices could find these more challenging to complete.
Many devices are portable and lightweight, meaning that a dedicated computer room is not needed to access technology; the devices can be kept in the classroom.

Preparing for Life after Primary School

Teaching students to harness technology for learning is paramount for their life beyond primary school. In an increasingly digital world, technological competence is not just a skill but a necessity. Proficiency in utilising technology empowers students to adapt to the evolving landscape of education and the workplace. It equips them with critical problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and the ability to access various information resources. Moreover, it fosters creativity and innovation, which are essential for success in contemporary careers. By embracing technology early on, students are better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable throughout their lives.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s incredibly important for students to learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how to use it for their future success in education and employment. AI is like a super-smart assistant that can help us solve problems, make decisions, and learn new things faster. When students understand how AI works, they can use it to make their studies more accessible and fun. Plus, many jobs in the future will involve AI, so knowing how to work with it will make them more valuable to employers. Learning about AI isn’t just for computer experts – it’s a superpower that can help students in many different areas of their lives, and it’s a skill they’ll be grateful for in the future.

Which Devices Can a Student Bring to School?

Devices from Home

Hillsmeade wants to be as flexible with device types as possible. The school wants to encourage families to allow their children to bring either laptops, tablets or Chromebooks. However, all devices must have the following minimum requirements to be compatible with the school network and have enough battery life for all-day usage. The table below shows the school device preference according to our teaching and learning needs.

Compatible Devices

Windows Laptops (Running Windows 10 & 11 operating software)

Apple Laptops (Running macOS 11: Big Sur (Golden Gate) and later operation software)

iPads (Running Version IOS 14 or later software)

Chromebooks

The following devices are not suitable for school use

Mobile phones

Mini tablets such as the mini iPad

Smartwatches

Android Tablets. Hillsmeade allowed the use of these devices in 2023. However, it has become apparent that they have issues connecting to the school’s wireless network. Edustar is a proprietary network infrastructure that Android does not officially support, so there are compatibility, connectivity, and performance issues when connecting an Android tablet to Edustar.

Purchasing a Suitable Device

Should you need to purchase a new device that meets the specifications above, Hillsmeade has asked Edunet to assist with sourcing devices for our students. We are using their services because most Secondary Colleges in our area, such as Alkira, use them. The school suggests it might be sensible for parents to purchase a device for Hillsmeade that students can use at secondary school.

Please refer here to the preferred devices list from Edunet (Click here for further details)

http://HillsmeadePS.technologyportal.com.au

This online video will explain Edunet’s service to students and parents.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to re-register if my child participates in this year’s BYOD Program?

Yes. All students need to sign in each year they participate in this program.

Is the BYOD Program compulsory?

We asked that all students in Years 4 to 6 bring a compatible device to school for their learning needs. The school encourages families to follow our professional recommendations and participate. The school has researched the pros and cons, and the decisions are deeply engrained in proven educational research. If you need help from the school to make this possible, please contact Mr. Singh at hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au. I am here to support you and your child with their learning needs.

Will my child be using the device in all lessons throughout the day?

In 2024, teachers are enhancing their teaching and learning planning to ensure that devices are used to support learning. Platforms such as Microsoft 365 & Teams, OneNote, Canva and Compass will give students the following:

Access to learning resources
The ability to showcase their learning in a variety of different ways
Teacher feedback and assistance
Collaborative opportunities with other students through inquiry-based projects.

Can my child use the device at recess and lunchtime at school?

Students are not permitted to take their devices into the schoolyard at recess, lunchtime, or before/after school.

What are the ‘rules’ for my child’s use of the device at school?

All students must sign and adhere to the school’s Acceptable Use Agreement relating to using devices and the Internet at Hillsmeade Primary School. Breaches of the agreement will be addressed on an individual basis.

Can my child access social media apps and sites at school?

The Department of Education has filtering tools in place. Filtering tools restrict access to sites and apps that are not of educational value, or that may be misused by students.

How often should a device be charged?

The school will try its best endeavours to assist students with their digital learning needs. This may involve lending a school device until they have acquired a compatible device. Please contact Mr Singh at hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au.

What if I am unable to provide a device for my child?

If you choose not to buy a device for your child, they will have access to a school device available for use at school. This will include sharing with other students.

What if I decide not to buy into the program and then change my mind at a later date?

You can join the program at any time throughout 2024.

Will my child’s device be insured whilst at school?

Insurance, accidental damage etc., can be covered by Edunet should you wish to take up their offer. If the student brings an existing device to school, it is wise to include your child’s device as a nominated item on your house and contents insurance policy. Please check your home insurance cover to see what additional coverage you may have. Damage to or theft of, personal belongings will not be covered by the school.

Will my child’s device be safe at school?

Every endeavour will be made to ensure the security of these devices. Rules and protocols will be established. It is essential that students learn to manage their own technology. Students will store their devices in a locked classroom when they arrive at school and during school hours when not in use.

How can my child protect the device from accidental damage?

All devices should be kept in a protective case and used with due care. In addition, a compact tablet bag is very worthwhile to help students carry their devices to and from school. This can be purchased via the portal, or you may choose to supply your own. Students are also instructed not to leave devices on the floor, near food or water or use it in a careless manner.

What if the device requires technical support?

The school technician will provide support as they do on all school-owned equipment. Edunet will give additional support for devices purchased from them.

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs, although students must bring and use their headphones (listed on the 2024 book list).

Who do I contact if I need any more information?

You can email Hardev Singh at hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au or ring the school during office hours.

Enrolling on the 2024 BYOD Program

If you wish to enrol your child into this program for 2024, please use this link to enter your details.

https://tinyurl.com/byod-enrolment

BYOD Set Up

The following PDFs contain information on preparing student devices for school use. Download the required setup guide and get everything on your child’s device set for 2024.

Windows Laptop – click here
Macbook – click here
iPad – click here
Chromebook – click here.

School Wireless Connection

When students bring a compatible device to school, they will use the appropriate guide to connect and configure their BYOD machine to the school network. Note that the username and password credentials will be shared with the student by his or her teacher when they arrive at school.

Ipad connection to Edustar
Windows connection to Edustar
Chromebook connection to Edustar (Tech support will assist with this device)
Apple laptop connection to Edustar

Student Leaders 2023

House Points