2023 BYOD Program

Introduction

In 2023, Hillsmeade Primary School will give every student from years 4 to 6 the opportunity to bring a device to school under our BYOD Program.

There's no doubt that the use of technology in the classroom has grown exponentially in the last decade. In a 2016 study by Pearson Education, 64% of Australian schools stated they were already working towards using the majority of online resources. As a result, more and more schools, including many in our area, are opting to implement a BYOD technology program whereby each student can access their own device, such as a Windows Laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.

Equal Opportunity

Shared device usage makes learning more challenging in classrooms. Students need to 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 online resources. Think of the analogy of your workspace where devices had to be shared with other co-workers. It is 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 take full advantage of new technologies and online resources when all students are adequately equipped.
Teaching digital literacy, computing skills and learning how 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 more productively use interactive technologies and strategies, such as, online surveys.
Increased student motivation, engagement and interest in learning from different methods.
Many educational assessments are being administered online. Students who are 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 just be kept in the classroom.

Preparing for life after Primary School

Furthering students' familiarisation with technology will prepare them for secondary school and life beyond their school years. The workforce is becoming increasingly digitised as the world relies on technology. As a result, candidates who are computer literate and can adapt to the latest advancements will have a competitive edge.

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.

1st Preference

Laptops

Windows or Mac

Windows laptops running Windows 10 or 11.

Apple Macs running macOS 10.15: Catalina onwards.

2nd Preference

iPads

An iPad device (excluding mini-iPad) with IOS 14 operative software or above.

A case with a built-in keyboard to develop touch-typing skills.

3rd Preference

Chromebooks or Android tablets

Devices that were purchased from 2018 onwards will be accepted, as any device older than five years will not receive updates from Google. Please click here for further information

An Android device that still receives Android updates. Please click here for further information.

Chromebooks and Android devices don't have Office365 apps to download. Students will only have access to Office365 using the Chrome browser. Alkira doesn't support Chromebook or Android devices.

The following devices are NOT suitable for school use:

Mobile phones
Mini-tablets
Smartwatches

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 Access Code: HPSBYOD

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to re-register if my child took part 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?

It is not compulsory but strongly recommended. The BYOD program is designed for students from Years 4 to 6 in 2023. The school encourages families to follow our professional recommendations and participate. The school has researched the pros and cons, and the decisions made are deeply engrained in proven educational research. However, each family will ultimately decide based on their circumstances.

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

In 2023, 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?

Students are expected to bring their devices to school fully charged each day, as they won't have the opportunity to do so in classrooms. The devices are recommended to be charged overnight before each school day.

Will my child's education be disadvantaged if I do not purchase a device?

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 2023.

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 important 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 will be required to bring and use their headphones, (these are listed on the 2023 book list).

Do you need more information?

The school will provide an online pre-recorded presentation for families. Following the response from this, an in-person information session may be held later in the year or at the commencement of 2023.

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