BYOD Frequently Asked Questions
We will have a meeting for Year 4-8 parents new to BYOD in November each year and during the first week back at school in Term 1. In the meantime, here are answers to some of the questions you may have:
What about insurance cover?
Insurance covering the device is the responsibility of parents/caregivers. Usually devices will be covered under contents insurance but you should check with your insurer.
How will the devices be secure at school?
A secure (locked) area within the classroom will be provided at school where devices will be kept during morning tea and lunch. It is the students responsibility to ensure their device is placed in this area.
Will my child be the only one using their device?
As learning is a collaborative experience there may be times when your child is required to "share their screen" with other students. However they would remain in control and have responsibility for their device. We will not ask your child to lend their device to others.
Will pen and paper still be used?
Pen and paper will still be used. Some tasks (notes, planning) can be easier and quicker when using pencil and paper. Students will be learning to choose the right tool for the job.
Do we need to have internet access at home?
The internet is an extremely useful tool for students to have access to, both at school and at home. Not all apps require internet access, and not all learning needs to happen directly on a device. Internet access at home will enable students to take full advantage of the digital learning activities provided. Students who choose to bring a Chromebook, will need access to the internet at home.
When do we need to have the device by?
Devices can be brought to school AFTER the first week in 2016, or when requested by teachers. Students will need to pass their Digital Citizenship Licence first, and have returned all paperwork signed by a parent. They will THEN be able to present their device for registration and access to the school's BYOD wifi network.
Do we as parents/caregivers need to be confident technology users?
Teachers are very busy and are not technical experts, but some of us may be able to provide some guidance for parents on how to set up some aspects of student iPads, Chromebooks and other devices for initial use. You may find that your child will begin to share their learning more frequently with you and you will also become a more proficient user of the device - keep talking with your child about their learning. Please note, we are not experienced users of the many devices available and our focus is more on the online tools and apps to suit the learning experiences we offer students. We may be able to assist with creating online accounts for learning - eg for iTunes and iCloud, or Dropbox etc. We recommend that, when it comes to purchasing apps, you do not give your child access to purchasing accounts. Do not allow them to complete purchases or updates without you putting in a password unknown to them.
How will my child be affected if they do not bring their own device?
Your child will maintain access to available school devices. With time, we expect all students to have greater access to devices. We expect all students will share their increased knowledge and experience of using the different tools that are available, and thus all students will benefit. For those families who are able to support their child's learning through BYOD, we do expect this device to be brought to school daily for learning so that teachers can plan effectively for blended learning.
What about insurance cover?
Insurance covering the device is the responsibility of parents/caregivers. Usually devices will be covered under contents insurance but you should check with your insurer.
How will the devices be secure at school?
A secure (locked) area within the classroom will be provided at school where devices will be kept during morning tea and lunch. It is the students responsibility to ensure their device is placed in this area.
Will my child be the only one using their device?
As learning is a collaborative experience there may be times when your child is required to "share their screen" with other students. However they would remain in control and have responsibility for their device. We will not ask your child to lend their device to others.
Will pen and paper still be used?
Pen and paper will still be used. Some tasks (notes, planning) can be easier and quicker when using pencil and paper. Students will be learning to choose the right tool for the job.
Do we need to have internet access at home?
The internet is an extremely useful tool for students to have access to, both at school and at home. Not all apps require internet access, and not all learning needs to happen directly on a device. Internet access at home will enable students to take full advantage of the digital learning activities provided. Students who choose to bring a Chromebook, will need access to the internet at home.
When do we need to have the device by?
Devices can be brought to school AFTER the first week in 2016, or when requested by teachers. Students will need to pass their Digital Citizenship Licence first, and have returned all paperwork signed by a parent. They will THEN be able to present their device for registration and access to the school's BYOD wifi network.
Do we as parents/caregivers need to be confident technology users?
Teachers are very busy and are not technical experts, but some of us may be able to provide some guidance for parents on how to set up some aspects of student iPads, Chromebooks and other devices for initial use. You may find that your child will begin to share their learning more frequently with you and you will also become a more proficient user of the device - keep talking with your child about their learning. Please note, we are not experienced users of the many devices available and our focus is more on the online tools and apps to suit the learning experiences we offer students. We may be able to assist with creating online accounts for learning - eg for iTunes and iCloud, or Dropbox etc. We recommend that, when it comes to purchasing apps, you do not give your child access to purchasing accounts. Do not allow them to complete purchases or updates without you putting in a password unknown to them.
How will my child be affected if they do not bring their own device?
Your child will maintain access to available school devices. With time, we expect all students to have greater access to devices. We expect all students will share their increased knowledge and experience of using the different tools that are available, and thus all students will benefit. For those families who are able to support their child's learning through BYOD, we do expect this device to be brought to school daily for learning so that teachers can plan effectively for blended learning.
