BYOD Frequently Asked Questions
Meetings were held on 14 November 2017 for upcoming Year 4-8 parents for 2018. A summary of key information covered at these meetings was handed out or emailed to families shortly after this. 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. No-excess insurance is actually included with the Chromebook bundles being offered by our partner, Cyclone.
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, and it is their responsibility NOT to do so.
Will pen and paper still be used?
Pen and paper will definitely 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 2018, and only after 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 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 a few available school devices. 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.
I'd like you to recommend a device? And where can I buy this from?
Consider purchasing a recommended chromebook bundle from Cyclone’s web portal:
http://www.cyclone.co.nz/byod Springston School from the dropdown menu . Password = ssbyod
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. No-excess insurance is actually included with the Chromebook bundles being offered by our partner, Cyclone.
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, and it is their responsibility NOT to do so.
Will pen and paper still be used?
Pen and paper will definitely 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 2018, and only after 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 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 a few available school devices. 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.
I'd like you to recommend a device? And where can I buy this from?
Consider purchasing a recommended chromebook bundle from Cyclone’s web portal:
http://www.cyclone.co.nz/byod Springston School from the dropdown menu . Password = ssbyod
