Why BYOD?

Our practice today needs to prepare children for the future. We need to equip children with the skills to learn rather than focussing predominantly on the knowledge to be learnt. Jobs of the future are not yet invented. Technology and jobs are progressing at a rate far greater than we can predict. Many of the jobs available to children in 10 years time are yet to be invented. With this knowledge it is vital that we support the principle mentioned above.

BYOD bridges the gap between home and school and it normalises tools in an educational environment. The tools at home can often supercede the tools at school.

What are the benefits of BYOD?

• Your child can access their learning anytime, anywhere, which means that their learning opportunities are not confined to school hours.
• Enables the opportunity to provide personalised learning in a manageable way.
• Allows collaboration with both student to student and student to teacher.
• BYOD allows students to learn in a way that is more consistent with the world we now live in. They can engage in creative, collaborative learning aided by the technology they bring. Information can be easily accessed and then presented in a variety of ways.
• Engages, motivates and inspires learning. Provides opportunities to take leaning to a higher level.
• Enables teachers to create more learning time by making the most of every learning minute, with learning tasks available immediately, reducing time waiting for instructions and handing out sheets. Proves a greater opportunity for authentic learning with a real audience to share with through Blogging.
• Google Apps for Education (GAFE) will be our main content tool - over 20 million students are using GAFE worldwide.
• Teachers will be following the SAMR model, with the goal of not substituting technology for pen and paper.
• Teachers will be working towards more of a Flipped Classroom where lessons can be ‘Paused, Rewinded and Repeated’ - anywhere, anytime.
• A workshop approach where teachers work with small groups of students while other students work on learning tasks based on their needs from a selection of teacher ‘must do’s’ and ‘can do’s’.
• NCEA/NZCER now publish all assessments online. Students will be able to complete these in an online format e.g. PAT or STAR assessments

Why have Ashhurst School chosen mobile devices?

Mobile devices are the learning tools of the 21st century. They are portable, multifunctional and have the ability to open up new and different ways of learning. A major benefit of a mobile device is that students can easily take photos or videos to support or reflect on their learning. Mobile devices turn on quickly, are simple for children to operate and have a long battery life.

Why have we chosen to go with iPads (and iPad Minis) from New Entrant to Year 6?

iPads are the dominant tablet in the education sector. This means that the number of educational apps available through the App Store is significantly higher than for Android devices. The amount of professional knowledge, advice and support available to teachers is also much higher for iPads than other devices.

Why have can Year 7/8 children bring a laptop, Chromebook or an iPad?

We have made the decision to widen the platforms for parents due to the next steps in your child's education. No high schools have the same rules about the device they have to bring. Potentially many parents will have purchased a device for their child and by the time they get to Year 7 the iPad they purchased my be showing signs of wear. We recommend that parents investigate what the device requirements for their child's high school will be and they will be able to bring these to school. Remember your device must meet the minimum spec requirements.

How will the iPads be kept secure at school?

We will provide storage in each classroom but ultimately the iPad is the responsibility of the student. You will need to check with your insurance provider to see whether you are covered for loss or damage to the device.

What apps will we need to have?

If your child brings an iPad to school they will be expected to purchase a set of educational apps that have been carefully selected by experts in the school. You will only need to purchase one set of apps per family as Apple allows you to share apps among your household’s devices. (See Apps).

Will my child be disadvantaged if we can’t afford to buy a device?

There are school iPads in every classroom that students without their own devices will have access to. With BYOD bringing more iPads into each classroom every student will benefit by having greater access to a device.

Will my child be asked to share their device with others?

Students’ iPads are for their own use, there is no need for devices to be shared. Teachers are instructed not to do so, so if your child does share a device with a peer it is at your child's risk.

How will my child be kept safe when using the internet?

We have a secure network that filters websites and can track the history of any user. We also receive reports of any attempts to break our filtering, which we will follow-up on where appropriate. There will be no 3G access for students’ iPads and the school Wi-Fi has filters on it to block unsuitable content.

No filtering can ever be guaranteed to be 100%, so we will combine our filtering programme with a school-wide digital citizenship programme where teacher-led cyber safety sessions teaches our students how to be good digital citizens and how to be safe when using the internet.

Teachers will also use a tool called Teacher Dashboard in Year 7/8, which allows for real time monitoring of what a user is currently looking at on their screen. This tool also allows teachers to view the contents of students school Google Drive accounts.

There will also be a User Agreement that students and parents will be expected to sign before a device is brought to school (see agreements).

How can I ensure my child is safe at home on their device?

All research states that web capable devices that students use should only be used under adult supervision and definitely not out of sight (i.e. in a closed bedroom). Sticking to this rule will elevate most potential problems. Settings on devices can also be changed to support the safe use of devices. Apple recommend using Restrictions to keep iPads safe - http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304. You can also set parental controls through iTunes as outlined here http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201659

Will my child be staring at a screen all day?

Though we are integrating the use of ICT into our learning more, this does not mean that your child will be fixed to a screen. Students will still work in small groups with their teacher, work in groups with their peers, use other ‘hands on’ learning and write in books. They will still be doing things like handwriting, drawing, painting, running, throwing and communicating. We do not want to substitute books for a computer, rather we want to leverage the benefits of devices using the SAMR model. iPads will be used at a teacher’s discretion when they can support or enhance learning. The device is a tool which will be used when appropriate. Teachers will be alert to the need to ensure that long sustained periods of time in front of a screen do not occur.

Can devices stay at school?

We ask that students charge their devices at home. If a student has a genuine reason to leave their device at school occasionally, they can negotiate that with their classroom teacher who will ensure the device will be secure and charged for the next day.

Where do I buy an iPad from?

We have arranged with Noel Leeming in Palmerston North to stock the iPad and Apple devices.

How do I insure my device?

Please contact your insurance company to arrange policy cover for the device at school. When your child is not in class a cupboard or room will be provided for your child to secure their device in if they choose.