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.

NZQA found 95% of New Zealand high schools will have some form of BYOD programme in place by the end of 2015.

To meet the expectations of the New Zealand curriculum for connected global citizens and the key competencies of managing self, participating and contributing, relating to others others, thinking and using language symbols and text.

Currently 70% of the students of Auroa Primary School are involved in the School BYOD program.

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 now publish all assessments online. Students will be able to complete these in an online format.

Why have Auroa 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)?

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. Apple also has proven software that makes management of multiple devices at school easy to administer for schools.

Our staff, systems and management is also based around the use of Apple technology, and it makes for a much smoother process if the school is using the same platform for learning.

Why can’t I bring in other devices?

Our teachers are all proficient in the use and support of iPads, as these are the devices we have in our school. If a range of other devices are brought into the school teachers may not be able to provide assistance with them and it could distract from our focus on learning. If all students have the same device then teachers can be confident they have access to the same apps, as not all apps are available across multiple platforms. The only exception is for year 7/8 students, where we have identified a number of local High Schools are adopting chrome books. The year 7/8 program has a heavy use of Google docs, which is a web-based system and works well on both Macbooks and Chromebooks. By allowing year 7/8 students the option of bringing chrome books, we are assisting in transition to these High Schools.

The list of acceptable devices at school does not include iphones, iPods or similar music or android devices whose use remain covered under the existing digital policy. Cell Phones are not permitted for students to use in the classroom and must be handed into the office with a note from the child's parents.

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), and we are conscious to keep this list as cost effective as possible.

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, however they may be asked to share their device when they are involved in group work, under their teacher’s supervision.

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, 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. We believe that one of the benefits of BYOD is that students can take their devices home and continue or share their learning with caregivers.

How will students transition to High School with this device?

We have been liaising with our local High Schools. Most are using Google Apps for Education in their teaching and learning programmes. iPads are the perfect companion device for Chromebooks and Apple Macs.

Where do I buy an iPad from?

We have arranged with Noel Leeming in Hawera 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 locked cupboard or room will be provided for your child to secure their device in if they choose.