FAQ

What is BYOD?

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. A student is allowed to bring a device that suits the supported specifications to support their learning needs and to be involved in classroom learning activities.

Why BYOD?

Bulli High School recognises the importance of connected learning and the positive effects it has on engagement and achieving learning outcomes. In order to prepare students for an ever-changing world beyond school, teachers support the philosophy that technology plays a significant role in learning. The number of students bringing their own device to school has been growing.

What type of device should my child bring?

The school has listed some very detailed specifications. The device must be able to connect to the 5 GHz wireless signal provided by the DEC Wireless infrastructure. Teachers have indicated a preference that a windows device is the most versatile and useful device for students in all years.

Parents should consider the weight of the device they select for the child and versatility.

Can my child use there Smartphone or iPod touch as a BYOD device?

Smartphones or iPod touch devices do not provide an acceptable screen size for effective learning support. These devices are also generally equipped with sim cards. These devices are unacceptable devices under the BYOD program.

What is the process if my laptop is unavailable for a day?

Students "unprepared for learning" without the appropriate uniform, equipment, food etc. should present to "Studio A" before roll call. Students with a note or valid reason explaining their lack of device will be issued with a loan device. Students who regularly present as unprepared for learning, will be addressed as per our school behaviour and discipline policy.

How should I protect the device from damage?

A range of protective covers are available online or in stores. It is recommended that students protect all devices while in use or stored in their school bags.

What happens of the device is lost or stolen?

Most manufacturers will not cover theft, loss or deliberate damage under their warranty. It is recommended that parents discuss options with their home & contents insurance provider for details and cover. The school will not be responsible for loss, damage or theft.

Can the device be charged at school?

There is no scope to charge devices in class. There are limited charging facilities available in the school library, and students can access them during break times. Under the student agreement, students are responsible to bring their device fully charged for use every day.

"Fully Charged Device" refers to a device with sufficient charge to last a full school day. 

Will there be a place at school that the device can be stored when it’s not in use?

During lessons where the device is not being used, such as PE, devices will be locked up securely. Students are advised however to place a lock code or security measure on the device to disallow access. If the device is capable, a “find my iPhone” style application should be installed so that the device can be tracked in the event of it being stolen or missing.

How will my child get access to the internet?

Internet is provided by the school’s 5Ghz Secured wireless network. DEVICES WITH SIM CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. All sim cards should be removed, any student who connects or ‘tethers’ their device to their mobile phone in order to gain access to the internet will be breaching the Acceptable Use Policy.

The schools internet is filtered and monitored and blocks unacceptable or banned internet sites including some social media sites such as Facebook. This filtering is only applied when the student is at school.

Do students have to bring the device to school every day?

 Years 7-10:  This device will not be required on Wednesday (Sport Day). Devices are required all other days.  

Years 11 & 12: Devices are required all days.

Will I be able to put my own apps on this device?

This device is owned by you or the student. You may put your own apps on this device. However, a student must remember that their teachers will be given full access to the device for learning support purposes under the user agreement. If a student would not want a teacher to see something, then it should not be on the device. The space on the device should be reserved for applications to support learning. Students may be asked to delete all non-school based applications, photographs or videos in order to provide space for learning materials.

Can my child bring a laptop that we already own to school?

Yes, provided the laptop meets the minimum specifications. Please see the specifications for BYOD for details.

Will there be technical support provided at school?

Yes. The extent of technical support will however, be limited to support connecting to the schools network and the internet as well as minor standard application support. There will be no support provided for repairs of any kind.

What services for backup and printing will be provided by the school?

Students will be expected to save all work where clearly instructed by the teacher. Backup facilities are only carried out on files the student has uploaded to the e-learning system or the server. No backup of personal files will be provided. No printing services will be provided by the school from these devices. Any work requiring printing will be done through school based desktop computers or at home.

Will parents need to purchase apps or applications to support learning?

There may be a small cost associated for downloading required applications. The preferred applications are listed on the school’s website. There are many applications and apps that are available for free.

Will students be completing homework using the device?

Yes. Teachers may set homework where the device will need to be used to complete it. It is advised that parents employ normal monitoring methods when using the device. Ask your child to work in a common area of the house and ask to see what they are working on.

Can I place parental controls on my child's laptop to restrict access to social media or inappropriate content?

Whilst students are at school, the DoE has a comprehensive web content filtering system that prevents access to inappropriate websites for all students while connected to the school network

In terms of monitoring student access at home, the E-Safety Commissioner has some relevant information for parents: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/parental-controls

 This link refers to blocking websites at the ISP/router level. This may be possible via your ISP’s website or some routers have built-in firewall/parenting software to block certain sites. A list of suitable routers can be found here if yours does not provide this feature: https://www.lifewire.com/best-parental-control-routers-4160776

 Finally, some subscription services can provide parents with additional parental controls over their child’s devices. Whilst it is not appropriate to suggest any particular service due to the ongoing costs, https://www.qustodio.com/en/familyzone/ is one example of this type of service.