BYOD Equity Procedure

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE EQUITY PROCEDURE

Rationale

The Wagga Wagga High School Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, like all BYOD programs in an education setting, inherently imposes a financial cost on students and their families in supplying a device. At the same time, the Wagga Wagga High School BYOD program can only function if all students have access to appropriate technological resources in all their classes. Wagga Wagga High School takes seriously the role of public education in ensuring all students have access to the same learning outcomes. The BYOD Equity Policy aims to establish the framework for the BYOD program to provide this for all students, irrespective of their families’ financial means.

References

• BYOD Procedure

• Student Assistance Scheme (PD/2005/0241/V02)

Objectives 

1. To achieve objective (1) of the Wagga Wagga High School BYOD policy, being to facilitate and promote the bringing of a computing device to school by all students in Years 7 - 12 for use in their education. 

2. To ensure equity in the BYOD program and its implementation. 

3. To ensure all students have access to appropriate technological resources in their classes. 

4. To provide a framework through which family requests for assistance can be managed consistently

Actions

Wagga Wagga High School will:

1. endeavour to provide personal access to appropriate technology resources to all students operating under the school’s Bring Your Own Device program in keeping with the objectives of that policy and with respect to its role as a public education institution.

2. ensure the BYOD Program’s Device Specification is designed so that a range of devices in capability and cost are suitable and meet the Specification.

3. assess applications for assistance in meeting the requirements of the BYOD program on a case-by-case basis. Due consideration will be given to all the facts of the matter, including:

   • the level of assistance requested

   • existing disbursements from the Student Assistance Scheme.
     the year level of the student.

   • the subjects the student undertakes.

   • the technology already available to the student at school and at home.

4. consult with the parent/carer in making determinations as to what form any assistance will take.

5. consider a range of alternatives for providing device access for students, including:

   • access to desktop computers in computer labs or the Senior or Junior Libraries during class time, free periods, before or after school or during breaks

   • loan of a laptop or other device for a particular period or class

   • loan of a laptop or other device for a particular day

   • recurrent daily loan of a laptop or other device

   • loan of a laptop or device for a term. 

6. make a written agreement between the school, student and parent/carer that specifies the arrangements agreed upon or determined for facilitating access to technological resources.

7. in most circumstances, not agree to loan a laptop or other device to a student over a holiday period.

8. provide a protocol for ensuring priority or reserved access to desktop computers where this access is considered appropriate.

9. provide a protocol for signing out and signing back in a laptop or other device from the BYOD Support Office and follow up any cases where the loaned device is not returned in accordance with the agreement.

Students and Parents/Carers:

1. Consider your options for purchasing or leasing equipment that meets the Device Specification. Wagga Wagga High School will endeavour to make a broad selection of devices in a range of price points that match the Specification.

   • If you believe you are unable to provide a device that meets the specifications:

   • make an application in writing to the Principal, or make an appointment to speak with the Principal and indicate you require assistance in addressing the school’s Bring Your Own Device program

2. The school will liaise with you, your child and their teachers to identify the most appropriate way to address the issue and ensure they have appropriate access to the technological resources of their peers.

3. You will be asked to agree with the school confirming the alternative arrangements made for your child’s access to technological resources.

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