John Monash Science School continues to seamlessly integrate technologies into the way we learn. Our aim is to ensure that students are able to engage with interactive learning materials and that they create authentic responses through the live capture and editing of images, sound, video and the written word. Furthermore, we challenge them to create high quality responses that they will want to share with the world.
The School's decision to adopt a parent funded Bring Your Own Devices (BYODs) model is made with the future in mind. With both Federal and State Governments no longer providing funds for 1:1 programs, the way forward is to focus on a parent funded model. We believe that the JMSS BYO Digital Device Program is the best option to maximise student learning opportunities. We are certain that the openness of this approach best serves the needs of new students, the household budgets of parents and the School. As a School, we believe a shift to a full BYOD digital device model allows students to use devices that they already own and are familiar with. We also believe that our teachers, as everyday users of learning technologies, understand the capabilities of portable devices.
Over the past six years, our use of tablets and mobile devices at John Monash Science School has been an essential part of how we access digital information and resources.
In 2010 parents funded the adoption of a 1:1 Fujitsu Tablet program. This transitioned to a Dual Device Program where parents funded the cost of an iPad in addition to a Federal-State Government provided laptop. The introduction of the Dual Device Program in 2012 provided greater flexibility and more opportunities for students to learn at school and out in the field. These programs have made computing at JMSS more rewarding, sustainable, mobile and accessible.
A multi-device solution provides the most flexibility for learning at John Monash Science School. A laptop allows students to utilise some software provided by the Department of Education and Training while a smartphone or tablet provides students with high levels of flexibility, creativity and mobility when learning. The combined screen real estate of a tablet or smartphone and laptop increases the digital desktop available to students and allows them to work more effectively. Different workflows and activities is made possible as a result of students having both devices.
All new 10 and 11 students at John Monash Science School will be encouraged to participate in the multi-device program.
Students in Year 10 and those new to Year 11 are highly encouraged to have a second device that is portable. This might be a smartphone or a tablet device. Even though the Department of Education and Training has revised its policy on the use of mobile phones in classrooms in 2020, JMSS has developed a policy that allows students to retrieve mobile phones from lockers when activities require them and tablets can be taken to all classes.
It depends. Australian Consumer law provides consumer guarantee provisions 24 months after the customer takes delivery of the device. It covers them for faults such as loss of screen brightness, colour, faulty memory or screens coming away from the casing. Warranty does not cover accidental damage, loss or theft. Some consumers take out extended warranty cover for three years from date of purchase - effectively giving them an extra 12 months on top of their coverage under Australian consumer law.
The School expects that at minimum each student will have a primary device capable of 6 hours continuous use. You should also take into account what classes your student will be taking, if they are interested in computational physics, materials science or programming for example, a device with upgraded specifications could be preferable.
GB is spoken “Gigabytes” (GIG-a-bites) and refers to the volume of data the device is capable of storing.
For school use, a 128GB laptop model should provide the minimum capacity for the storage of documents, email and applications, however 500GB or more is recommended to ensure your student will have enough storage for their schooling career at JMSS.
For school use, a 32GB smartphone or tablet model should provide the minimum capacity to allow students to store textbooks, ebooks, podcasts and a few videos. The more apps, pictures, music and movies you want to store permanently on the device will determine the model you require.
Yes. We strongly encourage you to buy an appropriate case for your child’s devices in order to protect them from damage. Please take the time to consider the protective capacity of the cases and covers and try to purchase a case that protects the whole device (corners, edges, back and front).
Manufacturers often consider their devices to be a two-year device. Sometimes it is only possible to purchase two-year warranties for various devices. In order to stay relevant and keep up-to-date with technology in learning parents may want to budget for a new device every two years. This is entirely optional.
Students in their third year at John Monash Science School often continue to use their device outside the warranty period.
The choice of device is left up to the parent and student. The school will only provide recommendations.
Our belief is that students will need to use a variety of organisational tools and engage with learning resources available online. They will be able to take notes, plan, problem solve, collaborate, word process, produce spreadsheets and create presentations that combine multimedia elements. In addition to these, as we replace textbooks with eBooks, devices that are able to act as eBook readers are an extremely effective way to get the most from digital books. Some eBook readers have the added benefit of a built-in dictionary, search, highlighting, note taking and sharing via email. App stores on each platform provide students with access to an enormous quantity and quality of applications and educational games.
For many tasks, the laptop and second device will replace the use of hardcopy books, pen and paper. However, it is also not a complete replacement for all tasks.
While electronic devices should be able to handle most of a student’s learning needs, students may find that completing certain tasks on pen and paper is more efficient and effective. Students should also keep in mind that the VCE is still assessed with pen and paper, as such it is important to maintain handwriting skills.
It is important to manage and monitor daily 'screen time' and find a balance that works for you. Devices can be adjusted for brightness to suit personal preferences.
Students are encouraged to use blue light filter inbuilt into their devices, 'night light' on Windows 10 and 'night shift' on MacOS. These functions lower the amount of blue light that is emitted from the device, which will be better for your student's eyes.
When a device is not in use, students must keep them securely locked in their lockers at all times while at school. The School will issue new students with a school combination lock. When at home, students should keep their devices in a safe and secure place away from open windows.
Portable computing and mobile computing devices are most effective when connected to the Internet. We have wireless access for all students in all classrooms at John Monash Science School. If you already have wireless internet at home, laptops, smartphones and tablets will easily connect to this. If you do not have wireless, wireless routers are not expensive; you might consider talking to your internet service provider about options.
It is very important to check what type of Internet plan you are on. Some plans charge extra if you go over the monthly download allowance. Other plans provide unlimited downloads but slow the connection if you go over the monthly limit. The unlimited plans are by far the safest, and the best value. We strongly advise checking with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and if they cannot offer you a competitive price then make inquiries to change to another provider.
Yes. There will be introductory modules for each student to complete as part of the JMSS Induction Program. The purpose of these lessons and modules will be to set up access to the school network, email and calendar. The eLearning Leader and a team of Emerging Technologies Teachers will also provide ongoing lessons and guidance in regard to the educational use of the devices.
A list of apps is provided in the eResources sub-page. The list of apps students will be required to install will vary depending on the subjects they will undertake and what devices they have chosen to purchase. Teachers may also request certain types of apps be installed throughout the school year. We anticipate that a majority of these apps will be free or low cost. We recommend parents provide their child with Gift Cards to fund the purchase of applications on the JMSS App-list.
Yes, if it meets the minimum requirements.
Our eServices personnel will be available to support students. We will provide assistance with technical issues, such as ensuring that the student’s devices connects to the Wi-Fi network and all available services such as email. The eServices Department will not undertake mechanical repairs. All devices should be under warranty, so any technical faults will be addressed under the terms of the warranty. If you pay the optional 'IT support fee', your student will have access to loan devices which can be used temporarily while your student's device is unavailable (Forgotten, damaged, under repair etc.). Our eLearning personnel will provide information sessions on how students can fully utilise their devices.
Monash University CIO defragments IT, takes on BYOD. Retrieved from
http://www.cio.com.au/article/433374/monash_university_cio_defragments_it_takes_byod/
Monash technology essentials for students 2013. Retrieved from
http://www.monash.edu.au/assets/pdf/study/life/student-it-brochure.pdf
NSW Government (2013) Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in Schools: 2013 Literature Review. Retrieved from http://1to1sustainmentdeecd.global2.vic.edu.au/files/2013/08/litrev_2013_final_2-opbf77.pdf
The New Media Consortium (2013) NMC Horizon Project Short List 2013. Retrieved from http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2013-horizon-k12-shortlist.pdf
Victorian Department of Education (2014) Planning for 1-to-1 Learning: BYOD. Retrieved from https://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/digipubs/Sustaining%20a%201to1%20Program%20in%20a%20School/BYOD.aspx
(Part of this information document is based on the Trinity Lutheran College 1:1 iPad Program FAQ - http://tlc.qld.edu.au/ipad-program-faq.html - last accessed 12 September 2011)