PDLP Frequently Asked Questions

All devices under the initiative will have a Device Management Application (DMA) installed. The DMA is a suite of software installed in the device to enable the school and parents to manage and monitor device usage by students.

The DMA would restrict the type of applications and websites accessible by students and limit the students’ screen time. For example, inappropriate websites with adult or extremist content, as well as gaming and gambling websites or applications, will all be restricted. Schools will have the discretion to decide on the applications and websites to enable or disable.

The DMA would allow the school to remotely download appropriate teaching and learning applications, as well as security patches, into every student’s device. In addition, the DMA comes with classroom management capabilities to assist teachers in actively monitoring and controlling the students’ screens during lesson time, for better student management and effective teaching.

In addition, through CCE lessons, students will be taught how to embrace the convenience of technology while maintaining a balanced lifestyle between online and offline activities, and to be a safe and responsible user of technology.

As part of the school’s Cyber Wellness education, students learn how to take responsibility for their online well-being, and how to be positive role models to others in creating safe and kind online communities. The revised CCE 2021 will also feature cyber wellness education more strongly, with updated authentic scenarios used, to better equip students to navigate online spaces safely and help develop a more supportive cyber environment.

Based on the stock availability, the school will try to keep the cost of Chromebook affordable so that the majority of our students can afford it using their Edusave funds. Parents will be informed of the exact cost during Parents' Briefing.

There is no cap in the withdrawal amount in Edusave to pay for the Chromebook.

Every student is required to have a device for teaching and learning purposes and is encouraged to purchase one through the school via MOE’s bulk tender. Students are encouraged to use the device model prescribed by the school, as the uniformity of systems and software would ensure a smooth learning experience for everyone. The device purchased through the school will come with the necessary warranty and insurance as well.

Students who do not wish to purchase a device because they already have their own devices will have to check with the school to ascertain whether the specifications of their existing devices meet the schools’ requirements. These existing devices must also be installed with a Device Management Application (DMA) software to manage the student’s access and usage.

Students are encouraged to use the device model prescribed by the school under the PLD initiative, as the uniformity of systems and software would ensure a smooth learning experience for them. The devices will be used both in and out of class. In class, the devices will be used to support learning of the curriculum subjects independently or collaboratively. Beyond the classroom, students will be able to use the device for home-based learning.

Devices purchased under the PLD initiative belong to the students, and they can continue to use the devices after graduation. For students who are receiving financial assistance, they will be provided additional subsidies such that their out-of-pocket expenses for the device will be zero.

The devices will come with either the base device bundle with 1-year insurance and 1-year warranty, which allows for one repair or one replacement, or the enhanced device bundle with 3-year insurance and 3-year warranty, which allows for two repairs or one replacement.

The insurance coverage is only applicable to situations of damage and loss even though the student has taken the necessary precautions to safeguard the device.

If the replacement of device is not/no longer covered by the insurance, the replacement device will have to be paid for by the parents/student. Schools can facilitate the purchase of a replacement device and students’ Edusave funds can be used if available. MOE will provide subsidies to minimise the out-of-pocket expense for lower-income students who need to replace their devices which are no longer covered by insurance.

The school will uninstall the DMA from the devices upon students’ graduation, and students will have full control and personal ownership over their devices afterwards. If the student’s device needs to be installed with DMA in JC/MI, it can be reinstated.