FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Protection

  1. How will my child/ward’s data be used in the PLD and IT Applications?

IT Applications. For the IT Applications (student iCON, Microsoft ProPlus and Zoom), the school will use your child/ward’s personal data such as his/her name, birth certificate number and class to set up user accounts. This data will also be used for the purposes of authenticating and verifying user identity, troubleshooting and facilitating system improvements. In addition, the commercial providers of these platforms (e.g. Google, Microsoft) will collect and deal with user data generated by your child/ward’s use of these applications. The collection use and disclosure of such data are governed by the commercial provider’s terms of use, which can be found here:


  1. Where will the data collected by DMA and IT Applications for NDLP be stored?

All user data which is collected by MOE will be stored in secure servers managed by the respective vendors of our systems. The Government has put in place strong personal data protection laws and policies to safeguard sensitive data collected by public agencies such as MOE. Please refer to this website for more information on these laws and policies: https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/why-Smart-Nation/secure-smart-nation/personal-data-protection

Terms of Purchase

  1. Where can I find the full terms of purchase of the PLD?

Parents/guardians will be purchasing the PLD directly from the vendor, not MOE. This is pursuant to a bulk tender agreement between MOE and the vendor. The tender documents set out the full terms and conditions of such a purchase, and can be found at this website: https://go.gov.sg/pldtermsandconditions

FAQ questions 4 - 17 were gathered from the Parent Engagement Session conducted over Zoom on 30 Jan 2021.

Cost and Purchase

  1. How do I know the amount to set aside for 2nd tier miscellaneous fees?

For students who have sufficient balance in their Edusave account, can they pay 100% of the cost of the PLDs using it?


Yes. If your child has sufficient Edusave balance, the full amount can be paid using the Edusave account. Most students have sufficient Edusave balance and the 2nd tier miscellaneous fee is $10/month. You may check your child's Edusave balance by calling 62600777.

  1. I wish to find out if my exisiting iPad can be installed with a DMA. May I check with the ICT team before I make my decision to purchase the Chromebook?


Students will be informed to bring their existing devices to school to be assessed for suitability. Parents can make their decision thereafter.

  1. My child has already purchased a PC under NEU PC programme. Does he still have to get a laptop?

I have applied for the PC Bundle for MOE-FAS. Will purchasing this affect the application or is it consider as a separate purchase?


Students should use their devices received from the NEU PC programme devices as far as possible, instead of buying another device. . However, if the device is not a portable device, we would need students to purchase the school device.



Usage of Devices

  1. Will there be technical support provided within the school for issues with the PLDs or do I have to visit the Lenovo Service Centre? How long does it take to repair the PLDs?


The school's service desk will be the first point of reference for faulty devices. In addition, a fortnightly courier service by our contractor, M1, will be provided for damaged devices. Students will handover their devices to the school's service desk. The device may also be sent directly to the Lenovo Service Centre at Funan DigitaLife Mall. Time taken for such repairs is dependent on the issue.


  1. Is there any penalty for downloading of content or visits to non-academic related websites?


Inappropriate websites with adult or extremist content, as well as gaming websites or applications, will be blocked. (ST). Do remember that there are already penalties for illegally downloading applications, or accessing inappropriate websites, as such activities may already be classified as crimes.


  1. Will the PLDs come with an anti-virus software?


Devices are connected to the school’s IT network to enhance cybersecurity.


  1. Is my child required to bring the Chromebook to school daily or is it specifically for home based learning period?

How often are students be required to bring the device to school?


The device will be used to support students' learning in various subjects in school and at home on a regular basis. It is very likely students will need to bring the device to school every day in order to benefit from this initiative. To facilitate this, the school has selected a device which is lightweight (approximately 1.3kg and with a thickness of 20.35mm), making it easy to carry on the move and will fit into almost any bag. Students should ensure that their personal devices are fully-charged before bringing it to school. Taking responsibility of their devices is also a way for students to develop self-management.


  1. Is there an admin from JYSS to manage the downloading and installation of apps?

Can my iPad be used to install the necessary apps for my child’s learning? Will the PLDs come with applications such as Microsoft Office, etc.?


To support the development of digital literacy, MOE will also be rolling out the following applications in the Personal Learning Devices in early 2021: Google Suite for Education, Microsoft Office productivity suite which includes only Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote & Publisher, and Zoom. If your child is using an iPad or a compatible personal learning device not purchased from the school, these applications will be installed in these devices.



  1. What is the consequence if the Chromebook goes missing? Any insurance on the device?


The package includes 3-year warranty and 3-year insurance under the Enhanced Bundle. The insurance covers: Accidental drops and bumps, electrical surges, operating and structural failures resulting under normal operating conditions or handling, theft and lost, nature Disaster (fire, earthquake, volcanic eruption, storm, tempest, flood, landslide & landslip), strike, riot and civil commotion. Students should learn to take responsibility and care for their devices.


  1. Will all assignments be on the PLDs? Will the PLDs replace textbooks?


With the devices, students can now access curriculum-aligned resources in the SLS both in and out of class at their own pace, to complement their learning. The devices and SLS resources may not replace textbooks for all subjects.


  1. Can the PLDs be used as a normal laptop at home?

Students are IT-savvy. Will school share what students can and cannot do with the PLDs?


The device is meant to enhance teaching and learning. Students should be responsible in its use and we would like to partner parents to reinforce good practices from school. Parents may refer to Page 6 of the downloadable Parents Handbook in our NDLP microsite for some of the good practices. Your child will learn these practices in school, and we would like parents to reinforce them at home.


The school has established an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that would be undertaken by both parents and students to manage the use of the devices. The rationale of the AUP is to establish a common understanding of what constitutes an acceptable and appropriate use of the PLD. It establishes students’ responsibilities and behaviour pertaining to device use.


  1. Can students play computer games or watch YouTube videos on the PLDs?

Will the PLDs allow access to gaming websites such as Roblox Minecraft and social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook?


The installation of applications in the PLDs will be centrally-managed. Access to websites and online platforms should complement teaching and learning. However, even though the installation of certain applications such as Youtube will be centrally managed, excessive access to all applications depends on the students own level of self-management. This, the school will teach, and we hope parents will re-inforce at home.



Other areas of concerns

  1. Will students also be buying an iPad in the later stages?


No.


  1. Where can the students collect their devices?


The collection of devices will take place in school.