Frequently Asked Questions

Our school has been using Google Classroom and the various apps in the Google Workspace such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and etc. for teaching and learning. Using the Chromebook as our school's PLD will enable the students to adopt the platform easily. Additionally, Chromebook as compared to laptops tend to be lighter, and with batteries that can last longer. They are also more affordable than tablets (iOS and Android) as the Chromebooks that the school has chosen include keyboard, stylus, mouse, touchscreen and dual cameras, unlike tablets which can become quite costly once the additional accessories are included.

Can my child not purchase the school-prescribed PLD? How will this affect his learning?

Every student is required to have a personal learning device for his learning and is strongly encouraged to purchase one through our school via MOE's bulk tender. Students are encouraged to use the device model prescribed by the school, as the uniformity of the systems and software used would ensure a common and smooth learning experience for every student. 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 have their own devices will have to check with the school to ascertain whether the specifications of their existing devices meet our school's requirements. These devices must also be installed with the Device Management Application (DMA) software to provide a safe learning experience for them and to prevent misuse of the devices.

The DMA settings will be uninstalled from the devices when they graduate/ leave the school.

The DMA software is only compatible with ChromeOS, thus laptops or other devices operating on different OS systems will not be able to be used for learning in school.

Can my child share one PLD with his siblings?

It is strongly encouraged that each student has his own PLD as prescribed by the school. The model of the PLD and the settings for the DMA software could differ from school to school. Additionally, the student will be required to use the PLD in school daily and after school for his learning, hence it is not recommended to share the PLD with his siblings.

Will my child/ ward have sufficient amount in Edusave account for the purchase of the PLD?

As part of the Household Support Package announced in Budget 2021, the Government will provide a top-up of $200 in 2021 to the Edusave account of Singapore Citizens who are studying in a MOE-funded primary or secondary school (including Government-funded special education school), or aged 7 to 16 in 2021. This is on top of the annual contributions that they currently receive. The top-up will be done automatically in May 2021.

To check your Edusave balance, you can call MOE's 24hr automated hotline at 6260 0777. More details can also be found at https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/edusave-account/balance-and-transactions.

For students whose parents do not want the school to deduct their Edusave for the purchase of PLDs, can they pay cash instead?

For Singapore Citizen students who are not under MOE FAS or School-Based FAS, parents may choose not to use the Edusave and pay the amount via GIRO/ Cash/ Cheque/ SAM.

MOE FAS students are required to use their Edusave to purchase the PLDs. This authorization is already covered in the 2021 FAS application form. School-Based FAS students are strongly encouraged to sign up for the NDLP Standing Order so as to minimize the cash outlay.

Can Edusave be used to pay for purchase of accessories/ peripherals for the PLD?

Edusave can only be used for the purchase of accessories/ peripherals that are already bundled with the PLD package. Edusave cannot be used for individual's purchase of optional accessories/ peripherals from the vendor directly.

About the Personal Learning Device (PLD)

Does the PLD comes with a keyboard?

The school's prescribed model is a Chromebook Convertible that comes with a hardware keyboard. The keyboard can flip 180 degrees to convert the Chromebook to a tablet with the inking features.

How frequently will the PLD be used in class? Is there a recommended limit to screen time in class?

There is no recommended screen time as it depends on the nature of the activity.

Our school will design curriculum activities that leverage the PLD in achieving learning outcomes for students. This includes not only academic learning but also developing students' digital literacies.

What is the battery life for the Chromebook?

A fully charged Chromebook will be sufficient for a typical school day. Students are to ensure that their PLDs are fully charged at home before bringing them to school.

What is the expected shelf life of the PLD? What happens to the PLD after the student graduates?

The PLDs have an average shelf life of 4 years, to cover the time a student is in secondary school. The school will uninstall the Device Management Application (DMA) from the PLDs upon students' graduation, and students will have full control over their PLDs afterwards.

Warranty, Insurance & Security

What happens if the device is stolen/ loss?

The insurance coverage is only applicable to situations of damages and loss where the student has taken precautions to safeguard the device.

Do inform the school immediately so that the school can advise the follow-up action to be taken.

Device Management Application (DMA)

Is it necessary to install the DMA?

DMA software will be installed on your child’s PLD to provide a safe learning experience and to prevent misuse of the PLD. The DMA will be uninstalled from the PLD when your child graduates/leaves the school.

For parents who chose Option A, will apps that have been installed by parents after school hours be allowed for use during school hours?

Apps that have been installed after school hours by parents will be automatically blocked as a default during school hours.

However, the school can enable apps for use during school hours if the apps are assessed to be necessary for students’ learning, e.g. assistive technology apps for students with learning disabilities.

What kind of data does the DMA collect?

The DMA is meant to protect students from undesirable content from the internet such as pornography, gambling sites, etc. Without features such as websites and filtering of content by DMA, students may inadvertently be exposed to these undesirable contents without proper adult supervision and knowledge.

The DMA will not capture students’ information such as passwords, addresses, identification number which students may key in or content created / stored in their device storage when they are using the device. Students’ online activities such web searches will be monitored so that only permissible content is filtered. Parents are able to monitor their child’s device usage based on their chosen options, to ensure their child’s safety online.

Can Device Management Application (DMA) block game installation?

The Device Management Application (DMA) facilitates the installation of apps within the personal learning devices (PLDs). There are 3 options in the DMA settings for parents to choose from.

(1) Default Option: no installation of games as the school will be having control over installation requests by students

(2) Option A: Parents take over the role of monitoring after school hours. During school hours, only school-approved apps can be used.

(3) Option B: No restriction after school hours. During school hours, only school-approved apps can be used.

However, a point to note is that there are many online web-based games and thus, installation is not required. In addition, it is impossible to block all such websites.

Digital Learning Experience

Do the students bring their PLDs to school every day?

Students are to bring their PLDs to school every day. They are to ensure that their PLDs are fully charged at the start of the day for daily school use. Different subjects will use the PLDs differently depending on the nature of the activity. The degree of usage differs from day to day.

What are the ICT systems provided to support my child's learning?

MOE has provided Student iCON email accounts (Gmail-based), Microsoft Pro Plus (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) and Zoom accounts to support students in their learning. Additionally, the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) is the main learning platform where teachers share resources with students for their learning.

These ICT systems (Student iCON, Microsoft Pro Plus) are web-based and are easily accessible using the PLDs.

Will the PLD and learning platforms such as Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) and Google Workspace resources replace textbooks?

The PLD and SLS resources will not fully replace textbooks as textbooks are currently designed as curriculum-aligned reference for students. The resources are available on the online platforms to complement students' learning.

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