PLD FAQs

• DMA is not intended to spy on students. DMA does not track the following:

  • Login IDs and passwords entered into websites or into any applications

  • Actions performed (e.g. posts, online comments, items added to a shopping cart, etc.) when visiting websites and using apps

  • Documents and photos stored in the PLD

  • PLD location

  • Webcam videos and microphone recordings

• Information on your online activity such as URLs accessed by your PLD will be captured to allow for the filtering of harmful online content.

• Your personal identifiable data like passwords, addresses, and identification number will not be stored. 

• Actions performed when visiting websites and using apps are not captured.

• DMA does not allow MOE, your school, or your teachers to remotely access folders or files on your PLD. 

• All user data collected by MOE will be stored in secure servers managed by appointed DMA vendors with stringent access controls.

• The government has put in place personal data protection laws and policies to safeguard sensitive data collected by public agencies.

• Since the PLD is intended to be a device primarily for teaching and learning, the DMA restrictions create a safer digital environment for learning, with fewer distractions such as social media, that might otherwise detract from your learning. 

• This is different from your other devices, including mobile phones, which are more typically used for leisure purposes.

• There are other platforms (e.g. iCON email) that you and your teacher can use to communicate outside school hours.

• During school hours, you will only be able to use teaching and learning apps installed by your school.

• After school hours, you can use your PLD to pursue your own learning interests, even if they are not covered by your school’s subject curricula and programmes.

• If your parents/guardians want to install additional learning software on your PLD, they can opt for the After-School DMA Parent Option A or B. This will allow them to install learning software for your use after school hours. 

Using ICT in teaching and learning is not new to AISS and our students. We have been tapping on the Google Classroom and the various Google Collaboration Tools (Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Forms etc.) for many years as part of our efforts to prepare our students to be collaborative and self-directed learners. As such, it is natural to continue on this platform for the familiarity of both teachers and students. In addition, Chromebooks as compared to laptops tend to be lighter, and with batteries that can last longer. They are also more affordable than tablets as the Chromebooks we have chosen include the keyboard, stylus, mouse, touchscreen and dual cameras, unlike tablets which can become quite costly once we include the additional accessories. 

Please refer to the briefing slides available in our school website.

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

Students are strongly encouraged to use the PLD model prescribed by the school for a smooth learning experience. If students wish to use their own devices, these devices must meet the necessary specifications (only similar chromebook model) stated by the school. If parents have questions about the devices, they can approach their child’s teachers or HOD/ICT for assistance.

For a smooth learning experience, it is strongly encouraged that each student has his/her own PLD as prescribed by the school. This is because different schools may tap on specific PLD for teaching and learning. In addition, the student will be required to use the PLD in school daily and for their learning after school, hence it might not be practical to share the PLD with their siblings.

The prices are similar or in most cases, lower than market prices. MOE has a process to review the prices with contractors to keep the prices competitive.

With the PLD, this allows students to access curriculum-aligned resources in the SLS in and out of class at their own pace to complement their learning. The PLD and SLS resources will not fully replace textbooks as textbooks are currently designed as curriculum-aligned reference for students.

There is no recommended screen time as it depends very much on the nature of the activity. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (2016), there is no one-size-fits-all approach to limiting the amount of screen time for teenagers. The academy recommends that screen time takes into consideration a child’s developmental stage, how the technology is used, the quality of the content and design of the material. Schools will design their learning programmes to ensure that the students’ use of PLDs is balanced in relation to other activities and modes of learning.

However, all PLDs will be installed with DMA, which allows teachers to manage students’ screen time if they so desire. Teachers will also continue to ensure that the number of assignments set (both online and offline) is guided by the school’s homework policy.

The battery of a fully charged device will be sufficient for a typical day of school activities, with a mixture of active use and idle periods. Students are to ensure their PLDs are fully charged at home before bringing them to school.

The PLDs have an average shelf life of 3 to 4 years, to cover the time a student is in a 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 afterward.

Accidental loss due to negligence in not covered by insurance and a new PLD will need to be purchased by the parent. The school will assist in purchasing a replacement PLD.

Service Centre Location:

Servlink Technologies – Lenovo Authorised Service Centre
Address: 2 Kallang Avenue #09-01, CTHub 1, Singapore 339407

How do students / customers get to the service centre?

• By MRT: The nearest MRT station is Bendemeer Station (Downtown Line). It’s about a 5-minute walk to CTHub from the station.

• By Bus: Bus services 13, 23, 67, 125, and 133 stop near CTHub

• By Car: CTHub offers parking facilities. Enter via Kallang Avenue, and parking is available at an hourly rate.

What are the operating hours of the service centre?

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

What are the contact details for the service centre?

• Hotline: +65 6817 1435

• Email: Svcctr@servlink.com.sg

If the PLD is damaged, the parents/student can report it to the school. The school will coordinate with the vendor on the assessment of damage and repairs. If there are additional costs incurred, the vendor will contact the parents/student before proceeding with the repair. All additional costs for repairs will be borne by the parents/student if not covered by insurance.

Edusave funds cannot be used to pay for the cost of repairs.

If the device is damaged beyond economical repair and is not covered by insurance (coverage against damage and loss/theft), the replacement device will have to be paid for by the parents/student.

Extended warranty beyond 3 years for computing devices is not available in the open market. It would be very costly to incorporate such a requirement and it makes more economical sense to replace the device when it is beyond economical repair after 3 years.

The school has installed lockers for students to store their valuables. Students are expected to secure their PLDs in the lockers when they are away from their classrooms. Students should bring home the PLDs at the end of the school day so that they can utilise the PLDs for learning at home as well as charge them for use the next day.

1. The security software on students' PLDs only collects information required to facilitate a conducive environment for teaching and learning, and to encourage good online practices.
   
   

2. First, the software enables MOE and schools to centrally update the devices, such as to install new learning applications or security patches. To do so, the software collects basic student information such as his or her name, school and email address. The software does not collect or track information such as identification numbers, passwords, and the location of the device.
   
   

3. Second, the software supports teachers in effective classroom management. For example, through the software, teachers will be able to see and support the work that the students are engaging in on their devices during lessons.
   
   

4. Third, the software helps to filter out harmful internet content. When students surf the Internet on their PLDs, the security software checks the website URL against a regularly-updated blacklist in order to block access to harmful content including pornographic and gambling-related websites or those with extremist content. In our engagements with parents, this feature of the software was something they strongly welcomed, as they were very concerned about excessive screen time, and their children's access to inappropriate content online.
   
   

5. Any student information collected by the software is stored in secure servers managed by appointed vendors with stringent access controls. This is in line with the Government's personal data laws and policies to safeguard sensitive data collected by public agencies.
   
   

6. Notwithstanding the benefits of the security software, there are some parents who have asked for some flexibilities in the implementation, including to disable the software after school hours. MOE's objectives are focused on the school environment, and on ensuring good teaching and learning outcomes in school. Hence, we will exercise flexibility, and give parents and students greater say on how they wish to use the software after school hours. This will include options to customise their own settings at home, or to turn off the software if they so prefer. MOE will provide more details on these arrangements as we progressively roll out the PLDs across all secondary schools.

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/about-smart-nation/secure-smart-nation/personal-data-protection-initiatives . 

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.

The Parent/guardian of the student will manage parental control. The school may structure control of device management such that parental control is enabled after school hours, during weekends and school holidays. However, parents will not be able to override the base set of device management rules (e.g. restriction of sites) set by the school.

As part of user management, DMA can determine the appropriate teaching and learning applications as well as security patches, to be installed into every student’s PLD. For example, inappropriate websites as well as gaming and gaming websites or applications can be restricted (through either whitelisting or blacklisting). The school will have the discretion, in the interests of their students, to decide what applications and websites to enable/disable.

Edusave fund can only be used for purchases facilitated by the school through MOE’s bulk tender.

Although the one-time Edusave top-up of $200 each year from 2020 to 2025 are not ring-fenced for the purchase of the PLD, its intent is to enhance the affordability of PLDs for students. Parents are thus encouraged to draw down on the Edusave funds to offset the purchase of PLDs.

Edusave can only be purchased for accessories/peripherals that are bundled with the initial PLD. Edusave cannot be used for individual’s purchase of optional accessories / peripherals from the vendor.

It is compulsory for all MOE FAS students to use their Edusave to purchase the PLDs. This authorization is already covered in the FAS application form.

Singapore citizen students are strongly encouraged to sign up for the PDLP Standing Order so as to minimize the cash outlay.

Parents opting to pay cash and are onboard GIRO should ensure sufficient amount in their bank account.

Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and International Students who require financial assistance may call the school’s General Office (6758 5384) for further assistance. 

If you are recently retrenched, please produce a “Letter of Retrenchment” from your company.

When assessing GHI and PCI of needy International Students, parent’s income will be based on the income of parents who may be residing overseas, and not the local guardian’s income. Electronic signatures are acceptable in the application if the parents are residing overseas.

MOE FAS and School-Based FAS students do not need to apply for subsidy.