Year 7 - D Block

1️⃣ The What

Students are asked to bring their own device into school from home, starting August 2023

We believe:

In telling students what platform to use stifles innovation and doesn't reflect the versatile reality of the world
Developing digital independence in our students is key to their future prospects
Our jobs as teachers and parents is to help them grow into that independence and scaffold where necessary
As our students develop the ability to reflect on their practice and make adjustments, they should be exposed, within a balance, to a wide range of tools and techniques
We have a lot to learn from each other, this is not a 1-way direction

Our 1:1 iPad programme has been in place since 2019
Part of its job was to embed balance and purpose in our children's device use
The next step is to instil independence, responsibility and ownership of their digital experience
This involves the use of their own device which research has shown can lead to more engaged and motivated learners
As many schools already offer BYOD from Year 7, it is a crucial year for the above, in which students are building foundational career skills where the effective use of their devices is necessary to develop the digital literacy skills necessary for success in the 21st century
Statistically, Year 7 is most commonly an age when many students already have access to personal devices
It is reasonable to expect that a device purchased in Year 7 should last until Year 11. At this point, device dependent, students may need to upgrade devices to handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing or programming (> XX for more information)

Familiarity & Personalisation: Students tend to be more comfortable and familiar with their own devices, as they have customised them according to their preferences. This can lead to higher levels of engagement and productivity in the classroom
Availability & Access: BYOD programmes provide students with continuous access to their devices, as they can take them home after school, use them for learning outside of the classroom and ready them for Senior school life and beyond
Latest Technology: Students tend to have more up-to-date technology than school-provided devices, as they can often upgrade devices regularly. This can provide students with better performance and functionality, which can enhance their learning experience.
Flexibility: BYOD programmes provide students with flexibility and choice in terms of the type of device they use. This can accommodate individual learning needs and preferences, and can also help to prepare students for the technology they will use in their future

Camera

Prefarably rear-facing

Touch input

Preferably touchscreen though a drawing tablet is acceptable.👀 See an example 👀

Stylus

Keyboard & mouse

🎧 Earphones

We recommend earphones rather than over-ear headphones so they may fit in pencil cases
We discourage expensive earphones such as Beats or AirPods due to the ease of loss

💾 Storage & Memory

🤔 If you have any concerns / questions about your existing device, please contact our Director of Digital Learning.

You will never be asked to spend more than 2,000THB-per-academic-year on apps.

Please ensure your device has:

Internet browser (Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox)
Microsoft Office (use your school e-mail address and password and choose "Install apps"):

📜 All students will be expected to follow and sign either the Year 7 & 8 Acceptable Use Policy or F Block - XX Acceptable Use Policy, whichever is applicable, as part of the school's policies
🛡️ Device traffic will still be routed through our School's firewall. Device history will only be made aware to us should a breach of policy occur
🗣️ An in-person question and answer session will take place on Friday 3rd and Friday 10th May
🎓 Staff undergo continuous embedded training on the latest edtech trends via the school's EdTech Team
🧑‍💻 School's student Tech Team and staff EdTech Team will provide initial support to students on BYOD via Google Classroom and in-person support
📲 School will provide loan devices for use in school during the initial start of the programme, forgetfulness (to a point of responsibility) and repair
🔌 Students will be asked to bring charging cables and plugs in case they have not charged their device
✅ Consistent reviews to ensure device compatibility and appropriatness will take part at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months
📱 There are no specific apps required at this time, other than perhaps the Microsoft Office suite. Any apps will be listed above and sent out via SchoolZine. Most subscription costs are covered by the school with the exception of one-time purchases, but never exceeding 2,000THB-per-academic year

☔️ The school recommends to take out insurance and cases for devices being used for BYOD. Any loss or breakage will not be the school's responsibility and dealt with case-by-case
🔌 Devices should be fully charged daily and where required updated weekly. Charging plugs and cables should be brought to school in case in school charging is needed
🎮 Any non-school content does not have to be removed, but should not be accessed at school as outline in the above AUP
📲 Devices should have all necessary apps installed as soon as possible after being notified by a the Director of Digital Learning. Any apps required will be listed above and sent out via SchoolZine. Most subscription costs are covered by the school with the exception of one-time purchases, but never exceeding 2,000THB-per-academic year
☑️ Families are encouraged to visit our Digital Wellbeing page for advice on how to setup their children's devices for maximum safety and security

🛟 The school will report any loss or breakage to parents on the same school day
🔌 Charging stations for all major power plugs will be provided in form rooms
📲 Students will be notified of any apps they require by the Director of Digital Learning in advance of lessons. The app list will be published above 👆 and sent out via SchoolZine. Most subscription costs are covered by the school with the exception of one-time purchases, but never exceeding 2,000THB-per-academic year
🛠️ School will still provide any specialist app, equipment or subscription
🎮 Students will be coached via our assembly, computing, Whole Me and integrated lessons on how to use their devices with focus and purpose
☑️ School will continue to provide workshops and device support to parents who wish for it with details being made available on our Digital Wellbeing page

If you have any questions or concerns about BYOD, please feel free to contact our Director of Digital Learning.