Questions & Answers

Practicalities

At Fr John Therry students utilise Chromebooks as part of their learning in the classroom on a regular basis. Chromebooks operate through student Google CloudShare accounts. Their email, documents and Drive are all easily accessed through a single sign on. Due to their speed and compatibility, Chromebooks are the only device to be brought to school under Bring Your Own Designated Device. Chromebooks will ensure equity among all students as all students use the same type of device. The Chromebook is not a compulsory item to be brought to school.

  • Your child will be required to bring their Chromebook to and from school each day and to place it in the allocated tubs inside their classroom.
  • The Chromebook must be in its protective case when not in use.
  • Please clearly label/engrave Chromebook and protective sealed case so your child can identify which Chromebook is his or hers.
  • All students must abide by the signed “Student Acceptable Use Agreement Form” and the “Student ICT Acceptable Use Policy for BYODD ” before participating in the BYODD program.

Protocols for use

  • The school WILL NOT be liable for lost or damaged personal property.
  • Chromebooks should be clearly engraved or labelled in order to be easily identified.
  • Chromebooks should be stored in a protective cover/case when not in use.
  • Chromebooks are not to be left at school overnight.
  • The upkeep of the Chromebook is the responsibility of the student under guidance from their parents.
  • The Chromebook must be brought to school fully charged every day.
  • The Chromebook will only be operated by the owner of the device.
  • Student guidelines for the classroom use of devices, such as safely moving the devices around the room, keeping liquids away, not sharing personal devices and security, will be discussed in-depth during class.
  • Students will not be permitted to use the device for non-educational purposes.
  • Students will be responsible for placing their Chromebooks in the allocated tub each morning for safe transportation to the classroom.
  • Students will not be permitted to use their Chromebook on the playground during recess, lunch, before or after school.
  • Students will be responsible for their own Chromebooks whilst at school.
  • All students will undertake BYODD specific cyber safety training in class.

Insurance

As the device remains the personal property of the student (or student's family) the school strongly recommends that some form of insurance is considered in order to protect your investment. Including the device under your family's existing insurance policies may be an effective option. Each family should check the term of their policy with their individual insurer to ensure adequate coverage of the device while it is in use at Fr John Therry. Parents need to carefully consider the consequences of accidental damage or loss if they choose not to insure their device. The most common repair issue that parents are presented with is screen damage. Fr John Therry cannot be held responsible for damages to personally owned devices. We thank you for your understanding in relation to these sensitive issues regarding damages.

DEVICES

Who owns the device?

Parents own BYO Devices. Sometimes parents can be under the impression that the student is the one that owns the device. This is a misconception. The device is a family resource and should be used as such. The device should really be kept in a open area within the house and never taken into bedrooms. Many families have a charging station in the family room or kitchen and all devices must be left there overnight.

One thing for parents to remember - it is your house, your device and your rules.

Why has FJT chosen the Chromebook as the designated device?

Chromebooks have become very popular in education in the last 5 or 6 years. Chromebooks are what are called thin clients. That means that they have very little computing power in the device but rather access web based applications and store vast amounts of information in cloud based servers. This means that for a fraction of the price of a laptop students can access all the Google Suite of tools and the internet. For these reasons Chromebooks are fast reliable and quick to start. Chromebooks have become very popular in schools across Australia and around the world.

Will BYO Devices run on the school’s wifi?

Yes, if devices meet the BYO Device Requirements set down by the Sydney Catholic Schools ICT Team then devices should run on the school’s wifi. It is policy not to have 3G or 4G enabled devices in a school BYOD Program. This means that all internet access must be directed through the school’s filtered internet access. For cellular enabled devices, Sim card must be removed at home.

what would children without devices do?

No child will be disadvantaged by not having access to an device. Students without devices will have access to shared devices available. These devices would not travel between home and school but remain at school.

Will the students be working generally in a Google environment?

Students are already using Gmail, Google Drive and the Google Apps for Education that is termed CloudShare in Sydney Catholic Schools etc.

Will there be someone at school to sort out device problems?

As the device is owned by you the parents and you have the warranty, our technician is not permitted to work on non school owned devices. As only your child will be using this device we are not anticipating any issues regarding the working of the device.

Classroom

How will teacher be able to monitor what each child is doing on their device?

Nothing will ever replace active Teacher supervision. In some instances this supervision can easily be accomplished through the use of Teacher Dashboard

Will teachers be involved in professional learning in the lead up to BYODD?

Teachers will have the opportunity of Professional Development around the use of Technology in Teaching and Learning and more specific moving to BYODD. This includes but is not limited to participation in the BYOD Support Program. They are also aware of the NSW BOSTES ICT General Capabilities that cover all Syllabuses K - 10.

What percentage of learning will be done on the devices?

Device use will depend on the lesson activities but will generally occur in scheduled, planned sessions to assist with the achievement of identified knowledge and skills. We are anticipating that device and non device time would equate to 50-50.

Will BYODD Devices be used every day?

Devices may not necessarily be used every single day. This is primarily because of the nature of school. Students may have art, music or swimming on a particular day. There may be other days where students use the device on two or three separate occasions depending on the learning activities.

Is there a BYODD support program to help implement these devices?

Staff will plan across their teaching and learning programs, how the device can complement existing teaching practices in new and innovative ways. The school will continuously seek professional development opportunities for teachers, students and parents. The school will work closely with Sydney Catholic Schools as well as collaborating with the other 112 Catholic primary school who has taken on the BYODD Program.

Is reading and writing still going to be a focus at the school?

We are very aware of the importance of maintaining the development of reading and handwriting skills. These are a large part of the BOSTES NSW Syllabus English curriculum. Both reading and handwriting is a particular focus with all teachers. This focus will continue in all classrooms across the Archdiocese.

Why are we allocating so much time to technology in Primary school?

We are not allocating extra time to technology in Primary school. We are offering students the opportunity to use the technology as a tool to learn. The device does not take the place of a good teacher or good learning activities. The use of a device situates the learning within a social context of technology use, internet access and content creation. We are also aware of the requirements of the new BOSTES NSW Syllabus and the ICT General Capabilities. These documents provide a roadmap for the appropriate use of technology and the type of skills that students are required to have at the end of each stage.

Will children get very distracted and start playing games?

As part of the Students Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement students they agree that they will not access any apps that the teacher has not directed them to during school time. All students need to have had this conversation with their parents prior to the parents signing this agreement on behalf of their children. Teachers will as they always do closely monitor behaviour on devices at all times. A history of apps or sites are always available to teachers and schools for students who breach the Students Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement.

How are special needs taken into account?

Different Apps and programs are suitable for different students. This is one of the important ways that the learning will be personalised for every single student. There are a number of features on devices that allow for students with special needs to have equity of access to technology and in fact enhance their use of certain devices. Teachers of students with special needs have often received additional professional learning in this area.

What screen time recommendation are made by Sydney Catholic Schools?

There is no “right” amount of screen time, however parents should be aware that children should be having a break at least every 20-30 minutes. This may be a 20 second break where they refocus on an object in the mid distance. It is not healthy for anyone to be online constantly. Parents also need to set limits at home. Regular screen breaks are taken by children and the Sydney Catholic Schools recommendation found in the document ‘Tablet Use in Sydney Catholic Schools: Ergonomics, Posture and Screentime Recommendations’ is for close up screen time work to not exceed 20-30 minutes.

SCHOOL SECURITY PROCESSES

What happens with devices at before or after SCHOOl Care?

The school is in conversation with After School Care providers to ensure rules around device use and security are part of daily routine. While the school will recommend to providers that No BYO Devices are to be accessed during the care time (except where provisions have been made to complete homework), it is up to providers on how they wish to use or secure devices. Parents are recommended to have conversations with the provider if they are concerned with their approach.

What will happen if my child loses their device?

Procedures for the securing all devices are currently being discussed so that devices are kept secure at all times. We do not expect any devices will be lost, providing students follow school rules on BYODD devices at school. As your child will be the only one handling the device, it will ultimately be the responsibility of the child to look after the device.

Where will devices be stored when not being used?

Once arriving in the classroom children will be required to place their device straight into a locked cupboard. Devices will stay in this cupboard untill required. Students will collect their device at the end of the school day and place it carefully into their bag. All students will need to keep their device in their zipped up school bag untill getting home. Students will only be permitted to handle their own devices.

CYBER SAFETY

What if a student brings in inappropriate images they have accessed at home?

This really is a question of digital citizenship. Students need to have the skills to deal with this situation. It will not be if students come across inappropriate material but when they do. As part of the digital citizenship program we need to ensure that the students have a suitable adult that they can talk to about this situation.

Parents and students over the age of 10 do actually sign a user agreement which stipulates acceptable behaviour and protocols when using Sydney Catholic Schools wifi and internet access. Consequences for transgressions are also made clear in this document. The system does have it’s own internet filtering system in place and this ensures that the students have as safe as possible experience of the internet at school. Parents may wish to install a internet filtering product at home to ensure a comparable service whilst surfing the net at home.

What management strategies do teachers have for students on BYO Devices?

Teachers are always moving around the room interacting with students in the lessons. As an added bonus they also have access to a teacher online productivity and monitoring application called “Teacher Dashboard” which sits across the CloudShare environment. Teachers can access emails and documents created by children on our network. Through ongoing digital citizenship and cybersafety education lessons, it is made very clear to students the importance of their online reputation.

Will the student’s internet access be monitored?

The use of all internet and online communications and data on BYO Devices is monitored and audited while devices are at school during school hours. This data can be identified against specific CEnet user accounts and BYO devices. Individual teachers also have the ability to check what tabs students have open in their Chrome browsers.

Can parents monitor internet access at home?

Parents can certainly purchase internet monitoring equipment for their wifi at home. Children can use the internet to learn, but online risks can make parents want to ban its use altogether. Parental control software can ease many concerns by blocking these online risks and monitoring kids online. These products range in price. It is recommended that you in place some very clear guidelines around the use of the internet at home.

Will moving to BYODD increase incidences of online bullying?

The move to BYOD when accompanied by a comprehensive Digital Citizenship Program does not seems to increase the overall incidents of online bullying. There are at times an initial increase in numbers but when students are made aware that internet traffic is monitored and there are consequences for their action, these seem to abate very quickly.

Who should I speak to if my child is being bullied online?

If you child is being persistently bullied online then you should approach your child’s teacher and or school. If the incident is considered serious the police can be involved.

Does Sydney Catholic Schools have recommendations about screen time?

Sydney Catholic Schools have published recommendations for school about screen time. These recommendations can be located in the Tablet use in Sydney Catholic Schools: Ergonomics, Screen Time and Posture Recommendation.

Does Sydney Catholic Schools have recommendations about ergonomics?

Sydney Catholic Schools have published recommendations for school about ergonomics. These recommendations can be located in the Tablet use in Sydney Catholic Schools: Ergonomics, Screen Time and Posture Recommendation.

Does Sydney Catholic Schools have recommendations about posture?

Sydney Catholic Schools have published recommendations for school about posture. These recommendations can be located in the Tablet use in Sydney Catholic Schools: Ergonomics, Screen Time and Posture Recommendation.

What Digital Citizenship program will support the BYOD rollout?

Digital Citizenships in one of the tenants of all schools moving to BYODD. FJT already has Digital Citizenship programs in place and are committed to continual development. This is justified not only from the BYODD standpoint but it is also covered as part of the BOSTES NSW Syllabus ICT General Capabilities. FJT will work with Sydney Catholic Schools to ensure Digital Citizenship is a priority for all students. If parents are not happy with the level of Digital Citizenship Programs in their school they should start a conversation with the Principal.

DAMAGE TO DEVICES

Are children too young to be transporting such devices?

Like anything new we need to develop responsibility around this and work together to educate children about the importance and care of such a device. Students will be setting up and packing up for school in a highly structured manner with bags not leaving the classroom unzipped. Some schools have also included Kindergarten in this program.

What happens if the device is broken at school?

BYO Devices are owned by the family. No responsibility will be taken for devices whilst at school. Families send devices to school at their own risk. While we do not envisage any breakages at school, if a device is broken at school parents will be notified and the circumstances will be relayed.

What happens if another student breaks their device?

This is expressed as a concern by parents at most BYODD Parent Information Nights, however, the reality is that very few devices are damaged by other students. Students in many schools sign a device usage agreement that they will not touch another child’s device. There have not been real issues with school owned devices in schools in the past. If this did happen each case would be looked at based on its own circumstances and compensation would be sought appropriately.

How can I protect my device from theft?

There are a couple of strategies that parents may wish to implement to safeguard their device. The first and foremost is to reinforce to their child that the device should not be taken out of their schoolbag on the trip to and from school. The second is to have the device engraved with the child’s name.

Warranty

Who is responsible for device repairs?

Students and their parents or caregivers are solely responsible for the care and maintenance of BYO Devices including ensuring all up to date anti virus software is installed if necessary. The school will not provide hardware or technical support for BYO Devices although most devices do not require it. School ICT Support personnel will provide instructions for BYO Devices to connect to the wireless network, to the internet and to Chrome which is the preferred browser.

Why does Sydney Catholic Schools recommend extended warranties?

Sydney Catholic Schools strongly recommends that parents purchase a three year next business day on-site warranty to facilitate repairs. Three years is often seen as the life of a device and if parents buy a three year warranty then the device is under warranty for the whole time that it is perceived as being in use.

Who will provide technical assistance at school?

The school will not provide hardware or technical support for BYO Devices. School ICT Support personnel will provide clear instructions for BYO Devices to connect to the wireless network, to the internet and to Chrome the preferred browser. Schools will provide a wireless network with filtered internet connection to which BYO Devices may be connected. School ICT Support personnel may provide limited ‘other’ technical support if it enables the BYO Device to access the wireless network, the internet and or Chrome.