Questions & Answers

What is BYODD?

The BYODD (Bring Your own Designated Device) for Learning program is about students having their own 1:1 device for Learning at school to promote collaboration, planning, personalisation, engagement, feedback and higher order thinking in order to become 21st century lifelong learners.

What model of Chromebook should I buy for my child?

We are recommending the 11" size for the students as this is lighter to carry.

There are a range of manufacturers but HP or ACER are preferred. See specifications on 'purchasing' page.

Here is a link to reviews about different Chromebooks.

Where can I get the Chromebook from?

There are many stores that sell Chromebooks for example Officeworks and the online store 'Kogan'. We recommend shopping around for a competitive price.

How much does it cost?

Chromebooks can cost anywhere from $300 and up. The cheaper ones may have less speed and longevity. Warranty will also influence the price.

The Chromebooks with our specifications will cost around $350 - $400.

What happens if my child loses/damaged their Chromebook?

The Chromebooks are the responsibility of the child and parents. Children will be involved in workshops and investigate policies around taking care of and maintaining their device.

When purchasing, please be mindful of the terms and conditions of each of the warranties. You may find you can get a better purchasing deal at a particular retailer but less in after care warranty. Some offer one year warranty and others offer more.

What is the educational value of the Chromebook in the classroom?

Chromebooks will assist us to move to more of a cloud-based computing platform that would deliver applications and provide a 21st century learning environment that would allow creative thinking, collaboration and communication among students while giving them access to whatever it is they need.

NSW Board of Studies prescribed integration of Digital Technologies: Click here.

5 reasons why Chromebooks make sense for school - Ed Tech Magazine: Click here

This article examines the advantages of Chromebooks over iPads in the classroom: Click here

What protections are there in place for my child when using the Chromebook?

CENET/ZSaler - this is the SCS network and filter to protect against inappropriate sites at school.

The Google search engine also has an automatic ‘safe search’ capability. To make sure this is turned on, go into setting on the google browser and click on the 'safe search filter’.

No Viruses - no need for virus protection.

Contemporary Pedagogy develops and consolidates digital citizenship and awareness on a daily basis.

Emails - Students have specific protocols to follow and policies are clearly explained. This include parent communication and consequences.

Digital Citizenship - An annual program K-6 will be taught to consolidate concepts of digital citizenship, digital footprints and profiles with an emphasis on protection and privacy.

SCS have developed a Parent Resource Portal for parents to access information regarding digital citizenship, cyberbullying and social media issues. Click here.

Will my child be sitting in front of a screen all day?

We believe in a 'blended learning' approach where a combination of strategies are used including: writing in books, participating in discussions, reading texts, roleplaying, use of interactive games and materials in order to build an engaging, authentic and meaningful learning environment. Technology is also used as a tool to engage and develop basic skills as well as higher order thinking skills. Personalised learning is our goal where we are meeting each student's needs and students are engaged in their own learning all of the time.

What if something goes wrong with their Chromebook?

Your Chromebook purchase will come with a warranty and this will determine how this will be rectified.

Will my child be trained how to use the Chromebook?

Chromebooks will be added to the school network so that they can be used at school. Students will be instructed on how to care for their Chromebooks and how to develop a sense of responsibility and keep them safe. A workshop to be run in Term 1 2017. Policies and protocols have been written to scaffold these instructions. These will be explained and signed by students and parents at the start of every year.

How does the Chromebook help to differentiate the work for my child?

The 1:1 device enables teachers to personalise the learning at school. By using Teacher Dashboard, class websites and sharing capabilities the teacher can allocate different levels and styles of work to student to meet their specific learning needs. Feedback and support is easily given by the teacher as well as peers. Resource that are suited to different students can be easily distributed. Students will have maximum use of time to complete tasks at their own pace as they have their own device to research and create with. Fast workers can work quickly and can be offered differentiated opportunities to deepen their knowledge and understanding. Extra time and scaffolds can be given to students who need it.

What happens when it is damaged at home vs at school? - Who is responsible?

Any damage to the device is the responsibility of the parents whether it happens at school or at home. Protocols are in place at school to keep the devices safe and secure. Your child will be the only child allowed to use your child's device. Routines are followed by the students to make sure damage does not occur at school. Similar protocols are recommended for home use. Students sign a device usage agreement that they will not touch another child’s device. If another student damages your child's Chromebook compensation would be sought appropriately.

What recommendations are there for usage at home?

We recommend a few tips for using the Chromebooks at home.

1. Who owns the Chromebook?

The Chromebook belongs to the parents. Therefore, it is important to remind your child that the use of a Chromebook for them is a privilege that you have extended, based on trust. This means that you as the parent and owner of the device can at any time decide to withdraw the device from your child and/or make decisions and changes that you consider as appropriate.

2. What are the security settings on the Chromebook?

Security on the device is paramount. The security settings allow children access to age-appropriate material. Always ensure that internet access is filtered. The filtering at school will not work at home. The Google search engine also has an automatic ‘safe search’ capability. To make sure this is turned on, go into setting on the Google browser and click on the ‘safe search filter’.

3. Is there any need for me to supervise my child while using the device?

It is important for parents to monitor usage. This may include supervising visited websites through the 'Favourites' section and having an awareness as to which Chromebook applications are being used. It is also worthwhile to remember that the amount of time children spend on the device needs to be negotiated with you. Set time limits. There needs to be a balance between completing schoolwork and recreational time spent on the device. Remember the Chromebook was initially purchased as a learning device. Therefore, we need to demonstrate to our children that we value the device as a teaching and learning tool rather than a gaming device.

4. Where should my child use the Chromebook around the house?

This will depend on the reason/s for usage. If the Chromebook is being used for homework, then we encourage students to use it where they would normally do their homework, and where you as a parent can readily supervise usage. If you have allowed your child to use the mobile device for recreational reasons, then be specific as to where they are allowed to use the device. Also nominate places that are not appropriate for using the mobile device such as the bedrooms, or during dinner time. Cap the amount of time your child has access to the device. For example, you may indicate that after thirty minutes the Chromebook will be switched off for the rest of the night. Remember the device belongs to the parents. Decide where to store the Chromebook at home when not in use; and this can be the recharging location.

5. Should I check the device regularly?

Your child should realise that there is to be full transparency in the way the Chromebook is to be monitored. This means that as parents, you can at any time check their email, their work, visited websites, photographs and videos.

6. As a parent, what further resources can I access?

There are many resources available, such as Cybersmart. As parents and teachers, we are committed to supporting our students in developing skills in and greater awareness of digital citizenship. The SCS Parent Resource Portal also has many links to cyber safety resources: SCS Parent Resource Portal

7. Why should we as parents take responsibility for all of the above?

It’s simple – You are the parents. You have the responsibility to keep your children safe from inappropriate sites, downloading scary movies or listening to explicit music. When you buy a mobile device such as a Chromebook, you are buying a device with a ready to go internet browser, Wi-Fi connection, camera, music and the ability to buy an app for almost anything. You need to exercise parental responsibility. If we as parents and teachers work collaboratively, our children benefit from the most wonderful learning interactive set of tools ever made available to them to personalise their learning in the twenty first century.

8. SCS Frequently Asked Question- Click here