Frequently Asked Questions

The school is currently supplying devices at a ratio of 1 to every 3 students. As with all technology however these devices require replacement over time which increases in cost as the number of devices rise. The schools intention is to continue to increase the ratio of devices especially throughout the Year 0-4 areas of the school so that it is more reflective of the higher ratio currently in the Year 5-6 area. We also intend to replace many of the older devices that are currently in use by junior students. Devices is just one aspect of equipment and resourcing that a schools budget must stretch to cover therefore implementing a BYOD programme ensure students can access the level of technology that is best for their learning as well as continue to have a well resources school in other areas.

Learning both with and without devices is encouraged and will still be the case. Devices are utilised for learning tasks that are otherwise not possible. They are to extend and enrich learning, not replace it. Students will still participate in using pen & paper and physical resources in all curriculum areas with the added benefit of enhancing this learning using digital methods also.

Devices will be used for a range of learning across a range of curriculum areas. See Learning for more info.

Devices are utilised for learning tasks that are otherwise not possible. Students will not be spending an entire school day on a device as it is not always the best tool for the learning task. Students participate in blended learning meaning a range of tools and resources are utilised. When a task calls for a device it will be utilised in ways that enrich the learning experience and outcomes for students.

Our Year 5 & 6 Students are currently experiencing the desire to create more and more that they require a device for. They are interested to interact with learning and create learning which require such tools. As students move through the year levels the need for the use of technology to access the curriculum fully increases. Our Year 5 & 6 teachers have spent a considerable investment ensuring they are able to make the best use of the increase in devices that BYOD will provide along with our students being capable to improve their use at this level. We will explore the opportunity for younger students to be involved as time progresses.

All students will still have access to school owned devices as is the current model. BYOD is about offering students more and removing barriers to learning rather than adding new ones.

Teaching and learning is already involving the use of these devices. With the increase in devices however teachers will be able to plan and implement additional learning that allows more students to take advantage of learning experiences that are not possible without a device available due to sharing. We expect to see the creative and fluency of students increase along with their skills and ability to interact with others, collaborate and communicate by using the tools which are making up an increasing part of their future in society.

As a school we provide access to both iPad and Chromebook devices for our Year 5 & 6 students. Students and teachers have both found that while iPads are a vital resource for the creation of multimedia content, often involving sharing and collaboration between students, chromebooks are more appropriate for when a student requires their own device for research, writing or creation based tasks. Chromebooks require less troubleshooting and maintenance than iPads and also are available at a much cheaper price point than iPads. They don't require the additional installation of programmes and apps meaning that teachers can be sure of the tools on hand to student at any given time. When needed iPads will still be able to be used by all students. Other devices including tablets and laptops have proven to be less successful in the classroom environment, increase the level of technical troubleshooting required which can often detract from learning time.

Other devices will still be able to be utilised at home as they currently are. Ask your child how they could continue their learning using this device at home and share in that with them. We ask that these devices remain at home thou, you are more than welcome to purchase a chromebook that can be brought to school or your child can continue to use the school owned devices.

We expect that children will bring their device to school each and every day just as they would any other item of stationary. Teachers will be planning learning tasks that best utilise the devices they understand to be available so it is important that where possible as many students have access to devices as possible. In the event that a device is not required due to sports days etc the device can remain in the locked secure cupboard for that portion of time. It is always best to have the device available and not required than required and not available.

See Devices for more info

No, chromebooks run on Chrome OS which comes ready to go on all devices. Your child already has a school google account that they will use to login to the device. At home you can either use guest mode or your own google account, your child can continue to use their school account.

The school will provide a secure cupboard that BYOD device will be locked in during break times. It is your child's responsibility to ensure their device is in this cupboard when it is locked at the beginning of each break.

No, we will not ask or expect a student to share their device with their classmates. At times they may wish, to and we encourage them to "share their screen" when they are collaborating with others but the device should remain under their control. It is at the students risk if they choose to share the control of their device, we have school owned devices that ensure this is however not necessary.

Just as occurs already, students participate in explicit and as required digital citizenship learning to ensure they are developing the necessary skills and knowledge to use all technology in an appropriate manner. Teachers are throughout the learning spaces where children are using their devices and are able to monitor their use. The school uses N4L (Network for learning) filtering which is designed for school use along with the understanding with students that only appropriate websites and applications are to be used. In the event of inappropriate use students will discuss their actions with their teacher as they would with any other negative behaviour, consequences will be agreed upon and where necessary parents notified.

Insurance cover for the device is the responsibility of parents/caregivers. Chromebooks are usually covered under normal contents insurance however we advise checking this with your provider. Manufacture warranties are usually standard with purchase and can often be extended if you wish.

Many intermediates now recommend and support a similar BYOD programme. Northcote Intermediate recommend chromebooks and around 50% of their students bring one. Glenfield intermediate provide a set of minimum specifications for a device, of which chromebooks meet. Birkdale Intermediate has an optional BYOD programme where students can choose the device they bring.

Yes, all that is required to use a chromebook is an internet connection. You can login with any google account or as a guest with no account.

Yes, chromebooks require an internet connection to operate.

We have outlined a number of recommendations on the bottom of the safety page of this site along with a link to Netsafe who provide additional information and resources.

No, it is not necessary however it will be beneficial if you are able to learn alongside or from your child so you can understand how and why they use the device as well as become involved in their learning.