What is BYOD?

Digital Learning is no longer something new. It is a fact of life. The world that we live and work in is highly digital and requires students to have a range of digital skills. This compliments our strong focus on literacy and numeracy as fundamental skills.

Our students have access to a wide range of digital learning devices at International School of Monza. A key aspect of our Digital Learning Strategy is our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program for Years 2-13 and we are seeing the exciting ways these devices can add value to our teaching and learning program.

We hope you share our excitement as we continue to move forward in providing our students with a world class education. The school recognises the need to prepare our students for a rapidly-changing world, where technology plays a large role in our personal, social and professional lives.

How can 1:1 devices improve learning?

• With greater access to real-time information, digital learning resources, educational software and collaborative work spaces, students experience higher levels of motivation and engagement in their learning.

• Typically students experience initial improvement in areas such as organisational and technological skills, revision, writing and editing work.

• With the development of presentations and other multimedia projects, students experience subsequent improvement in analytical, presentation and speaking skills.

• Involvement in ‘virtual work spaces' creates opportunities for collaboration and communication, improving relationships in the classroom through a greater level of interaction between students, their peers and their teachers.

• A networked environment, where it is easy to share developing work and research with peers and teachers, is the environment students will live and work in during secondary school and the future.

• Students working together and providing solutions to real-world problems will create links beyond the classroom and move levels of thinking beyond a simple knowledge framework to complex analysis and evaluation.

• Increased levels of learning both in and out of school with an emphasis on higher order thinking, creative thinking and expression will be promoted.

How Will 1:1 Devices Be Used in the Classroom?

• Researching topics and concepts being covered in class.

• Reflecting on their learning in a safe online environment that will be provided by the school. (More information about this to follow shortly).

• Developing strong critical thinking skills through using multiple sources of information.

• Learning about cyber safety and being a good digital citizen.

• Accessing, exploring and sharing learning using a range of media and skills including: animation, concept and mind mapping, digital video and image creation, drawing and painting, interactive curricular resources, logic and problem-solving, 3D modelling and game-making, presentation and multimedia tools, sound and music making and typing tutors.

• Accessing the school online learning portal.

• Reflecting on learning, goal setting, providing evidence of learning and much, much more.

The main goal of the BYOD initiative is that learning can be accessed anywhere, anytime with a 1:1 device and it will enhance their learning opportunities and experiences

Please note on the following:

• Parents and their child/ren will need to sign the ISM iBYOD Acceptable Use Agreement prior to the device being registered to the school network.

• We have secure Wi-Fi coverage throughout the school.

• Students are taught about digital citizenship and staying safe online.

• ISM has an arrangement with Microsoft Office, as a result, all students will receive licensed accounts for Microsoft Office 365 productivity apps. Office 365 is the virtual learning environment for students and teachers and is fully integrated to Managebac which is another online learning platform in school. Both platforms enable efficient access to curriculum, assessments and reports, while eliminating paperwork and enhancing communication to parents and students.

The correct use of IT tools helps children in their research and inquiries and supports personal productivity and creativity by promoting effective communication models in the school and inside broader teaching networks.