What is BYOD?
Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, is a technological trend in education and in the corporate world. It recognises that technology and choices about technology are very much personal and that technology in education means more than meeting specific curriculum requirements. Students in Years 6-12 are expected to bring their own computing device to school every day.
BYOD is designed to give you, as students and families, freedom to make technology choices that suit you and all your circumstances.
How does it work?
The ¼ϲʹ will make recommendations as to the model of device you may choose to bring and the software that you must have on the device. You will then be required to sign a User Agreement that sets out how the device can be used at school. Each lunchtime, a member of the school IT staff is available in the Computer Room (R6) to answer questions and to provide assistance. However, the school does not manage, support, own or warranty the device – it belongs to you.
What type of device can we bring?
A range of devices in a range of price categories meet the Device Specification. The device needs to be a laptop that runs the Windows Operating System or the Mac Operating System. Consider, also, that a good quality device could reliably last for four years.
Some of the Device Specification requirements are quite particular. If you choose one of our recommended devices, you won’t have to worry about whether it ticks all the requirements. Additionally, it’s possible you already own or use a device which meets the Device Specification, in which case, just bring that!
I’m concerned about device security!
The school does not own the device, support the device or warranty the device.
If you are concerned that the device is going to be broken, lost or stolen, you may wish to consider specific accidental damage insurance for the device. You can specifically list the item on your Home Contents Insurance, or you can purchase an Accidental Damage Protection plan for your device.
Internet access on the device will be filtered at school and students will be prohibited from connecting to other networks while at the ¼ϲʹ, including their own mobile hotspots.
Other information you need to know
Parents/students should be aware that files stored on the device are private but may be publicly accessed as part of learning programs or should a discipline issue arise.
Support will be provided for:
- connecting the device to the ¼ϲʹ network, internet and other digital technologies;
- set up and management of ¼ϲʹ student email accounts; and
- all ¼ϲʹ-based software and associated issues with ¼ϲʹ applications.
Support will not be provided for:
- connecting to home networks, the internet, printers, or other devices;
- personal email accounts and settings;
- software issues; or
- hardware issues.
Should you require more information please visit the BYOD Parent Portal, powered by Edunet.
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Specifications
- Hardware Specification
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It is highly recommended that the device meet the following requirements:
Form factor - Windows laptop
- MacBook device
Physical dimensions Minimum screen size: 13.3”
Hard disk Minimum 128GB (SSD recommended)
RAM Minimum 4GB Resolution Minimum 1024x768 at 32,000 colours
Operating system - Microsoft Windows 8.1 or newer ('Pro' versions of Windows preferred)
- Mac OS Version 10.11, 'El Capitan' or newer
Wireless compatibility Must be wireless capable
Input ports HDMI Battery life At least six hours - Additional considerations and recommendations
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Electronic devices are brought to and kept at the ¼ϲʹ at their owner’s risk. The ¼ϲʹ cannot accept any responsibility for theft, loss, damage or health effects (potential or actual) resulting from electronic device use.
- Software specification
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Additionally, the device must meet all of the following functional requirements pertaining to software:
Operating system As per the hardware specification above Web browser Any modern web browser. Chrome is recommended. Internet Explorer 11 is also required to access email (comes standard with the Windows Operating System).
Student tools - Any word processor
- Any spreadsheet tool
- A movie maker
- A presentation tool e.g. PowerPoint, Prezi etc
Security software Windows laptops should run an anti-virus product. Microsoft endpoint Protection is available free to students.
Anti-spyware software is also recommended.
Access to Office 365
MS Office 2016 is available under NT Schools licensing for both Windows and Mac OS. Students can use their NT Schools login to get Office 365 as part of a deal NT Schools made with Microsoft. Please use this link:
Students can enter their NT Schools email and password to access this site.
The software licence expires after about 6 months of the computer being removed from the campus network.