BYOD Program

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) / Parent Owned Device (POD)

BYOD enables us to consider new possibilities for our student’s personal learning journey.

BYOD promotes individual, self-directed learners who can find solutions to education problems.

BYOD provides an engaging learning environment for students to discover and explore their own learning journey.

BYOD supports anytime, anywhere collaborative learning environments.

NB : IMPORTANT: Office 365 is available to Department of Education students as a FREE download please see separate flyer as to how you can access this software.

Parents may choose to purchase a device from any source. Stott and Hoare are able to provide a cost effective device, software and warranty package, with parents making their own purchasing arrangements with the company. Included in the package is pick up and drop off at the school should the device require servicing. The negotiated devices in the package are Surface 4 and Acer 11.

In the BYOD program, students and parents must:

• Sign the BYOD Student Agreement before bringing their devices to school
• Ensure their devices are safe and secure at all times

An extended warranty with a pick up/delivery of services is available for devices purchased through Stott and Hoare. Students are responsible for the care of the device while at school as they are their property. We suggest parents check with their insurance companies to check their level of cover. While some contents insurance packages automatically include devices away from home, others require additional cover.

Why does the BYOD requirement specify an active pen?

An active pen provides a number of functions. It operates as a mouse would and can be used to navigate, select and access context sensitive menus. However its main use is to be able to write directly onto the surface of the screen. As a tablet device, this allows students to interact directly with information on the screen, without needing to use pen and paper.

Students are able to edit documents, make notes, correct and mark work, complete forms on the device that are electronic but not easily able to be typed onto. In particular students are able to use the active pen for mathematics, where the script and notation is not easily accessible on a keyboard.

What if my device does not have an active pen?

If your device does not have an active pen, you will need a mouse or touch screen to navigate. You will not be able to complete all of your work on the device and will need to supplement your equipment with paper and pen alternatives. This will be accommodated in class and you will not be disadvantaged in any way.

Is a stylus the same as an active pen?

A stylus is normally used to navigate a touch screen only and can replace a mouse. Some devices may be able to use a stylus as a writing tool, however it is recommended that you check this with the supplier to determine the quality and functionality.

Will my child be disadvantaged if I cannot afford to purchase a device?

Schools have always operated in a way that will not disadvantage students. Teachers will make adjustments to their lessons and have alternatives for those students operating without a device.

How will teachers alter their teaching to incorporate the devices?

Teachers will spend time helping students familiarise themselves with working in an online environment. This will include using a core set of resources such as Connect, OneNote, Word, PowerPoint, Clickview and other learning applications.

What is Connect?

Connect is a Department of Education online learning management tool. It is set up in class groupings and provides access to class discussions, notices, online resources, assignments and allows work to be submitted online. Connect is available through a portal on the Internet and therefore can be accessed when and wherever Internet access is available. It can be accessed from any device or computer with Internet access.

What is OneNote?

OneNote is a Microsoft program that allows you to organise your documents and notes into one easy location. You can create categories for different topics and type, write or draw directly onto the OneNote pages.

How will students be catered for if they forget their device or do not have one?

A small number of devices will be available on loan from the school library each day. These may be used as a short-term backup, however, they may not be taken home and do not have all the features of the BYOD specifications.

Students who have purchased a device through Stott and Hoare that has been sent away for repairs may have access to a loan device. This arrangement is offered by the company and parents will deal directly with them.

Students without a BYOD will use paper and pen alternatives to complete work in class and wherever possible, rostered access to a device to complete work that can only be done online.