2018BYOD- Bring Your Own Device Program Stage 3, Year 4 (Optional)
2018BYOD- Bring Your Own Device Program Stage 3, Year 4 (Optional)
Dear 2017 Stage 2/3 Parents,
At Cronulla Public School, a full BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Laptop program is implemented across Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6). As of next year (2018) we are expanding this program offering Year 4 students the option to bring their own device. Our vision is to encourage creative and innovative learning opportunities for students using BYOD as a tool to facilitate learning. We would encourage parents to consider BYOD if making technology purchases for children over the Christmas period, although existing devices are perfectly suitable if they meet our requirements (see reverse). We will also be working in partnership with JB Hi-Fi to offerparents education specific devices through JB-HiFi education portal.
We will address issues such as equity (availability of BYOD devices for all students in Stage 3 and Year 4) as they arise. We will endeavour to ensure no child is disadvantaged in this program. Any concerns may be addressed to Mr Sexty.
Please be advised:
Students going to High School in 2019 will need to have a device that meets the minimum requirements for High School students (see reverse). It will be your choice regarding which device you choose to buy considering the specifications and the most cost effective solution.
Students going to High School in 2020and 2021would also need to meet these requirements, however, parents have the option of purchasing a less powerful device with the understanding that this device would not be suitable for High School.
The JB-HiFi portal will offer students a Year 6, a Year 5 and a Year 4 option. It is the parent’s decision regarding which device is selected and from where it is purchased.
What is BYOD?
Bring Your Own Device, also called bring your own technology, refers to the policy of permitting students to bring agreed upon electronic devices to school, and to use those devices to access school information and appropriate applications for learning.
Why Cronulla is going BYOD
From 2014 the school funded a 1:1 laptop program for Stage 3 students and subsequently saw the educational benefit of thisprogram in Stage 3. As a result of successful implementation in 2017, we have decided to expand this program to Year 4 along with Stage 3. Many NSW schools are currently adopting the BYOD model to enable ‘one to one’ student access to technology. Cronulla High School has implemented a BYOD program for all Year 7 & 8 students. To assist your child in making the transition to high school, we believe it to be beneficial that our Stage 3 classes follow a similar program.
Benefits of BYOD
Bring Your Own Device aims to improve students’ learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. We believe that students and parents should have the flexibility to choose technology that aims to improve students’ learning experiences both within the classroom and at home. It can allow students to carry a device that they are familiar with and that has relevant educational software and applications. It will function on the school’s secure wireless network allowing students to continue to enrich their learning experience with relevant technologies.
Requirements of your BYOD
In order to have effective BYOD management within the school, it is necessary that all BYOD devices conform to similar specifications. This is to enable all students, regardless of device type, to be able to work collaboratively in a class situation.
Form Factor: Any laptop or netbook is suitable as long as it meets these specifications.
Current High School Specifications
The DEC wireless network installed in all NSW Public High Schools only operates on the 802.11N 5GHz standard. Devices with 802.11a/b/g or 802.11N 2.4GHz only will not be able to connect.
The battery life of the device should be capable of lasting 5 hours minimum of constant use without charge.
Device hardware specifications must meet the minimum – 64 bit with at least 4GB RAM but 8GB RAM is preferred to ensure devices can run software such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
Hard Disk Drive space with a minimum of 256GB.
Currently supported Operating Systems: PC – Windows 7 or above; Mac – OSX 10.7(Lion) or above.
Other Considerations
-What sizelaptop will fit in your students backpack? It is recommended that BYOD screen sizes fall within a range of 11”-14”.
-Does your student have a backpack with a laptop sleeve in order to provide additional protection for the laptop?
-What is the weight of the laptop you are considering purchasing?
-What is the battery lifeof the laptop you are considering purchasing?
-What accessories will you need to purchase in addition to the laptop? These may include a protective cover andpossibly a replacement battery during the useful life of the laptop.
We will have parent information evening on Wednesday 18thOctober 7pm in the school hall.More information will be given to parents during this meeting.
Brendan SextyPeter Banks
Stage 3 TeacherPrincipal