BYOD @ GDC - 2020 

BYOD @ GDC

All students at Glendowie College are expected to have their own digital device to access learning resources and to create files required for assigned tasks and, increasingly, some NCEA assessments. 

At Glendowie College, students use a variety of learning media. They will also need to use their devices to access applications such as Google Classroom, Education Perfect, Sibelius and more. Some applications incur a cost (e.g. licence or usage fee) while others are free. The course handbook identifies this.

Increasingly the resources and applications used by students are online. This is especially the case in the junior school. However, as students progress into senior subjects, they may want to purchase specialist software that needs to be downloaded and installed on their device. Read the “Buying Devices (Guidelines)" to learn more about this.

We are aware that some families may struggle to afford a device for the college. Please note that a device is NOT compulsory. See “Financial Support” if you would like more information about this.

Buying Devices (Guidelines) 

As your child progresses through college, they will need their devices for different purposes. Some students find that they bring their device less to school in their senior years, while others need it more as they select specialist subjects such as Technology or Visual Arts. 

Our experience is that few devices will last five years, so it may be better to think of two purchases during your child’s education at Glendowie College. The first purchase may last from years 9-11, and then the second is in year 12 and may see them beyond school into university or other tertiary studies.

We do not require specific brands or devices. Rather we recommend three different categories of digital devices, depending on your child's year level and subject choices.

All devices must have:

• a keyboard (not a touch-screen keyboard)
• wifi capability
• the ability to run Google Docs and/or Office 365
• a battery that lasts for the entire school day

Ideally students devices should also have:

• a camera for photo and video capture
  (or be able to access another device such as a phone with this capability)
• a basic photo and video editor
• a touch screen with stylus to sketch, annotate and highlight files
• a screen size between 11” - 14” 

Additionally, students doing specialist subjects such as Creative Digital Technology, Media Studies and Photography may need a laptop with higher specifications to run specialist software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud.

NOTES:

1. Cellphones and Tablets
   Cellphone or basic tablets (e.g. below 11”) are not a suitable digital device for learning. They have many benefits such as a camera and internet access, but are not suitable for preparing essays or using applications such as Education Perfect in class.
2. Expert Advice
   In order to make an informed decision, it is recommended that you discuss the options with an expert at the retailer of your choice.
3. Batteries and Charging Devices at School
   Please note that students should not charge their devices at school. This is to avoid power cords in classrooms which can be a safety hazard.
4. Storing Devices at School
   The college provides a limited number of lockers for student use. Most students will need to carry their device with them all day. We recommend that you also consider the weight and durability of your device. Students also place their device on school desks that don’t have much space. Bigger devices are heavier to carry and are more likely to be knocked off desks. 

Basic Devices:

These devices include Chromebooks and basic laptops that can cost as little as $400. Though more expensive, an iPad Pro falls into this category. Many students like these devices as they provide access to the web, are small and the battery life is usually very good.

They will support the vast majority of year 9 -10 courses and many courses in the senior school, especially as more learning applications are web-based. The limitation of some devices (e.g. Chromebook, iPad Pro) is that students can’t download and install software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop) on their devices. NOTE: This may be a good thing if you don’t want your child downloading/installing games on their device.

Midrange Devices:

These devices include more ‘powerful’ laptops with higher specifications. They generally provide the same features as the basic devices, but are better designed (e.g. have nicer screens, a bigger keyboard) and students are able to install software on to them. This would include devices with a minimum of 4GB RAM and dual to quad core processors.

Many students like these because they have better specifications and students are able to personalise them. However, they are not suitable for some specialist courses.

Advanced Devices:

These devices include powerful laptops with higher specifications. These devices need to be capable of software installation and easily running software such as Adobe Creative Suite (which students can access for as little as $10 per annum beginning next year). These devices would need to have the minimum specifications of an i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card.

While the school will endeavour to provide a limited number of advanced devices for student use at school, many students prefer these devices as they enable them to store and access files on their own device and access specialist software outside of school.

Specialist subjects include Media Studies, Photography and most Technology courses.

Financial Support 

It is not compulsory for students to bring their own device to Glendowie College. Students without a device will be able to access any course at the college.

To support students who may not be able to afford their own device, the college provides the following devices for students

• College Devices

There are laptops available for use in the library.

• Equity Devices

In the case of financial hardship, the deans may request that a device be provided for a student’s use during the school year.  There are a limited number of these devices available.  There is a $100 refundable bond payment required prior to the loan of an equity device.

• Specialist Devices

Specialist subjects provide a limited number of advanced devices for students enrolled in these courses to access during class time.

Device Management

Battery Life

Self management skills are one of the “Key Competencies” in the NZ curriculum. Students need to manage the responsibility of ensuring that their BYO device is fully charged at the start of each school day. 

Insurance

House and contents insurance may cover student devices at school. Contact your insurer for details. Please be advised that the Glendowie College is not liable for loss or damage to students’ devices while at school. While we will endeavour to investigate reported incidences, it is important that the students understand that they are responsible for their devices.

Links to Helpful Advice for Managing Students’ Device Usage

Netsafe: Online Safety for New Zealand

10 Tips for Limiting Your Child’s Screen Time

Kids and Tech: Tips for Parents In the Digital Age

Parenting In a Digital Age

Device Software

Students' devices should have the following software intalled on their devices:

• Google Chrome browser
• Microsoft Office 365  (NOTE: this is free for students ... see information below)
• Abode Acrobat Reader XI/DC (free download)

Free Microsoft Office Software for Students' Personal Device

Under the school's licensing agreement with Microsoft, students and staff may download and install the Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus software suite for PC and/or Mac on up to 15 different personal devices using their school email address.  Click here to download your free Microsoft Office software.

G Suite for Education

All students are provided with a G Suite for Education account.  This service includes both a Google Mail account and a Google Drive account. This service is provided free of charge for the duration of each student's enrolment at the college.  All school related email communications are sent to this Google Mail account.  Google Drive provides students with 25 GB of online file storage, the ability to collaborate with teachers and peers and online access to software applications like word processing, presentations, drawing, etc. 

Cybersafety & Digital Citizenship

At Glendowie College we emphasise 'respectful relationships' across the school, and this includes online.  Student and staff behaviour online is covered by school rules - including behaviour out of school hours if it affects the learning or wellbeing of other students or staff.

All students agree to the college's CyberSafety Student User Agreement when they enrol and complete the enrolment application forms.  This is signed by both the student and the parent/caregiver.  This agreement encompasses all use of the college's ICT facilities, network and online spaces; and covers student and staff online behaviour both during and out of school hours.

Cybersafety and Digital Citizenship are discussed with students through their studies at the college, especially in Year 9.

Safety and Security of Devices

Glendowie College is not liable or responsible for the damage, loss or theft of a personal student device.  Although the school will investigate incidents related to device damage, loss and theft, the device is the responsibility of the student.  It is advised that devices are covered by personal insurance policies for loss and theft, that they are kept in and/or protected by an appropriate case, sleeve or protective cover, and that they are clearly named.  Parents should check with their insurance company to determine the level of cover under existing insurance policies.

Technological Problems, Repair and Maintenance

Glendowie College staff are not responsible for the technical aspects of device use, repair or maintenance.  This includes all teaching, ICT and support staff.  Any IT support will be limited to verbal and/or written instructions on troubleshooting common problems, such as connecting to the wireless network.  Teaching, ICT and support staff will have a strictly ‘hands off’ policy due to liability issues.  Any technical problems, repairs and maintenance issues are the responsibility of the student.

The Techs

The Techs is a community service student team that are available to provide ICT technical assistance to both students and staff. The Techs meet in the Room 29 computer lab every Tuesday during lunch. This team can provide assistance with connecting personal devices to the school's Wi Fi access, tutorials on using Google Mail and Google Drive and other ICT related assistance as needed.  Students interested in joining the Techs team should speak to Ms. Mercer or any of the team members.