Bring your own device (BYOD) refers to students bringing a personally owned device to school for the purpose of learning.
The NSW Department of Education no longer provides laptops to students. Instead, students have the opportunity to bring their own device each day for use at the school for the purpose of learning. To enable this, the DoE has established a BYOD policy.
BYOD devices must meet certain specifications to connect to the school’s DoE wireless network. The document provided on Device specifications (PDF 258KB), provides details of specifications required for a device to connect to the school’s wireless network.
Before students can bring their device to school, both the student and their parents or carers must read the BYOD student agreement (PDF 333KB) and sign to indicate acceptance of the terms of the BYOD Student Agreement. Students will not be permitted to bring their own device for use at school if the signed agreement has not been returned.
Chromebooks
Year 7 students will be supplied with Chromebooks as part of a new School Fee Agreement. Payment of school fees entitles students to the use of a Chromebook which they are able to keep at the end of Year 12. Further information can be found on the BYOD Student Payment Plan Agreement.
How will devices be used in the classroom?
Students will use their devices for a variety of activities which will vary from class to class. Activities may include: completing class activities, producing class notes, accessing on-line homework, collaborating in real time, researching for projects, accessing websites with curriculum-related content and generating assessment tasks and assignments. Cloud based technology in Google Drive and Office 365 will be the primary sources of software.
Student responsibilities
Operating system and anti-virus
Chromebooks have built in anti-virus. All other devices must have legal and licensed anti-virus software installed.
NSW DoE Wi-Fi network connection only
Student devices are only permitted to connect to the department’s Wi-Fi network while at school. There is no cost for this service.
Battery life and charging
Students must ensure they bring their device to school fully charged for the entire school day. No charging equipment will be supplied by the school.
Theft and damage
Students are responsible for securing and protecting their devices at school. Any loss or damage to a device is not the responsibility of the school or the Department.
Confiscation
Students’ devices may be confiscated if the school has reasonable grounds to suspect that a device contains data which breaches the BYOD Student Agreement or has been used in a way that breaches the BYOD Student Agreement.
Maintenance and support
Students are solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their devices.
Ergonomics
Students should ensure they are comfortable using their device during the school day particularly in relation to screen size, sturdy keyboard.
Insurance/warranty
Students and their parents/caregivers are responsible for arranging their own insurance and should be aware of the warranty conditions for the device.