In 2016 Newborough Primary trialled a BYOD program for students in years 5 and 6. From the results of the program the school decided to expand the program to the Year 4 students in 2017. After surveying parents, staff and students each year of the trial, the results were presented to the Newborough Primary School Board. After reviewing the data the Board has endorsed the BYOD program as an option for students in Year 4-6 from 2017 onwards.
We are also refining the criteria that we have for the devices.
Below is some of the information required to participate in the BYOD program and some general information regarding technology usage for students.
During the 2016 trial, the school gave parents a range of options to provide a device. After having run the program for a number of years, in 2020 we streamlined the type of device that best suits our needs. Our preference for devices are for a 2 in 1 device, Chromebook or laptop.
Ideally device specifications would be:
Laptop/2 in 1 Device
*Must be Windows 10 or 11 if running Microsoft Operating System
Software: Windows 10 comes with a built in Anitvirus (Windows Defender) Apple products may require an Antivirus installed. Microsoft Office 365 provided by the Department of Education.
Chromebook
Devices can be purchased from anywhere; however, there are some things of which you will need to be aware. The devices which are purchased are parent owned devices and it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that they come loaded with the required software and anitivirus. The devices need to be charged at home ready for use at school. The issue of warranty and insurance is also the responsibility of the parents, the school accepts no responsibility for damage to the device due to incorrect or unsafe practice by the student.