What is BYOD/BYOx?
BYOD stands for "Bring Your Own Device". This means that students bring a personal device (i.e. a tablet or laptop) to school for their classwork. BYOx uses the mathematical variable 'x' in an equation, meaning that students have flexibility in the type, make and model of device they choose.
Is the BYOD program compulsory?
Yes. From 2020 all students access the learning for each of their classes via their own device.
What type of device is required?
A Windows 10 tablet/laptop is highly recommended. Browns Plains teachers will be supplying lessons based on a Windows operating system. Students can choose to bring another device type if they desire (e.g. Mac book) however, differences in the way apps and websites look and function may mean they have compatibility issues and teachers may not be able to provide technical support.
Chromebooks and Android devices are not supported on the BYOD system.
What help and support is provided?
Students will need to on-board their BYOD with the correct applications before they can use the internet, connect to the printers or network drives at Browns Plains SHS. If you need your device on-boarded see a staff member in the iCentre before school or 1st break.
The school offers first-level diagnostic support for student owned laptops at our ICT help desk. Students are able to get IT support for their device from 8:30am in the morning and at first break in the iCentre. However, warranty, security, insurance and maintenance is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Will Apple products work with the school network?
Yes. Apple products will work with the school network; however, there can be compatibility issues with specific programs. For this reason, Apple devices are not recommended.
What operating systems will not work with the school network?
Android, Linux, ChromeOS, Windows RT and Windows 8.1 or older will not work on our BYOx Wi-Fi. Windows 10 "S" Mode devices should be updated to standard Windows 10.
Can students use their mobile phone?
No. Phones are not an acceptable device for BYOD or classroom use.
Where do I purchase a BYOD computer/tablet?
Computers can be purchased locally from many stores like JB HiFi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman. All of these locations do have BYOx plans available. Use the device specifications as a guide when purchasing a device.
Coming in 2022, the school will have several vendor portals that will offer devices that match our requirements.
However, the school highly recommends that Onsite Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection Insurance are purchased with the device as the cost of repairs can be extremely expensive.
What if I cannot afford a new device?
The purchase of a device is a major decision and a significant expense. A good quality device may be suitable for 3-4 years and when viewed this way, the cost is significantly less.
Families who are experiencing financial hardship can hire a school device or apply for a scholarship loan. See Hire and Scholarship booklet for more information.
What other costs are involved?
There are no additional fees charged to families for BYOD. However, the school highly recommends parents purchase: a protective, water resistant case and wired headphones.
Onsite Warranty, Extended Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection Insurance are purchased with the device as the cost of repairs can be extremely expensive.
Adobe CC will cost $15.00. Student that needs this software will need to pay the money to the cashier and take the receipt to the iCentre to collect installation and set-up instructions.
Will the device be safe at school?
Device safety is important at Browns Plains State High School. The school does not own BYO Devices, and cannot provide warranty for them, however, students who look after their devices with care, rarely have issues.
In 2022, school lockers will be available for hire. These lockers will be purpose built and designed to be tamper-proof for additional security. CCTV cameras will also be in use across locker areas in the school.
If you are concerned the device is going to be broken, lost or stolen, the school recommends specific accidental damage insurance for the device. In some cases, you can specifically list the item on your home contents insurance, or you can purchase an Accidental Damage Insurance plan for your student's device.
How much time will my child spend on their device?
Devices are tools for learning used along with all the other tools available at school and home (e.g. pen, paper, calculators, books, computers etc.). Students' devices will be used when they add to the learning and enhance the experience. Students are typically engaged in a range of activities in all classes and all year levels and participate in kinaesthetic (hands-on) learning in a variety of their classes. The amount of homework given will vary depending on a range of factors. If you feel your child is spending too much time completing homework then please confirm homework tasks with their teacher.
Do you have advice about online safety?
Up to date and comprehensive advice on online safety for you and your children can be found below.
- For students please visit : www.esafety.gov.au
- For Parents please visit: www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Will my child still learn how to handwrite?
Yes. Computers will not replace handwriting at Browns Plain State High School. Teachers will be using the most appropriate mode of communication based upon on the learning opportunity. We do recommend devices with touchscreens and stylus support, so students can handwrite when it is required. However, pen and paper will be required for each lesson.
Do I need to buy Antivirus software for my device?
Windows 10 devices have an inbuilt program called Windows Defender which protects the device against threats. All other computers need to have Antivirus software installed and be up to date. This will be checked prior to connecting to the network.
The antivirus software must be a full version not a trial version. The following are not supported anti-virus software programs: trial versions, AVG, Avast, Kapersky, Bitdefender and Windows Firewall.
Can my child charge their device at school?
We recommend students have a device with all day battery life so they can leave their chargers at home. This will ensure their charger is not lost or damaged.
Students who need to charge their device will need to go to the iCentre during a break NOT in class time. Charging of devices is not allowed within a classroom due to workplace health and safety: cable hazard/risk(s). In 2022, charging stations will be installed (iCentre) to assist students who need to charge their device.
My device has been damaged at school. Who pays for it and what is the process?
The owner of the device looks after the device. The school will assist in school-based consequences for students who have intentionally damaged other students' property as per school policy. All repairs or replacement of device is the responsibility of the device owner and we recommend purchasing Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) and a protective case for this reason.