What is BYOD?
Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, is a term to describe students bringing their own compatible electronic devices to access the technology at school. This is a technological trend in education and in the corporate world.
BYOD is designed to give you, as families, freedom to make technology choices that suit you and all your circumstances, rather than being locked into one form of technology.
Click here for some statistics and information about BYOD in Education
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am concerned about the cost?
The purchase of a device is a major decision and a significant expense. A good quality device may last from Year 9 to Year 12 and viewed over four years the expense is considerably less.
Where can I get advice on BYO Devices?
This one page guide highlights the specifications that are required for a device to work within the DEC network, and other key features that will ensure that the BYOD experience will be successful. It is strongly suggested that students use this checklist to assess their own device's suitability or future purchases.
BYOD Requirements Checklist (pdf 682 KB)
The laptop or tablet must be able to connect to the school WiFi and have specific software or apps installed:
- Word processing (Eg. Microsoft Word, Pages, Google Drive)
- Spreadsheet (Eg. Microsoft Excel, Numbers, Google Drive)
- Presentation (Eg. Microsoft PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Drive)
- Notetaking (Eg. Evernote)
- Internet browser (Eg. Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari)
- Antivirus software (All devices must have an active antivirus software installed. iPads and Chromebooks do not need antivirus).
The DEC has a number of hardware partners who are offering NSW DEC families educational discounts through their purchasing portals. Click on the company logo to browse their DEC online store.
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| http://www.dell.com.au/nswd | http://www.lenovo.com.au/ed |
Lenovo Letter to Schools (pdf 99 KB)
The DEC also has an arrangement with SI Group where discounted software can be purchased online. http://www.sigroup.com.au/shop-school-students.html
Harvey Norman Finance options.http://www.harveynorman.com.au/customer-service/finance-options
The department will provide internet access through its wireless networks at no cost to students enrolled in NSW Public Schools at DEC sites.
We are committed to our obligations as a public education institution to deliver the same learning outcomes to all our students no matter their families' financial means.
I am concerned about device security?
Students bring their devices onto the school site at their own risk. For advice on theft or damage of students personal devices refer to legal issue bulletins below:
- Legal Issues Bulletin 8 (pdf 301 KB)
- Legal Issues Bulletin 35 (pdf 365 KB)
- In cases of malicious damage or theft of another student's device, existing school processes for damage to schools or another student's property apply.
If you are concerned the device is going to be broken, lost or stolen, you may wish to consider specific accidental loss and breakage for the device.
You may also consider using a device locator service. These services include the "Find my iPad" service built in Apple iOS devices, "Prey" for Windows or "LoJack for Laptops".
Why doesn't the school provide the laptops anymore?
Since 2009 the DER-NSW program has successfully delivered over 250,000 laptops to year 9 students, installed wireless access points in over 21,000 learning spaces, provided professional learning experiences to teachers and leaders across the state, developed more than 250 online resources and supported schools with 560 school based Technology Support Officers. 2013 saw the final rollout of 63,500 laptops. Please note that this funding from the Australian Government's DER National Partnership finishes at the end of 2013. Students who have already received laptops or alternate technology under this program (i.e. years 11 and 12 2013) will continue to use them under the terms of the Laptop User Charter while remaining at a government school, with transfer of ownership on final completion of year 12.
The DER-NSW one to one laptop program has led to enhanced access to computers and the internet for students, teachers and students' families, plus the movement of teaching practice towards the skills of the 21st century, greater access for students to global information resources and tools and improved motivation and engagement of students. (Source: The 2010-2012 evaluation of DER-NSW by the University of Wollongong)
The NSW DEC can no longer provided one-to-one access to devices without the Australian Government funding.
I am concerned about my daughter carrying the laptop to and from school?
The weight of a personal device should be considered if your daughter has to travel long distances to school, however this would be comparable to a bag containing text books and work books.
What technical support will the school provide if my daughter has a problem with her device?
NSW DEC staff are under no obligation to provide any technical support on either hardware or software.
Long-term care and support of BYODs
- Students are solely responsible for repair and maintenance of their own device. It is not the school's responsibility.
- Warranties: Students should understand the limitations of the manufacturer's warranty on their BYO devices, both in duration and in coverage. Under Australian consumer legislation, warranties usually last for one year, during which any manufacturing defects will be repaired or the device will be replaced (as per the specific terms and conditions of the manufacturer).
- Extended Warranties: At the time of purchase, students may also purchase an optional extended warranty (past the standard warranty period) from the supplier/manufacturer of their device, during which any manufacturing defects that may occur will also be repaired.
I am concerned about the potential misuse of devices during school time?
Internet access on the device will be filtered at school and students will be prohibited from connecting to other networks while at school. Students shall comply with departmental or school policies concerning the use of BYODs at school and while connected to the DEC network including the Online Communication Services-Acceptable Usage for School Students.