BYODD Q & A 2015

Questions  & Answers about the 2015 BYODD  Programme.

About the device.

What is BYODD?

This stands for bring your own designated device. The concept tries to take advantage of devices currently owned or purchased by the students.

Why do schools have BYODD?

The initiative increases student access to technology. Individual devices allow for increased flexibility in setting tasks, increased engagement, collaboration, communication and personalised learning though projects and problem based learning.

The combination of cloud computing and device ownership means that students can access and continue with their learning at any time when at home or at school.

Why a designated device?

It is easier for schools to manage and support a common device, e.g. an iPad. We will be using Google Suite plus IOS Apps. We know how these products work on an iPad and support is readily available at school and from the CEO. When purchased from the preferred Apple supplier, the devices will come network ready for OLOR. iPads are used by Marian College so having an iPad now will not disadvantage students.

Why an iPad?

•    Value for money.

•    Memory.

•    Screen size.

•    APPS

•    Economic use of Bandwidth.

•    Ease of use.

Can my child use an iPad mini?

Yes if your child is in Yr.6 and they have an iPad mini. Because of the screen size they are not recommended for long-term classroom use.

If you need to buy a device, an iPad should give your child 4 years of service.

Will I still be charged a computer levy?

Some schools have a BYODD program and still charge a computer levy.

We do not see a need to charge the Stage 3 children a levy next year if they are providing their own iPad.  We can’t guarantee that this will always be the case. One of the unknowns is the future cost of Bandwidth.

Children in the younger grades (K – 4) will be charged a levy.

Would it be cheaper for the school to increase the levy and provide an iPad for all of the Year 6 students?

If we were to purchase and iPad for the students in Years 5 & 6 we would need to spend over $110 000. We would need to carry this outlay for over 4 years while we collect the levy.

I do not believe that this is a good alternative.

One of the major benefits of a one to one program is the continuous access a student has to their device at home and at school.

Will I need to buy another iPad for high school?

An iPad purchased now should give at least 4 years of service.

What if my child is not going to Marian?

Talk to us.

What if I am unable to afford a device at this time?

Talk to us.

Where will the devices be stored during the day?

The device will be stored within the student’s classroom. The doors will be locked during the breaks. Your child can leave the device at school, however, there is no insurance so any loss would have to be carried by parents.

Leaving the device at school defeats the purpose of having it available at home and school.

Will the school insurance cover the damage or the loss of the device?

Not for single theft or accident incidents.

What are the ongoing costs?

You may wish to purchase:

•    Apple Care

•    Insurance

What if I can’t afford a device now?

Talk to us.

Can the devices be used for the NAPLAN tests when they go online?

At this stage no advice has been given to schools. It is expected that students will need to purchase a keyboard.

About the Learning.

Which Apps will be used?

iPads come with:

•    iMovie.

•    Garage Band.

•    Pages.

•    Numbers.

•    Keynote

•    iPhoto

What will the children do with the iPad?

The four essential skills that we want to assist the students to further develop through the use of the iPad are to Create, Collaborate, Reflect (Critical Thinking) and Communicate.

The students will be Researching, planning, creating, linking with other students/ learners and publishing their work.

What will the learning look like?

•    Inquiry based projects.

•    Working in teams.

•    Publishing work through Blogs.

Will the teachers use the devices?

We have begun the Professional Learning for teachers.

How are the teachers being prepared?

•    Looking at other schools and their programs.

•    iPad learning – Stephen, CEO staff

What network security is in place to protect the children from inappropriate sites?

The CEO has a comprehensive filter in place. This needs to be used in conjunction with our Acceptable Use Policy. This policy is being revised and will be available in the next few weeks.

How will you monitor the use of the devices?

The External filter.

Trust.

History checks through individual logins.

Working with students and parents.

How will the children’s work be monitored / corrected?

•    Teachers will plan with the students how they will be assessed.

•    Google Doc

•    Individual Blogs.

•    A range of Apps.