BYOD
The introduction of technology into our student’s lives encourages them to engage as 21st Century learners. At Coombabah State School, we believe firmly in the importance of embedding technology into learning. Learning is complex and relies on the engagement and interaction of everyone involved with the individual child.
Technology plays a vital role in this interaction and has the potential to transform classroom learning. Additionally, in preparing students for their futures, technology empowers students to maximise their full potential, and enables them to join the global community through the powerful connections and collaborative nature of the everyday devices we use.
We are committed to supporting our students to use technology in their learning and aim to build responsible technological users. Technology fosters enhanced student engagement and BYOD leads to a higher level of student familiarity with devices. Our teachers encourage the integrated use of different devices across the year levels in the primary setting.
Currently the only device allowed in our Coombabah State School’s BYO program is the iPad.
Background
We believe in a consistent approach to ensure best productivity with regard to maximising student outcomes. It is also preferable to be managing one type of device.
Advantages of the iPad, allowing us to meet the aims of the program, include the functionality to-:
- Access knowledge and information through a wide variety of content to support student learning;
- Access to a wealth of information on the Internet when they need it through wireless connectivity;
- Increased productivity through quick loading of apps and quick response of the iPad;
- The operating system of the iPad is very reliable, ensuring maximum up-time;
- Ability to personalise learning and provide work targeted at the correct level for students;
- High student engagement both independent and collaborative.
Connectivity and services
When students are using the iPad on site, they have access to:
- School network, web browsing and email.
- File servers and access to files stored in their personal folder, common student folders and specific year level folders.
- When away from school, students are able to continue their education by accessing a home WiFi network or any free public WiFi service.
Backing up and operating your iPad
Apple have published useful guides on the basics of operating iPads, including backing up your data. As with all technology things can and do go wrong at times. Whilst the iPad is a reliable and sturdy device, it is always a good idea to maintain a backup of its content and settings. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the various help topics offered by Apple. Click this link to access the
guides published by Apple.
We recommend a weekly backup of data, apps and settings. Follow the appropriate guide and do this by using iTunes on your home computer. Photos and videos are accessed differently and separately from the backup process. Read this separate guide for more details on how to
access and backup your photos and videos.
Repairs and maintenance
Should you experience problems with your iPad the best thing to do is bring it in to the school IT Service Centre. If it is a school-based iPad we'll get it back up and running again. If it is a BYO iPad, we can assist with minor problems, connection to the Wi-Fi and password resets. For anything more than that, or for warranty service, such as the charger has stopped working or the battery does not hold enough charge, the best thing is to take the iPad, charger and cable to a local Apple service agent. If you are not sure what is wrong, you can always bring it in to us and we will look at it for you and suggest the best course of action.
If you have a BYO iPad, go to this
page to check on the status of your warranty. You will need the serial number from the back of the iPad, or it can be copied from the General Settings page on the iPad.
Battery charging and operating time
The iPad battery is capable of running all day while at school without recharging. We suggest leaving the charger and cable at home and recharge the iPad each night so that you can bring it to school fully charged. Unless you have a Bluetooth keyboard, go into Settings and turn off Bluetooth. This will extend the battery operating time.
Setting up an Apple ID account
Parents are encouraged to set up and maintain an Apple ID account on behalf of students. It is recommended that you do this without using your credit card. Follow the
instructions for setting up an account without a credit card. Start with the guide for doing this on an iPad. If that doesn't work then try the guide for doing it on a computer using Apple ID.
The rules:
- Don’t listen to internet music for example “Spotify”
- Don't download apps or games while at school.
- Don't play games while at school. Many games access the Game Centre and have embedded ads.
- Close unnecessary apps when you are not using them. Some apps access the internet in the background even when you are not actively using them. This will help conserve battery life.
- Non-compliance or irresponsible behavior, as per the Agreement and the school's
Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students, will result in consequences relative to the behaviour.
The nomination form for BYOD is available here. It can be downloaded and emailed in or returned to the school office.
All students are required to have signed the school's
Technology Agreement. This comprises both the Responsible Use of Technology and the Third Party Website Consent Form. Further information about the school's use of Third Party Websites can be found on our dedicated page.
Under Queensland legislation we are required to gain your informed consent for registration to occur. It is not compulsory for you to provide this consent. If you decide not to provide consent, this will not adversely affect academic achievement, or any relationships with teachers or the school. Please note that, given the significance that these services provide, the school may contact you to discuss your reasons should you not consent.
You are encouraged to understand the reasons that these websites collect this information, what will be done with it, who may have access to it and where the data is stored. This information can be found on our
Third party website page.