Singleton High School

Respect . Responsibility . Pride . Excellence

Telephone02 6571 1199

Emailsingleton-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Bring Your Own Device

Bring Your Own Device

Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, refers to students bringing their own personal learning device to school for the purpose of learning. It is a technological trend in education which offers students a sense of empowerment by allowing them to take control of their learning. 

Device Uses

Students will use their device for a variety of reasons which will vary from teacher to teacher and subject to subject. Activities may include but are not limited to real time collaboration, research for projects, presentations, note taking and problem solving. The importance of a one-to-one student to device ratio is well documented in improving literacy, research skills and engagement.

Students in BYOD programs become more self-directed, engaged and motivated while teachers shift their practice to student centred learning styles and explicit instruction. The main focus of BYOD is the skills requirements for the workforce of the future. Mobile phones are not accepted as their screens are too small, extended typing is difficult and they can distract students.

Device Selection

We strongly recommend traditional laptops (both Apple and Microsoft) and detachables with keyboards, such the Surface Pro, as the best learning device solutions, with the following guidance:

  • devices $800-$1100 are suitable for general courses
  • devices 11-14 inches in size are ideal for backpacks
  • a quality protective case is highly recommended
  • Chromebooks can be hard to connect to our wi-fi network
  • don't buy extra storage, cloud storage is recommended

We also acknowledge that some households already have tablet devices and may wish to use those as learning devices at school. Below is some vital information re tablets:

  • we do not recommend small tablets, ie "mini" models
  • tablet screens should measure at least 10.2 inches diagonally
  • all tablets must be paired with a bluetooth keyboard
  • no Android tablets, they can't connect to our wi-fi network

Device Costs

The purchase of a device is a major decision we remind parents/carers that a good quality device should last from Year 7 to Year 12 if looked after and cared for properly. When viewed over 6 years of high school a better quality device should be a better value proposition. If families need support in providing a learning device they should contact the school as soon as possible.

Device Loans

We do not want any student to miss out on the learning experience gained through using a digital device - and have a limited number of laptops available for day, short-term and long-term loans for students who are unable to bring a learning device.

Device Software

Antivirus programs such as the Windows 10 Defender and Apple's free integrated antivirus software will be sufficient. The NSW Education WiFi infrastructure is filtered and as such offers an extra level of protection while using learning devices at school. Students also have access to a range of free software, such as Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, through their DoE Student Accounts.

Device Security

The school does not own the device, support the device or warranty for the device. Concerns about lost, damaged or stolen devices are natural. To help alleviate these concerns you may wish to consider purchasing additional warranty for the device. You may also like to consider specifically listing the device on your home and contents insurance. The use of device locator services such as “Find my iPad” or “Find my device” are also useful in tracking lost devices. When students are logged into our School WiFi Network their internet security and internet access will be filtered through the DoE’s internet security.