Belmont Primary School 2016 BYOD Program Parent Generated Questions

Belmont Primary School 2016 BYOD Program – Parent Generated Questions Curriculum Questions What kind of learning will be done on the iPad? The devices will be used as a tool to enhance learning and creativity as well as to support Literacy, Numeracy and ICT outcomes. Information and Communication Technology is a Domain within AusVELS comprising 3 standards. ICT for Visualising Thinking, ICT for Creating and ICT for Communication.

How much work will be competed on the iPad? We see the use of technology as a 21st Century tool, a pencil case if you like, that we access when required. Some days we may use it more than others and some days, perhaps not at all.

Will they be used for Literacy? Numeracy? Writing? ...... and to what extent? Yes. This does not necessarily mean that we only use technology in these areas. Teachers look for the best resources to get the best outcome – technology is one of these resources.

Will my child still write- handwrite? Yes. This is a necessary skill and is part of the Australian Curriculum. iPads don’t have keyboards and typing on the screen is a concern. (Touch typing??) Yes this is a concern for typing documents. We are investigating how best to solve this. Bluetooth or clip on keyboards are an option and we will update when we know more.

Will homework tasks be completed on the device? Yes, at times. This is dependent on the task set by the teacher.

What APPS are you planning on using? An APP list will be distributed prior to Term Two 2016. This is will be developed during Term Four 2015 and Term One 2016, as part of our regular curriculum planning procedures. Every effort will be made to ensure costs for APPS are kept at a minimum. Accessing appropriate free APPS as much as possible.

Why have you selected to start the program in years 3/4? The Information Communication and Technology standards in AusVELS indicate greater skill development and knowledge through Levels 3 to 6. We also believe parents will get greater value/ longevity through the purchase of the device. Other schools in our region currently running a BYOD Program indicated Grades 3/4 as a good entry point for this program.

Will free time be given on the device? The devices will be used for learning purposes only.

Will reports/reporting to parents change? Yes, eventually. Our new reporting software will enable us to make changes to our reports in the future. Some changes have already been made. Belmont Primary School 2016 BYOD Program – Parent Generated Questions Technical Questions Will an iPad 2 be sufficient? Which device(s) will be required? Option 1: (preferred) Apple iPad Air  16GB WiFi  32GB WiFi

Option 2: Apple iPad Mini 2  16GB WiFi  32GB WiFi

Who manages the iTunes account? We see the iPad as a great resource to build relationships between Teacher-Student-Parent. The device is owned by the family and therefore the iTunes account is owned and monitored by the family.

How will you address power/charging issues? It is the expectation that all iPads will come to school fully charged.

Would it be possible for ## to leave their BYOD at school overnight and bring it home on weekends? Yes, but a storage permission slip will be required as stolen or broken devices unfortunately cannot be covered by the school.

Concerns about breakages with students jumping falling on students bags. As part of the program development care and safety of equipment will be paramount. Students will be guided and educated on the correct care and storage of their device.

Secure storage at school? Stored within locked cabinets in each room during recess and lunch.

Will the school ‘lock’ the devices so students can’t surf the web freely? Student devices shall be WiFi only and subject to the DET whitelist of appropriate sites while at school as directed by teaching staff in accord with lesson direction. Home internet will be parent directed.

How will game playing be monitored including use during breaks? No device will be taken outside during recess or lunch. Use of the device will be under teacher guidance and the playing of games outside of that guidance will be dealt with as a breach of the Acceptable User Policy.

What impact is there for the student whose parent does not purchase a device? Students without a device will continue to have access to a shared school device during class time. Belmont Primary School 2016 BYOD Program – Parent Generated Questions Why start in Term Two 2016? Why not Term One 2016? A Term Two start in 2016 will provide some additional time for parents who would like to plan for purchase. It will also provide the school with adequate time to provide parents and students with all the information they will need to understand their purchase decision. It will allow the school to finalise, review and communicate important documentation. Organising speakers on subjects like Cyber Safety during Term One will aim to provide important messages for our students and guidance for the parents. A Term Two start will provide staff with further professional development in readiness for this initiative.

Expected after school use given electronics are restricted in our house? After school access will only be required for some homework tasks. Hard copies can be provided if required.

Maintenance Questions Who is responsible? The maintenance and updating will be managed by the parents.

Will there be any insurance for individual devices while at school? While the Department of Education does not offer insurance on individual devices, most electronics can be added to home insurance as a specified item for little to no extra cost. This would cover most issues when coupled with secured storage and management by the school and acceptable use by students.

What restrictions, if any, would be placed on BYOD devices? In terms of technical restrictions, few. Students will be using the DET filters for internet traffic that they use at school. Other restrictions, like APP types and usage will be directed by the Acceptable User and Discipline Policies.

Cost/Purchase Questions Estimated Cost? (At time of printing) Option 1: (preferred) Apple iPad Air  16GB WiFi = $569  32GB WiFi = $599

Option 2: Apple iPad Mini 2  16GB WiFi = $369  32GB WiFi = $429 iPad covers are a requirement and these can be purchase from about $15.

Can the school buy in bulk to make savings? Belmont Primary School 2016 BYOD Program – Parent Generated Questions There is very little variance in pricing as Apple controls their pricing structure very tightly. Meaning that bulk purchases release very few savings. In fact at the time of compilation, the same device advertised at education price was $110 more expensive than private purchase.

Is there a possibility of a payment plan? A payment plan can be set up through the Centercom Portal. Christmas / New Year Sales Eg. Myer, Big W etc.

Do you have to purchase through the school? The school is not offering this service.