Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in 2025 will apply to students from Year 7 to Year 13. All students will require their own device in class.
Ours is a blended e-learning approach. We use a blend of traditional approaches to teaching and learning, as well as using ICT to support and facilitate learning. Pen and paper are still used part of the time in BYOD classes.
All students will be required to sign the User Agreement before their device can be used at school. This agreement will be provided to each student electronically, via SchoolBridge, at the beginning of term 1.
Frequently asked questions: BYOD FAQ's
Why implement a BYOD programme?
BYOD, where the device is owned by the student and goes home with them every day, allows for anywhere, anytime learning. We are using Office 365 which allows students to save their work to the Cloud so it cannot be lost and can be accessed from home or any other computer with Internet access. Students may collaborate, and teachers can provide feedback to students. As many of our students already use digital devices outside of school to communicate and learn, we see the benefits of integrating these devices with our school resources.
How do I choose an appropriate device?
There are many appropriate devices available, and the school is not prescribing a particular device. However, we do have minimum specifications. If your current device already meets our minimum specifications, your son may use it as their BYOD device.
The following may assist you in making a choice regarding the most suitable device for your son:
Device | Positives for Learning | Challenges of the device for learning |
Touch/pen enabled windows device | These offer functionality for learning as students can handwrite and draw on them. They are compatible with a range of software and can install the full Microsoft Office suite. | These devices tend to be more expensive than an ordinary laptop. |
Windows Laptop | These offer variety in price. Known for their versatility and processing power, Windows laptops are excellent all-rounders. They offer a broad range of software options and are effective for both online and offline learning. These devices can install the full Microsoft suite of products. | Ensure that your device is lightweight with good battery life. |
Macbook Pro/Air (with latest OS) | These devices offer great functionality and durability and are a good option. Macs are known for high build quality and often last several years, reducing the need for mid-term replacements. With powerful processors and efficient memory management, Macs handle multitasking and demanding applications well. | These devices are expensive if buying new and may not run Microsoft products in the same was as a Windows device. |
Chromebook | The cheapest laptop available and offer good value for money. These laptops run the lightweight Chrome OS and come with a physical keyboard, making typing assignments easy and efficient. They are well-suited for cloud-based applications and online learning. | Generally, you need to be online to use the device. Most specialist software will not run on these devices and Microsoft products are ‘lite’ versions that do not offer full functionality. |
Tablet (Android) | Small size and long battery life | While smaller Android tablets may be convenient, they often face limitations in performance, screen size, and application usability, making them unsuitable for this BYOD policy. |
iPad Tablet | Good option for junior students as they are already in use in the Y7&8 classrooms. Offer creative opportunities to create and edit multimedia projects using visual images, video, and photography. investment in a keyboard attached. | Not often used from Year 9 upwards. Limited in some applications. Would need extra investment in a keyboard attached. |
Cell phone | Mobile phones must be away during the school day and are not an option for BYOD. | |
Minimum specifications for own device
A 'device' may fall into the following categories: Laptop, Chromebook, Notebook.
To work effectively it must:
- Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome OS
- Have at least a 10” screen
- Be 5GHz WiFi capable (2.4GHz devices will not be supported)
- Have reasonable processing power
- Have a physical keyboard – can be portable but must be able to type
- Language Setting: English
- Have antivirus and operating system updates installed and up to date
Along with these we strongly recommend:
- Preferable Operating System for Windows – Windows 10 or 11
- Microsoft Office license – provided free by Southland Boys’ High School while at school
- Insurance. Southland Boys’ High School is not responsible for damage or loss of the device.
- A USB port
- Headphones
- Consideration given to the device’s durability and portability to and from school as school bags can be a challenging environment for electronics.
- If you want to use your device for senior subjects such as Art, DVC, DT, Media Studies and Music, a device with higher specifications may be required.
What about families who can’t afford to purchase a device?
Loan devices are available for day-long, or lesson–by–lesson, loan from Student Services. Students can pick these up before school between 8.15am and 8.40am and return them at the end of the school day, or at the end of the lesson.
Digital Citizenship
Southland Boys' High School believes in a Digital Citizenship model for supporting safe and responsible use of the internet in teaching and learning. An important part of this is that we are able to show others what that responsible use looks like while we are using technology in our learning.
We think a good digital citizen is someone who;
- Is a confident and capable user of ICT
- Will use ICT for learning as well as other activities
- Will think carefully about whether the information they see online is true
- Will be able to speak the language of digital technologies
- Understands that they may experience problems when using technology but can deal with them
- Will always use ICT to communicate with others in positive ways
- Will be honest and fair in all their actions using ICT
- Will always respect people’s privacy and freedom of speech online
- Will help others to become a better digital citizen
Because we know this is important for us all, we ask everyone, the staff, students, and volunteers working at the school to agree to use the internet and other technologies in a safe and responsible way by following the rules laid out in the BYOD User Agreement.
Frequently asked questions: BYOD FAQ's
Queries
If you have any BYOD queries, please contact:
Deputy Principal: Julia Shannon: [email protected]
BYOD Facilitator: Jessica Cormack: [email protected]
