BYOD For Year 11 From 2018

On 15^th August as part of the Options Evening, parents will be invited to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Presentation to outline the implementation of this for Year 11 Students from 2018.

Currently at Aquinas College, there are a number of laptops available for classes to book and also there are three computer labs. We plan to increase the number of school owned devices to allow 1:2 for Years 7-10 by 2020. From 2018 we are introducing a BYOD programme from Year 11 which will result in the majority of Years 11-13 students bringing a device to school by 2020.

Many students have personally owned’ devices that can be used to allow them to learn in their own style and at their own pace. Already several students are bringing and using their own devices here at school. NZQA have indicated that “By the end of 2020, all NCEA external exams (appropriate for an online format) will be online and from 2020 on, securing the ultimate goal of all appropriate assessments being undertaken online, anywhere, anytime.”

A number of schools have already implemented BYOD policies and Aquinas College has taken a circumspect approach to this. As a College, we are keen for ICT devices not to become the main focus of learning but for them to be a tool to enhance teaching and learning. There is great opportunity with the use of devices to raise the level of critical thinking in the classroom. The opportunity is there to develop 21st century learning skills of collaboration, innovative teaching practice, real world problem solving, knowledge construction and skilful communication.

We want devices to enhance the high standard of teaching and learning that is already happening. Our students are living in a world where they have immediate access to information anytime and anywhere. It is important that our classroom environment is reflective of the world that they live in and students are learning appropriate skills to thrive in this environment.