Aquinas College runs a blended learning programme which gives the opportunity to use devices where appropriate but maintains the skill of writing. We view the use of these devices as a way to support student-centred learning, but not as a replacement for student-teacher and student-student interaction.

Note that we do not envisage, or want, students using a device every period, every day. The intention is that technology is used as part of an integrated programme to enhance learning.

From 2021, students from Years 7-13 will be expected to have a device which connects to the internet through wifi.

As part of our support systems, students from Years 7-11 will have access to the Family Zone app.

Rationale: Teaching and learning can be more effective when every student has a digital device of their own to:

• Provide immediate access to the Internet;
• Enable immediate access to local on-line materials posted by teachers;
• Encourage collaboration, creativity and problem-solving supported by digital devices.
• Further their understanding that they are global citizens.

Key factors in Aquinas’s implementation of BYOD

• We are not requiring a particular device to be used. We wish to represent the real world where any device can be used to support learning and to allow for an individual’s preference.
• We are conscious of financial pressures on families
  • We are aware that affordability will play a part in the type of device students will have, devices will vary.
  • At times, even expensive devices may not be suitable to particular tasks depending on the “platform” for which an app is designed to run. (IPad vs Android for example). In specialist areas, such as Art, Music and Digital Technologies specialist machines will continue to be available.
  • Modern learning will require sharing and group-work just as it always has.
  • Students have access to the Microsoft Suite of products for free, so you do not need to purchase this with the device. Instructions will be provided to students how to do this.

Background

• We are already essentially a BYOD school.
  • Aquinas has state of the art internal cabling;
  • A number of students already bring devices to school;
  • We have whole-school wifi;
  • We have a 500MB fibre internet link with MOE filtering;
  • Students are still required to use their username and password to access the web from school; this allows filtering of all internet use.

Key questions

• Is this the student’s main, or a secondary device?
• Is specialist software, or alternatives, required/desired for particular courses? (eg. Art and Graphics usually require higher processing power.)
• Are you wanting a device that will continue to be used at University or other further education?
• Bearing in mind that the device is the student’s responsibility to care for, and fix if necessary, is it robust enough and does it have a warranty? Is it covered by your Home Insurance Policy?

Points to consider

• Tablets are light with a long battery life. Many apps are available, for home and school use, which support learning and encourage creativity. However, tablets are limited in terms of what software they can run and how much can be stored on the device and are difficult to type on without an external keyboard. They may not be suitable for some specialist courses.
• A laptop or tablet with a full operating system and keyboard provides students with a comprehensive learning tool. They tend to be more expensive and bulky, but often suit senior students better when working on NCEA related learning. Battery life can get quite short, but batteries can be replaced.
• Note that models change frequently and there are now a number of hybrid tablet/laptop devices. Digital inking provides a means to write and annotate work. Also, the nature of digital technologies is that within 12 months something better and cheaper is guaranteed to be on the market. Therefore, Aquinas is not suggesting spending a great deal of money, rather choose a device that seems appropriate for your child and their needs at school.

Suggested Minimum Specifications, at this stage

• • Wireless network capability
  • Screen of 12 inch or larger
  • Good Battery life charge (there is limited capacity at Aquinas for recharging). At least eight hours for tablets and four hours for laptops.
  • Ideally an external keyboard
  • Productivity software (word processing, presentation and spreadsheet tools) – Note that students can download the Office suite of products from Microsoft 365.

  PLEASE NOTE – Students do not need to purchase the Office suite. It is provided by the school for installation on any device that students may use. This includes laptops, home PC’s and mobiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BYOD?

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. This means that the device is owned by the student/family and goes home with them at the end of the day and you get a choice of what the device may be. BYOD allows for anytime, anywhere learning. Many of the students in our school community already own devices and a number of our contributing schools already have this option in place.

What are the educational benefits of a BYOD Programme?

The advantages of a student owned device have been highlighted in a literature review carried out by Noeline Wright from the University of Waikato (2010). She concludes that there are a number of benefits with regards to using a variety of eLearning experiences in the classroom on a regular basis. These include improved motivation and engagement, greater independence and personalised learning, improved critical thinking, greater access to information, resources and experts and allowing a greater opportunity for collaboration in a wider context than just the classroom.

Why can’t my child use a smartphone as a device?

While smartphones are a great communication device and are often used for quick internet searches and photos, the size of the screen makes them unsuitable as a serious tool for learning. Their inability to complete lengthy documents and use more than one application at the same time is limited.

If we do not provide a device, will my child be still able to enrol at Aquinas College?

Of course. Ideally, we want families to provide a device for their child which they can be responsible for. Aquinas College has a number of devices that can be used in class for those who do not have their own.

How will my child charge their computer? 

We expect students to take responsibility for the charging of devices overnight, and this is a good habit for them to get into. We expect students to bring their device to school fully charged.  If a device is fully charged overnight, then it would be unlikely to need charging throughout the day. There are a small number of charging stations available in our library and in some classrooms.

How will my child be using the computer in the classroom? 

We have been introducing the concept of BYOD over the last 4 years and the number of teachers who have had a chance to teach in this environment has increased. Technology is a tool in the day-to-day learning of our students. Different teachers will be using it in different ways, and we are strongly encouraging our staff to use a combination of face-to-face and online teaching and learning approaches in their programmes. Therefore, devices will be used in a way that supports the best possible approach for the particular subject that they take. Be aware that courses vary and although devices will be used in subjects, they will not be used all day, every day, as certain topics will lend themselves to device usage more than others.

 How will my child keep their device safe? Who is responsible for security and damage?

We have been teaching with digital devices at school over the last 4 years and we have had no instances of theft of these devices while at school. We have had a small number of students who have had their screens damaged so having a strong case to store the device in is a must. We strongly recommend that you insure your child’s device and discuss various situations with your insurance provider prior to bringing a device to school. Aquinas College will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.

How does the school ensure my child’s safety when using the internet at school?

When students are connected to the school’s network via the BYOD connection there is a filtering system in place. All Year 7 students participate in a Cyber Safety unit as part of their Health and Physical Education curriculum.
Every student is required to sign a Responsible use of ICT agreement before starting at Aquinas College. No student is able to complete enrolment unless the agreement is signed and returned.

Will I need to have internet access at home?

It is helpful if you do have access to the internet, as this enables your child to make full use of school resources from home. If a student needs to make use of free Wifi out in the community, please be aware that these connections may not provide the necessary filters we have on our school network.

Will students be able to record teachers or classmates? (Audio or video)

Only with their permission. Any recording or photo that is on a device that does not have permission to be there will need to be removed. We have a responsible use agreement that all students sign, and the school has procedures in place if a device is being misused in anyway.

Can students use another student’s device?

No, because the devices are student/personally owned, this means that the device is operated by the owner.

Have teachers been trained to work in a BYOD environment?

Our teachers have been upskilling themselves to work in a BYOD environment. Different software and applications are investigated and used by staff in order to provide the most effective teaching and learning environment for our students. In our senior school many of our NCEA assignments have a research/inquiry component associated with them and require digital access. The school can no longer provide sufficient access to school owned devices to meet the high demand for access.

As a parent, am I required to add additional software to my child’s technology tool? 

Anti-viral software is required for devices that are connected to the internet. If the student has a laptop, then they are able to download free, the Microsoft 365 software. They will need to be enrolled in the school and use their school email address to take advantage of this package. The software will also be available on devices that students may use at home or their mobile device.

Who will be responsible for troubleshooting and fixing students’ devices?

The type of device that will be bought to Aquinas College will vary immensely. We have a great technology team, but they will not be required to provide technical assistance other than helping students connect to the wireless at school.

Will I still need to purchase stationery to use in class?

A stationery list will be available via our website. Having a digital device does not make Aquinas College a paperless school. Many aspects of learning are still done via pen and paper, experimentation or through the manipulation of things in traditional ways. When the best way to engage students in their learning is via technology, then this will be the preferred method of delivery.
Textbooks may still be used in some subjects, where others will make use of the online texts now available. The school provides a printing account for students to be able to print their work, which the school will load with $5 at the start of the year. As teachers increase their use of digital work, many of the tools used can be shared online and reduce the necessity to print out tasks to be handed in.