FAQ’s
DEVICES
Will the learning programs and applications be free?
Google Apps for education are available to all students enrolled in Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese (Cloudshare).
Will the students be working generally in a Google environment?
In grades K-6, Students are allocated their google accounts which include gmail and other apps such as gmail, docs and slides. A full explanation of these accounts is here.
Will there be someone at school to sort out device problems?
As the device is owned by parents which includes a warranty, our technician is not permitted to work on non school owned devices. As your child will be the sole user of the device we are not anticipating any issues regarding the working of the device. Students connect to a wifi access point that can't be activated until they sign in with their username and password.
CLASSROOM
What percentage of learning will be done on the devices?
Students will not be using their device or a school device for every hour of the school day.
Students have learning choices to assist with the achievement of identified knowledge and skills. Sometimes a learning choice using technology is an option. Written homework will remain an option for all students.
Is there a researched program to help implement these devices in class? Or will teachers be planning the program themselves?
Staff will plan across their teaching and learning programs, how the device can complement existing teaching practices in new and innovative ways. Teachers will participate in professional development as well as collaborating with the many other Catholic primary schools taking up the BYOD program..
Children's handwriting is still developing. How is the use of a personal device going to help with this?
We are very aware of the importance of maintaining the development of handwriting skills and it is part of the new Australian English curriculum. However, the creation of various forms of digital texts is also mandated in the new curriculum. Handwriting has a particular focus here at St Mary's and this will continue in all classrooms.
Will children get very distracted and start playing games?
As part of the signed agreement with the school, students will not access any games that the teacher has not authorised during school time. Teachers closely monitor behaviour on personal devices at all times. The devices remain in their tub until directed by their teachers.
How are students with diverse learning needs taken into account?
Different applications and programs are suitable for different students. This is the way learning will be personalised. Already there are a number of students using devices for this very reason and there have been no issues.
What about control of screen time?
St Mary’s school aims to limit screen time to approximately 2 hours per day. This time is considerably less in the lower grades. Parents also need to set limits at home. Regular screen breaks are taken by children however most activities last approximately 30 minutes. We have a policy that no devices are to be used by students during recess or lunch time, even in wet weather situations. This gives our children a chance to socialise and play. The only exception to this is the voluntary lunchtime code club that occurs one day a week.
Can my child use their phone as a BYOD Device?
We understand that phones are sometimes needed by your child for safety for before and after school communication with parents and carers. Phones are not to be used at any time during the day at school and must be kept in your child's bag. If your child needs to contact you during school hours they must do so via the school office. Sim cards have the potential for students to access the internet which does not contain any filtering as our system does.
SECURITY
Will my child lose their device?
Once arriving at school with the device in their school bag, children will store their school bag in a secure place until school commences. On their way to class with their teacher, they will collect their school bag. They then unpack their school bag, placing their device in a specified location in the classroom until needed. Devices will not be taken outside at recess or lunch.
What security will be offered at school to store the devices?
Devices will be locked in the classroom during lunch and recess, as well as other times children are out of the classroom e.g. sport. At the end of the day children will collect their device to take home.
Parents and students sign a detailed agreement which states acceptable behaviour and protocols. Consequences for transgressions are also made clear in this document. The school already has its own filtering device in place which also alerts teachers immediately to any online transgressions.
CYBER SAFETY
Is there a recommended way to ensure online safety for my child at home?
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has some information to help parents provide safe online environments for their children.
Parents can set up a combination of filtering tools, parental controls on devices, settings within apps and safe search browsers.
Will my device run on the school’s wi fi?
Yes. All devices meeting the minimum specifications will run on the school network.
DAMAGE TO DEVICES
Are children too young to be transporting such devices?
Like anything new we need to develop responsibility around this and work together to educate children about the importance and care of devices. Students will be setting up and packing up for school in a highly structured manner with bags being zipped closed before leaving the classroom.
What happens if another student breaks their device?
Accidents do happen…
Students are NOT to share their BYO device with another student. They must inform a teacher/ICT Coordinator immediately of any damage.
Students need:
2.1. To care for the laptop / device to the best of their ability
2.2. To keep the laptop /device secure and protect it from any malicious damage
ICT Policy infringements:
Level 2
I will not use another child’s personal device.
Level 3
I will not deliberately abuse another student’s iPad/device resulting in the iPad/device being damaged.
If an incident occurs, indicating malicious damage, then the situation would fall under the school's behaviour and discipline policy and be investigated on a case by case basis by the Principal.
Does the Bring Your Own Device program mean that I can receive a discount on school fees?
No, because St Mary's School and Sydney Catholic Schools uses funds for technology in many other ways besides buying devices. This includes internet services, server hardware, infrastructure, IT support staff, professional development for staff in eLearning and classroom storage cabinets for IT equipment. There are also many incidental costs around IT, including cables, projectors, interactive televisions and audiovisual equipment.
BYOD enables greater opportunities for eLearning in the classroom through a higher student ratio of devices per student. We still appreciate and rely on having a school owned pool of technology that is supplied through the extraordinary fundraising efforts of our parent community, through events such as the Lapathon and Big Night Out.
We have a flexible BYOD program that involves choice. We accommodate cross platform devices and this has meant that families can either purchase new or perhaps use an older device from home.
Speed of your child logging in as their google account remains active at all times offering a seamless movement from school to home. Accounts on other platforms such as PM Readers and Mathletics remain logged in enabling faster access to the learning. Logging in can be a source of frustration for young children given the amount of passwords needed for security.
Backing Up of learning - Elearning can be backed up and also shared with parents easily.
Environmentally Responsible - An older device near end of life can be used to supplement your child's learning saving families money in investing in brand new devices.
Teaching responsible care for and value of technology. Students tend to care more for a device they own.
- Confidence that your child can access to a valuable tool whenever they need it.
Code Clubs
In 2016, a code club led by Parent Volunteers explored coding for students from Kindergarten to Year 2. Students have worked on weekly projects, In the upper grades children have explored creating environments and creating original characters to place in their projects.
