The following is a list of frequently asked questions for BYOB devices.
What is BYOD?
BYOD is a program whereby students will be able to bring a personal device to school to use as their primary technological device. The school can provide the ability to connect compatible devices to a filtered internet service.
What will be provided by the College?
Each campus will provide access to a filtered wi-fi internet service. No other support, software or service will be provided by the school. Note: schools who provide student-device access to the network via an Ethernet cable are operating outside DEC network security guidelines. This is beyond the scope of the BYOD policy, guidelines and student agreement.
Who pays for the technology brought to school?
These devices will be purchased by and remain the property of the family.
What types of computing devices may my child bring to school?
Students may bring devices such as laptops, chromebooks and ipads and these must be dual band 5Ghz wireless network compatible with a minimum screen size of 9.7 inches [25 mm]. Mobile Phones. Nintendo DS and Sony PSP are not part of the BYOD program.
Will there be a permission form that needs to be signed before a student brings their own device to school?
Yes parents will need to sign the Dubbo College BYOD Student Agreement before students can use the device within the school.
How will theft, loss, or damage of a personally owned device be handled in a school?
The guidelines for the BYOD program specifically address the risk of students bringing their own devices to school. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
Will I need to have Internet access at home?
No. It would be helpful, however, to have some form of Internet access (wired or wireless) in order for a child to make full use of school resources from home, as well the multitude of resources available on the World Wide Web, but it is not required in order for a child to use a personal computing device at school. In addition, there are many providers of free wi-fi in the community that students could use to access the internet outside of school hours. Please be aware that these connections do not provide filtered access to the internet.
Will the wireless access be filtered?
The wireless Internet access available to students will be filtered in the same way that access is managed at present. If students connect using their 3G or 4G connection then this will bypass the filtering. This is not covered by the BYOD policy.
Will there be technical assistance provided to access the wireless network or to assist with the use of BYOD devices?
Since there are literally hundreds of devices that could be brought to school as part of the BYOD program, there is no technical assistance provided other than providing the name of the wireless connection and some general connection instructions for supported devices. Students will be expected to know how to connect their devices.
Will students be able to recharge devices during the school day?
Students will be able to charge devices at school at designated charging stations.
Will students be able to record teachers or classmates (audio or video)?
No. Students are not allowed to make records of their teacher and fellow students, unless involved in video or movie making assignments.
Can teachers require students to bring their own devices?
If students have a suitable device, they should be actively encouraged to participate in BYOD
Will students be able to use their devices before or after school? During lunch?
Students will be able to use their device within the classroom setting during the instructional day or in the library and learning centres before and after school and during breaks.
Does the school provide Insurance for damage, loss or theft?
No. We do however recommend parents take out insurance to cover the devices.
Can students use another student's device?
Because of the inherent nature of personally owned devices, devices should only be used by the owner of the device. Usually, having physical access to a personal device also provides the ability to access files, email and internet browsing.
Will students be able to print?
No. Students can not print to school printers.
Is the use of Personal Hotspot via mobile phone allowed within the school day?
No. Students are not allowed to use their own personal hotspot with their BYOD device due to the fact their internet connection is not filtered and therefore students can access inappropriate web material or sites.
As a parent, am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device etc.) to my child's technology tool?
Yes. All applicable devices that connect to the internet will need to have antivirus software installed. No other filter/tracking software is expected to be installed on student machines.
How will these devices be used in the classroom?
Students will use their devices for a variety of activities which will vary from class to class. Activities may include (but are not limited to): complete in-class activities, collaborate in real time, research for projects, access websites with curriculum-related content, keep track of classroom assignments, record journal entries and other approved instructional activities.
I don't have a suitable electronic communication device that my child can bring to school. Will my child be disadvantaged or miss out on instruction?
No, Dubbo College has an equity program that will ensure your child is not disadvantaged.
Will teachers be responsible for troubleshooting and fixing students' devices?
Since there are literally hundreds of devices that could be brought to school as part of the BYOD program, there is no technical assistance provided other than providing assistance with wireless connection