ICT and PED Information

PED

Personal Electronic Devices (PED) in Schools

(Formally BYOD)

Information for Parents and Carers

PED Update Information letter - 17.12.15. Please download our Wanniassa School App (available on Android, iOS and Windows devices free of charge) to keep up to date with all school information and notes, including those regarding the Wanniassa School PED policy in 2016.

What is PED in Schools?

In today's workplace and home life Australians are increasingly using computing devices to enhance all aspects of their work and life. Devices are integral to our students' lives. Research shows that through the integration of devices into teaching and learning we will be able to further engage students and transform learning into a more personalised student-centered activity. Our school has a unique opportunity to provide students with a highly developed wireless network, enabling whole school access to the internet and cloud based learning. Formally known as Bring You Own Device (BYOD) the ACT Education Department now uses the term Personal Electronic Devices (PED) in Schools.

More Information regarding the ACT Education Department and PED in Schools is available at http://www.det.act.gov.au/teaching_and_learning/learn-anywhere-ict-for-students/connect-anywhere-personal-devices.

When will the PED Program start?

From Term 1 of 2016 students in Years 5-8 will be encouraged to bring their own personal electronic device to school to use in the classroom. Students outside these year groups are welcome to bring their own device, however it is not the expectation that these will be used in all classes at this stage.

Students will be required to return a Parent Approval for PED Permission form and a  Student PED Agreement before they will be approved to use their device at Wanniassa School. These forms will be available in Term 4, 2015.

What device can my child bring?

To ensure that all devices purchased by families will connect to our school wireless network we would prefer that students use the same device/s across the school as much as is practicable. The devices we have chosen have been tested at the school to ensure that they connect to the schools wi-fi network.

Ultimately it is the parent and student's responsibility to determine which is the best option for their learning needs and style. More information about the different options and which may be best for your child will be provided at an information session in Week 1, Term 4.

Preferred devices for Wanniassa students:

  1. Laptop
  2. Chromebook laptop (or similar)
  3. iPad

What device is "best" for my child?

Each device on the list has its own pro's and con's you need to consider. We will be hosting an information evening session in Week 1, Term 4 where we will have each of the different devices set up for you to try with your child. We will also be able to answer any questions you may have at this session.

Some basic information about each type of device is outlined below:

 ChromebookiPad / TabletLaptop
Pro's
  • Best option for the majority of students and for everyday class work
  • Lightweight
  • Cloud based storage allows multiple users to have their own account
  • Low price
  • Fast
  • Keyboard makes typing / word processing etc. easier
  • Wide range of programs can be used
  • Connects with Google Apps For Education (GAFE)
  • A 2 in 1 laptop is similar in specifications and price
  • Excellent for students who are interested in media type applications (e.g. Photoshop, movie making, music production)
  • Has a camera for video recording
  • Lightweight
  • Cheap educational apps available
  • Connects with other iPads easily
  • Same as Chromebooks
  • Has a CD/DVD drive
  • Better memory capacity to run some extra programs
  • For students who are considering building computer games or video editing
Con's
  • May not run some large programs well (mainly large scale video editing or computer game building)
  • No camera
  • Can be difficult to source in stores (see PED Update letter above for more information)
  • No keyboard makes word processing difficult
  • Different software to a PC
  • Smaller storage capacity (though can use cloud storage)
  • Some issues with connecting with Google Apps For Education. This will be a large component of the use of ICT by students in Years 5-8.
  • Different models may not connect with our Wi-Fi network
  • Can be heavier to carry than the other options
  • More expensive - only really needed by students who are focusing on ICT as a major component of their studies or require a DVD drive.

The ACT Education Department ETD recommends iPads for K-2, and Chromebooks or laptops for Yrs 3 and above

What if I already have a device / want to purchase something different?

If you currently have a device which you would like your child to use, or would like to purchase a device which is not on this list it must have 802.11ac Wi-Fi (may also be referred to as 802.11ac/a/g/n). Due to the vast array of difference in device designs we are unable to provide technical support for machines outside this list.

Equity of Access

Teachers will design their classes so that students will be able to use their devices in every lesson, therefore it is important that the majority of students have access to their own device at all times. However we recognise that not all families are in a position to provide this to their child immediately. To support this we have the following in place;

  • JB Education has a Flexirent or Interest Free Credit options to purchase a device
  • A small number of devices which can be hired for short term (single lesson use) Additional Specific Requirements
  • Devices must have a supported operating system (one that is able to connect to the school's Wi-Fi) e.g. Windows, Android, Mac or iOS devices
  • Devices must have current antivirus software and patches installed where applicable. Students are responsible for ensuring that all software and data on their devices is legally obtained.
  • Students must use a password to log onto their device, in addition to their network password used to access the wireless internet at school.
  • Students will be required to bring their device to school fully charged and are responsible for managing the battery life of their device. The school will not provide charging cords for student devices.
  • Student devices need to be clearly labeled for identification purposes.
  • With the introduction of the PED program students will need to take personal responsibility for their device.
  • Students will be responsible for protecting their device at school and whilst travelling to and from school. Wanniassa School recommends a shock-proof and water proof case for all devices where possible.
  • Students will be responsible for securing their device. The school will not provide storage areas and students are not to request that their device be stored in offices or staff rooms.

Please read this information letter in conjunction with the following documents. It is expected that students and parents/carers have read these documents prior to signing the PED permission letter which will be sent out to all students in years 5-8 in Term 4, 2015. Students in other years who wish to bring in their own device will  need to request a copy of the permission note from the ICT Coordinator (SC) or the Executive Staff (JC).

Copies of the permission letter, along with electronic versions of these forms and policies will be available on the Wanniassa School website and through the school app from the start of Term 4, 2015. They will also be provided, where appropriate, with the PED permission letter in Term 4, 2015.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions please speak with your child's classroom teacher (JC) or the IT Coordinator (JC or SC) Stacey Griffiths (Stacey.griffiths@ed.act.edu.au or 6206 6200)