BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE B.Y.O.D. POLICY RYDE SECONDARY COLLEGE 2014
NSW DEC BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE STUDENT AGREEMENT Students who wish to take advantage of the BYOD policy must read this agreement in the company of an adult unless otherwise excused by the principal. This page is to be signed and returned to the school. By signing at the bottom of this page students agree to the following behaviours: -in details and never share those with others. my school. implemented by the Department or r and material to my teacher. investigations, court proceedings or for other legal reasons. Date: / / in the presence of: Student Name Parent/Carer Name in the presence of: Student Signature Parent/Carer Signature
GUIDELINES STUDENT BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE POLICY (BYOD) 1. Introduction This document provides advice and direction to schools choosing to allow student use of personal mobile electronic devices at school to access the Department of Education and Communities wireless network. 2. Key Principles 2.1 The term device in this policy refers to any personal mobile electronic device with the capability to connect to the department s Wi-Fi network. 2.2 Schools can allow students to bring their own devices to school and may provide access to the department s Wi-Fi network. 2.3 Use of devices at school will be governed by school developed guidelines and processes based on the Bring Your Own Device Implementation Guidelines [hyperlink] and the needs of the school. 2.4 The department will provide internet access through its wireless networks at no cost to students enrolled in NSW Public Schools at DEC sites. 2.5 Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their devices including data protection and battery charging. 2.6 The department will not accept any liability for the theft, damage or loss of any student s device. Students who bring their own devices onto school sites do so at their own risk. 2.7 Schools are not obliged to provide hardware or technical support for devices. 2.8 Students and their parents/carers must complete and return a signed BYOD Agreement [hyperlink] prior to connecting to the department s network. 2.9 Where the school has reasonable grounds to suspect that a device contains data which breaches the BYOD Agreement, they may confiscate the device for the purpose of confirming the existence of the material. Depending on the nature of the material involved, further action may be taken including referral to the police. School disciplinary action may also be appropriate. 3. Student BYOD Agreement 3.1 Prior to connecting their devices to the network, students must return a Student BYOD Agreement. A sample is provided which schools are able to modify to suit their BYOD model. (hyperlink) This agreement must be signed by the student and by a parent/carer. If a student is living independently of their parents or is 18 years of age or more, there is no requirement to obtain the signature of a parent. 3.2 It is important to ensure that students are aware of and agree to their obligations under the Student Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy and relevant policies, prior to using their own device on the DEC Wi-Fi network. School staff should endeavour to ensure that the BYOD student responsibilities are clearly understood by both students and their parents or carers. 3.3 The Student BYOD Agreement is a simple document with the purpose of acknowledging acceptance and agreement of the terms associated with the school s implementation of the Student Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy by both students and parents/carers. It is accompanied by an Information Sheet that must be provided in conjunction with the Student BYOD Agreement. 3.4 By accepting the terms, the student and parents/carers acknowledge that they: Agree to comply with the conditions of the Student BYOD Policy. Understand that noncompliance may result in the student being subject to school disciplinary action. 3.5 Student BYOD agreements should be retained in print or electronic form for future access as required.
4. Cost to Students 4.1 Internet access through the Department s network will be provided at no cost to students enrolled in NSW Public Schools at DEC sites. 4.2 Access to school resources such as shared drives, printers and associated costs will be a school based decision. 5. Student Responsibilities 5.1 Students are solely responsible for the care and maintenance of their BYO devices. This includes but is not limited to: Managing battery life and regular charging of their device. Labeling their device for identification purposes. Purchasing and using device protective casing. Ensuring the device is safe and secure during travel to and from school and throughout the school day. Maintaining up-to-date anti-virus software and operating system on their device. Taking insurance coverage of their own device to protect any accidental damage, theft or loss. 5.2 Students are responsible for managing the battery life of their device and acknowledge that the school is not responsible for charging their devices. Students should ensure that their devices are fully charged before bringing them to school. Schools are not responsible for (or restricted from) providing facilities for students to charge their devices. 5.3 Students must have a supported operating system and current antivirus software installed on their device and must continue to maintain the latest service packs, updates and antivirus definitions. 5.4 Students should not attach any school-owned equipment to their mobile devices without the permission of the school principal or their delegate. 5.5 Students should clearly label their BYOD device for identification purposes. Labels should not be easily removable. 5.6 Students are responsible for securing and protecting their device in schools. This includes protective/carry cases and exercising common sense when storing the device. Schools are not required to provide designated or secure storage locations. 5.7 Students are responsible for ensuring the operating system and all software on their device is legally and appropriately licensed. 6. Damage and loss 6.1 Students bring their devices onto the school site at their own risk. For advice on theft or damage of students personal devices refer to legal issue bulletins below: https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/directoratesaz/legalservices/ls/legalissuesbul/bul letin35.pdf https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/directoratesaz/legalservices/ls/legalissuesbul/bul letin8.pdf 6.2 In cases of malicious damage or theft of another student s device, existing school processes for damage to schools or another student s property apply. 6.3 Schools should regularly review existing policies and processes to include BYO devices where appropriate e.g. Student Welfare and Fair Discipline Code.
7. Technical Support 7.1 NSW DEC staff are under no obligation to provide any technical support on either hardware or software. 8. Long-term care and support of BYODs 8.1 Students are solely responsible for repair and maintenance of their own device. It is not the school s responsibility. 8.2 Warranties: Students should understand the limitations of the manufacturer s warranty on their BYO devices, both in duration and in coverage. Under Australian consumer legislation, warranties usually last for one year, during which any manufacturing defects will be repaired or the device will be replaced (as per the specific terms and conditions of the manufacturer). 8.3 Extended Warranties: At the time of purchase, students may also purchase an optional extended warranty (past the standard warranty period) from the supplier/manufacturer of their device, during which any manufacturing defects that may occur will also be repaired. 9. Insurance 9.1 Student BYO devices are not covered by Treasury Managed Fund. When students purchase their BYO device, they may also purchase an optional insurance policy from the supplier of their device or a relevant insurance company. As mobile devices are subject to a higher risk of accidental damage, prior to signing up for an insurance policy, students should be fully aware of the details and limitations of the policy, including any excess charged for making a claim, and the name of the company that holds the policy. As a guide, a suitable BYOD device insurance policy should cover all types of BYOD devices and provide worldwide, replacement cost coverage against: Accidental damage Damage from falls and liquids Theft Fire Vandalism Natural disasters (such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tornados, water damage, and power surge due to lightning) 10. Acceptable use of BYO devices 10.1 Using the DEC network services to seek out, access, store or send any material of an offensive, obscene, pornographic, threatening, abusive or defamatory nature is prohibited. Such use may result in legal and/or disciplinary action. 10.2 Students shall not create, transmit, retransmit or participate in the circulation of content on their devices that attempts to undermine, hack or bypass any hardware and software security mechanisms that have been implemented by the Department, its Information Technology Directorate or the school. 10.3 Students must not copy, transmit or retransmit any material that is protected by copyright, without prior permission from the copyright owner. 10.4 Mobile phone voice and text, SMS messaging or device instant messaging use by students during the school hours is a school based decision. 10.5 Students must not take photos or make video or audio recordings of any individual or group without the express written permission of each individual (including parent/carer consent for minors) being recorded and the permission of an appropriate staff member.
10.6 Students shall comply with departmental or school policies concerning the use of BYODs at school and while connected to the Department s network including: Online Communication Services Acceptable Usage for School Students. 10.7 The principal retains the right to determine what is, and is not, appropriate use of BYODs device at the school within the bounds of NSW privacy and other legislation. 10.8 The consequences of any breaches of this policy will be determined by the principal, in accordance with the school s welfare and discipline policies. As the student device is intended as a personal learning tool schools are encouraged to consider a variety of alternatives to ensure equitable access to continued learning opportunities. 11. DEC Technology Standards (This will need to be adjusted to reflect the BYOD model chosen by your school community, a sample is below using the Bring your own whatever connects to the internet model identified by Dixon and Tierney in the literature review) 11.1 Prior to purchasing or using an already purchased device, parents and students should be made aware of the following technology standards required for devices used within schools: The DEC wireless network installed in primary schools operates on the 802.11n 5Ghz standard. Devices with 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n 2.4Ghz only will not be able to connect. The DEC wireless network installed in high schools only operates on the 802.11n 5Ghz standard. Devices with 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n 2.4Ghz only will not be able to connect. The battery life of the device should be capable of lasting 5 hours minimum of constant use without charge Device hardware specifications must meet the minimum (ideally the recommended) specifications of the operating system and all applications Currently supported Operating System 11.2 Other considerations when purchasing a device include: Extended warranty Device insurance Protective casing (scratch/impact/liquid-splash resistant) Additional or spare battery packs Ergonomics (is this device comfortable to use for an entire school day) Backup storage such as portable hard drive or USB flash drive 12. Security and device management processes 12.1 Depending on the model of BYOD your school chooses, you will need to consider how the following will be implemented: Strong passwords (your portal has Password Help information), Device anti-virus software Data and network traffic encryption Privacy controls Internet filtering DEC technology infrastructure security Student Cyber Safety
Bring Your Own Device - Equity Policy Rationale The Ryde Secondary College, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, like all BYOD programs in an education setting, inherently imposes a financial cost on students and their families in supplying a device. At the same time, the Ryde Secondary College BYOD program can only function if all students have access to appropriate technological resources in all their classes. Ryde Secondary College takes seriously the role of public education in ensuring all students have access to the same learning outcomes. The purpose of the BYOD Equity Policy is to establish the framework for the BYOD program to provide this for all students, irrespective of their families financial means. References i Ryde Secondary College BYOD Policy ii. Student Assistance Scheme Objectives 1. To achieve the Ryde Secondary College BYOD policy, being to facilitate and promote the bringing of a computing device to school by all students in Years 7-12 for use in their education. 2. To ensure equity in the BYOD program and its implementation. 3. To ensure all students have access to appropriate technological resources in their classes. 4. To provide a framework through which family requests for assistance can be managed consistently. Actions (A) Ryde Secondary College Ryde Secondary College will: 1. Endeavour to provide personal access to appropriate technology resources to all students in all Years operating under the school s Bring Your Own Device program in keeping with the objectives of that policy and with respect to its role as a public education institution. 2. Ensure the BYOD Program s Device Specification is designed so that a range of devices in capability and cost are suitable and meet the Specification. 3. Assess applications for assistance in meeting the requirements of the BYOD program on a case-by-case basis. Due consideration will be given to all the facts of the matter, including: The level of assistance requested Existing disbursements from the Student Assistance Scheme The Year of the student The subjects the student undertakes The technology already available to the student at school and at home 4. Consult with the parent/carer in making determinations as to what form any assistance will take. 5. Consider a range of alternatives for providing device access for students, including: Priority or reserved access to desktop computers in computer labs or the Library during class time, free periods, before or after school or during breaks. Loan of a laptop or other device for a particular period or class Loan of a laptop or other device for a particular day Recurrent daily loan of a laptop or other device Partial payment scheme for a new device provided by the College 6. Make a written agreement between the College, student and parent/carer that specifies the arrangements agreed upon or determined for facilitating access to technological resources.
7. In most circumstances, not agree to loan a laptop or other device to a student overnight, over a weekend or over a holiday period. 8. Provide a protocol for ensuring priority or reserved access to desktop computers where this access is considered appropriate. 9. Provide a protocol for signing out and signing back in a laptop or other device from the BYOD Technology Office and follow up any cases where the loaned device is not returned in accordance with the agreement. (B) Students and Parents/Carers: 1. Consider your options for the purchase or lease of equipment that meets the Device Specification. Ryde Secondary College will endeavour to make a broad selection of devices in a range of price points match the Specification. 2. If you believe you are unable to provide a device that meets the specification: a. Make an application in writing to the Principal, or make an appointment to speak with the Principal and indicate you require assistance in addressing the school s Bring Your Own Device program. b. The College will liaise with you, your son/ward and his teachers to identify the most appropriate way to address the issue and ensure he has appropriate access to the technological resources of his peers. c. You will be asked to make an agreement with the College that confirms the alternative arrangements made for your son/ward s access to technological resources. 3. The College will not purchase a device to assign to your son/ward nor will the school make a device available for permanent or semi-permanent loan. In substitution of a personal device the school will consider options including: Priority or reserved access to desktop computers in computer labs or the Senior or Junior Libraries during class time, free periods, before or after school or during breaks. Loan of a laptop or other device for a particular period or class Loan of a laptop or other device for a particular day Recurrent daily loan of a laptop or other device Partial payment scheme for a new device provided by the College
RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS FOR BYOD SCREEN SIZE 9 to 15 KEYBOARD WIRELESS BATTERY LIFE MEMORY AUDIO / VISUAL OPERATING SYSTEMS SOFTWARE CASE Detachable / Fixed 5GHZ 802.11 a/g/n Minimum 8 hours 2 Gb RAM : 32 Gb memory : expandable Camera / Sound recording Windows 7 or IOS 7 and above Note taking, multimedia, numbers, spreadsheets, graphing,basic photo editing Protective / durable
SAMPLES OF SOME APPROPRIATE DEVICES Feature MacBook PC IPad Netbook/ Android Widows Air/Pro Laptop Ultra book Tablets Surface File 128-256GB Various 16-64Gb Various 16-32GB 32 64GB Storage Capacity capacities available capacities available Screen 11 13 Air Various 9.7 9 11 Various 10.6 Size 13-15 Pro Range Range Wi Fi 802.11 a/g/n/ Various 802.11 a/g/n/ Various Various 802.11 a/g/n/ Keyboard YES YES ADDITIONA ADDITIONA ADDITIONA ADDITIONA L L L L Battery 9hrs Air Dependent 10hrs Dependent on Dependent on 8hrs Life 8hrs Pro on Model Model Model Options for Additional Storage USB Cloud DropBox USB DropBox Cloud DropBox USB DropBox DropBox USB DropBox Positives MacBook Pro has the option for additional file storage Variuos models provide a range of features Light Versatile and cost effective applications Smaller in size than a laptop Light Versatile and cost effective applications Light Physical storage options Limitation No CD/DVD drive inbuilt Increased hardware results in a greater weight to the device Only cloud storage is available for additional storage. As such smaller capacities may fill quickly. Word processing over long periods can be difficult Larger than a tablet Smaller processing power than a full laptop Small file storage capacities may fill quickly. Word processing over long periods can be difficult Small file storage capacities may fill quickly. Word processing over long periods can be difficult
FAQ s Do students need to bring a high-end PC device if they are doing media, design or music? What happens if my child requires technical support or service to use their device? Should I purchase 3G or 4G for my child? Will my child require an itunes or (microsoft market place) account to purchase apps for learning? Will my child s device be covered by the College s insurance? Will my child be able to access the College s network when not at College? Should my child s device have virus protection software? How will teachers be able to monitor my child from playing games during classes? How will student digital citizenship be addressed? Can my child use digital texts in place of hard copy versions? No, the College will continue to provide subject specific hardware for relevant subjects. The College will provide IT support for students when the nature of the support involves connectivity with, or the interface with, the College s network. All other technical support requirements will be the responsibility of the student and family Student access to internet and other services will be more than adequately provided for by the College. If students have access to home Wi-Fi, when not at College, they will not require 3G or 4G internet. Students will not be expected to purchase apps for learning unless listed on a text list, and readily available for all device types. From time to time students may come across apps that are applicable to their learning. Parents will have the option to purchase these apps if they choose, however, they will not be a requirement for student learning. No, parents are encouraged to refer to their home and content policies to ensure that their child s device is covered while at College. Yes, students are currently able to access the College s network via the internet and this will continue to be the case.moodle, Edmodo, network drives We suggest that where anti-virus software exists, such software should be installed and be kept current. Whether a student is on-task and engaged in their learning or whether they are off-task and playing games falls under the theme of classroom management and student engagement The College s existing policies and procedures regarding issues surrounding digital citizenship will continue to apply. These are published in the College diary. Students will be collaborating more frequently with their teachers and peers using Web 2.0 technologies. In so doing, students will be developing their sense of citizenship in an online world through teacher and student role modelling and experience. Academic honesty, the appropriateness of language for communication in various forums and appropriateness of content will also be a feature of student learning. With student personal devices, the opportunity for teachers and students to collaborate together will enhance student development of their sense of digital citizenship. This will be a matter of student personal choice, manageability of classroom equipment and text availability in digital form. If a digital text version is
What about children s writing skills? Won t they still need to write for examinations? How will my child s development in literacy be affected by their having increased access to digital resources? How will the classroom environment change to accommodate student devices? Can my child s device activity be monitored? Will students still be able to save their work onto the College network? Will students have access to social media during the College day? What information will be provided to parents to support their child s learning under the BYOD program? available for a specified text, and is compatible with the device type, students will be able to use e-books at their discretion. Yes, students will still be expected to write during normal teaching and learning processes. Students will also be expected to maintain a class workbook for most subject areas. Student personal devices will increase opportunity for student development of information literacy. Literacy will continue to be a primary focus at the College. With the right use of the devices in teaching and learning, student development in literacy will be deepened. Learning spaces within the College extend beyond the classroom. Throughout 2014 all learning spaces in the College will be evaluated and reviewed. When a student is logged on to the College s Wi-Fi their internet activity can currently, and will continue to be monitored. When logged on to the College s network from outside the College, using remote access, internet activity is also currently, and will continue, to be monitored. Yes, the College will continue to provide space for students to store their work eg. cloud, e-back pak No, students currently have no access to social media sites during the College day. The College aims to educate students in regard to social media. The School will continue to support parents through regular forums,newsletters & the College website
Why Does BYOD Makes Sense? Embracing technology early allows better implementation and quicker development of learning tools. Teachers can help shape the emerging technology. Better tools will be implemented to meet the needs of students. Being an innovator gives teachers the chance to make these devices easier, friendlier, and safer to use in classrooms. 1. BYOD is cost effective. Computer labs are expensive and costly to replace. BYOD eases the demand imposed on schools. It allows the most effective use of most recent technologies in the classroom, since students replace the technology themselves. 2. Embracing these tools makes education more interactive. Technology can make learning fun and engaging! Teachers and students might create podcasts, use a software voting tool such as Polleverywhere, or design a digital scavenger hunt. The interactive nature of BYOD hones in on student learning. Digital books often include free supplemental resources, such as study guides, chapter outlines, and interactive tests that monitor progress and provide immediate feedback. 3. BYOD makes differential instruction easier. Teachers can use media to meet different learning needs. BYOD allows students to be in control of their learning. Many tech tools can help students with disabilities or even translate words for ESL students. Gifted students can research more advanced applications and students who need practice can do so individually 4. Portable devices make learning a part of students lives. BYOD bridges the gap between in school and at home learning. According to an article in edudemic about cell phone use in schools, learning becomes easier to achieve, as it is more collaborative. Students can integrate the device into their daily lives. Kindle, Wikipedia, and Google books offer a list of free textbooks that students can access in the classroom. 5. BYOD is a manageable strategy with proper discipline rules. For those who fear devices for the potential of rule bending, BYOD provides new learning opportunities. Educators can teach technology etiquette and ethics, which is becoming increasingly necessary. BYOD can be managed like any other resource in the classroom. Guidelines can be put in place to restrict use to learning. 6. BYOD saves learning time. BYOD makes collaboration easier. Research can also be done faster. More diverse sources can be used to support learning. Educators might even educate students about how to evaluate and find the best resources in a particular field. Virtual walkthroughs are easy with technology at their fingertips. 7. Engaged learners are better learners. Bring your own device puts students in a position of power over their learning. Many educational researchers argue that giving students the authority over their own learning is best: the teacher becomes a manager of learning, rather than a direct source of information