What is BYOD/BYOx?
BYOD stands for "Bring Your Own Device". This means that students bring a personal device (i.e. a tablet or laptop) to school for their classwork.
BYOx uses the mathematical variable 'x' in an equation, meaning that students have flexibility in the type, make and model of device they choose.
Is the BYOD program compulsory?
Yes. From 2022 onwards all senior students (Years 10-12) access the learning for each of their classes via their own device.
What type of device is required?
The school does not prescribe a device but advises that the device meet our device specifications.
A Windows 10 tablet/laptop is highly recommended. Yarrabilba SSC teachers will be supplying lessons based on a Windows operating system.
Chromebooks and Android devices are not supported on the BYOD system.
What help and support is provided?
Students will need to on-board their BYOD with the correct applications before they can use the internet, connect to the printers or network drives at Yarrabilba SSC. If you need your device on-boarded see a staff member in the Resource Centre before school or 1st break.
The school offers first-level diagnostic support for student owned laptops at our ICT help desk. Students are able to get IT support for their device from 8:00am in the morning and at first break in the Resource Centre. However, warranty, security, insurance and maintenance are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Will Apple products work with the school network?
Yes but due to compatibility issues with specific programs being used Apple devices are not recommended.
What operating systems will not work with the school network?
Android, Linux, Chromebooks, Windows RT and Windows 8.1 or older will not work on our BYOx Wi-Fi. Windows 10 "S" Mode devices should be updated to standard Windows 10.
Can students use their mobile phone?
No. Phones are not acceptable for classroom use.
Where do I purchase a BYOD computer/tablet?
Computers can be purchased locally from many stores like JB HiFi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman. All of these locations do have BYOx plans available. Use the device specifications as a guide when purchasing a device.
Coming in 2022, the school will have several vendor portals that will offer devices that match our requirements.
However, the school highly recommends that Onsite Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection Insurance are purchased with the device as the cost of repairs can be extremely expensive.
What other costs are involved?
In 2022, there are no additional fees charged to families for BYOD. However, the school highly recommends parents purchase:
- a protective, water resistant case and wired headphones
- Onsite Warranty, Extended Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection Insurance are purchased with the device as the cost of repairs can be extremely expensive.
Will the device be safe at school?
Device safety is important at Yarrabilba State Secondary College. The school does not own BYO Devices, and cannot provide warranty for them, however, students who look after their devices with care, rarely have issues.
If you are concerned the device is going to be broken, lost or stolen, the school recommends specific accidental damage insurance for the device. In some cases, you can specifically list the item on your home contents insurance, or you can purchase an Accidental Damage Insurance plan for your student's device.
How much time will my child spend on their device?
Devices are tools for learning used along with all the other tools available at school and home (e.g. pen, paper, calculators, books, computers etc.). Students' devices will be used when they add to the learning and enhance the experience. Students are typically engaged in a range of activities in all classes and all year levels and participate in kinaesthetic (hands-on) learning in a variety of their classes. The amount of homework given will vary depending on a range of factors. If you feel your child is spending too much time completing homework then please confirm homework tasks with their teacher.
Do you have advice about online safety?
Up to date and comprehensive advice on online safety for you and your children can be found below.
For students please visit : https://www.esafety.gov.au
For Parents please visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Will my child still learn how to handwrite?
Yes. Computers will not replace handwriting at Yarrabilba State Secondary College. Teachers will be using the most appropriate mode of communication based upon on the learning opportunity.
Do I need to buy Antivirus software for my device?
Windows 10 devices have an inbuilt program called Windows Defender which protects the device against threats. All other computers need to have Antivirus software installed and be up to date. This will be checked prior to connecting to the network.
The antivirus software must be a full version not a trial version. The following are not supported anti-virus software programs:
- trial versions
- AVG
- Avast
- Kapersky
- Bitdefender
Can my child charge their device at school?
We recommend students have a device with all day battery life so they can leave their chargers at home. This will ensure their charger is not lost or damaged.
Students who need to charge their device will need to go to the Resource Centre during a break, NOT in class time. Charging of devices is not allowed within a classroom due to workplace health and safety: cable hazard/risk(s).
My device has been damaged at school. Who pays for it and what is the process?
The owner of the device looks after the device. The school will assist in school-based consequences for students who have intentionally damaged other students' property as per school policy. All repairs or replacement of device is the responsibility of the device owner and we recommend insurance and a protective case for this reason.