2017 BYOx. elearning Program. Guide for Parents and Students. Bring Your Own Device/Software

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1 2017 BYOx elearning Program Bring Your Own Device/Software Guide for Parents and Students

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3 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students Page 1 What is BYOx? BYOx (Bring Your Own x ) means exactly that: students bring their own digital device to school for the purpose of learning. The x in BYOx represents more than just a privatelyowned device, it also includes software, applications, connectivity and appropriate behaviours. At Mackay State High School, students are able to bring an IT device that best supports their learning needs and meets the school s specifications and requirements. At Mackay State High School, we have an elearning vision which ensures technology is a tool used to enhance teaching and learning. Technology facilitates the creation and sharing of knowledge. It is more than a method of retrieving information. IT devices are a powerful means of differentiating and personalising a student s education, and student-owned devices facilitate student choice over which application or configuration best suits their learning and communication style. It also ensures that learning is anywhere, anytime. Mackay State High School is committed to moving students and staff forward in a contemporary learning environment. Parents and students are given greater choice in device selection, functionality and budget. Families have control over the choice of an IT device to bring to school. Choosing the Right Device We understand and appreciate the uncertainties that may be associated with choosing the best device for your student. Firstly, parents and students are advised that Mackay State High School is primarily a Microsoft Windows-based learning environment. Software required for some subjects is Windows-compatible ONLY, and Education Queensland online resources prefer the Windows operating system. To assist parents, we have partnered with Dell and Acer to provide a range of educationfriendly devices and accessories which meet Mackay State High School s specifications and requirements. Products available through the Dell and Acer Internet Portals are specifically selected for their durability, quality and educational suitability. Additionally, Mackay State High School s ICT Services Centre can carry out warranty or accidental damage (AD) work onsite (provided Warranty and AD Cover has been purchased and a claim approved). Loan laptops are available for students while service is carried out. DELL PORTAL ACER PORTAL Access Key: mackayshs PIN: parent The school provides a BYOx Device Check List document (available from Mackay State High School s web site) and service which can be used when purchasing a device. If you are uncertain about a device/s, then fill in the Check List and return it to the ICT Services Centre at school for appraisal. This can be delivered to the school or ed. Should you have any specific questions in regards to selecting a device please phone or our ICT Services staff and they will be happy to assist you. Software Microsoft Office Professional Plus is available FREE to all students and used in all subjects. Information on downloading this software is available on the Mackay State High School web site. Go to the Curriculum tab, Teaching and Learning tab, then choose elearning Programs section.

4 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students Page 2 Virus/Malware Protection: Antivirus software is mandatory for connection to the school network. Suggestions of other free software to install: Internet Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox. Plugins: Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Adobe Air, Adobe Shockwave, Java. Video Players: Quicktime Player, VLC Player. Audio Recorder: Audacity. BYOx students are responsible for installing software on their device for learning how to use the operational software installed on their device. Eg Windows, Windows updates, Antivirus operation, etc. Mackay State High School s teachers and ICT Services Centre staff while able to provide basic support for operational software, cannot be conversant in every student s individual software choices. Every student at Mackay State High School is required to agree to the ICT Responsible Use Policy which clearly states that any inappropriate content (eg games, pornographic content, viruses, etc) or unlicensed/pirated software/files will be removed from personallyowned devices before bringing the device to school and such material will not be shared with other students. Subject specific software Students choosing technical subjects will require a device that has slightly higher capabilities than the minimum specifications stated so that software can operate adequately. Parents/caregivers purchasing a new device and expecting the device to suit their student s learning for the next three years, will need to give careful thought to what subjects their student may be interested in studying in the subsequent two years. For example, a Year 7 student will have future choices in Years 8 and 9 elective subjects. A Year 10 student may choose different subjects for Year 11 & 12, than those chosen to study in Year 10. Technical Subjects requiring higher specifications: Information Technology: ICT10 - Information and Communication Technology (Windows operating system only) VID10, VID11, VID12 Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology. Arts: ART10 Art MED09, MED10 Media (Premiere / Photoshop / InDesign) MAR09, MAR10 Multiarts (Premiere / Photoshop) ART11, ART12 Visual Art AIP11 Arts in Practice VAP11, VAP12 Visual Arts in Practice DRA11 Drama DRP11 Drama in Practice FTM11, FTM12 Film, Television & New Media.

5 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students Page 3 Adobe Master Collection software is required in the study of these subjects. Students are advised to access this software through the school for an annual subscription of $25. Students will be assisted by ICT Services Centre staff with the installation of this software. Industrial Technology & Design: **Autodesk software will ONLY work on Windows Devices** ITD08, ITD09 Industrial Technology and Design require Autodesk Inventor AMD08, AMD09, AMD10 Advanced Manufacture and Design require Autodesk Inventor GPH09, GPH10, GPH11, GPH12 Graphics require Autodesk Inventor and Revit CPR10 Construction Practices require Autodesk Inventor (Preferred but not essential) EPR10 Engineering Practices require Autodesk Inventor (Preferred but not essential). These subjects use Autodesk software. The company has made an education version of the Autodesk software available to be downloaded FREE for students. Students will use Inventor and/or Revit software packages. ICT Services Centre staff can assist with this software as it can be a large download. **Autodesk software will ONLY work on Windows Devices** Backing Up As we all know, technology can fail, or be lost or stolen. It is extremely important that students have a backup plan for their data. Mackay State High School advocates a File Management Policy which encourages students to use good file management practices. These procedures include weekly backup to an external device. Backing up of data is the student s responsibility. Care of Device It is the responsibility of parents and students to keep their device in good working order to ensure minimal disruption to learning. It is expected that students bring their device to school each day fully charged. The school is not able to provide the opportunity or the necessary resources to charge devices during the school day. Students MUST BE equipped with pens and paper in instances where they do not have their IT device available (see Stationery Lists). Students should take care to put their device to sleep when moving around, as failure to do so can damage the device and potentially lose files. Case/Carry Bag A strong carry case is a great way to protect your device from accidental damage. Mackay State High School specifications stipulates the use of an appropriate bag or protective case designed to hold a laptop with adequate padding. Please clearly label cases with student s name. Warranty We highly recommend that all devices have warranty which covers the expected life of the device, for example three years. Warranties cover hardware problems caused by faults in manufacturing, such as defective keyboards, screen problems, or other issues with internal components. The warranty covers parts and labour for these repairs. Most manufacturers warranty is only 12 months from date of purchase. Damage to or loss of data is not covered by warranty.

6 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students Page 4 Most manufacturers and retailers offer an extended warranty product. An extended warranty is a way to continue/extend the original term of the warranty and are normally available for purchase at the retail outlet. In most circumstances, they offer good value. Warranty work and repair is usually accessed through your retailer. We strongly encourage you to check, before purchasing, if warranty work is completed locally or requires the device to be sent away. The school cannot provide a loan device when a student s laptop is being repaired (except if device is purchased through Mackay State High School s Acer and Dell portals). Three year extended warranty is included in the price of devices purchased through the Dell or Acer Internet Portals and this warranty work can be conducted at our ICT Services Centre. Students can drop-off and pick-up devices at ICT Services Centre during school hours. This service is provided to assist with an improved turnaround of repairs on student devices. In this case, your student will be provided with a loan laptop while service is carried out. Please refer to the Portals for full details. Insurances Insurances are highly recommended. Some retailers may offer insurances or the device can be covered under your Home Contents insurance. In most instances, you will need to specify the device on the policy. Please check with your insurer. Accidental Damage Coverage: Accidental damage is unfortunately, a common occurrence in schools. When purchasing your device please learn about your options to purchase Accidental Damage protection. This covers your device for accidental damage on and off the school campus. Accidental Damage coverage is available with devices when purchasing through Mackay State High School s Dell or Acer Portals. Claims and repairs can then be made through our ICT Services Centre. Lost or Theft: This protection may also be included in your Home Contents insurance or be available for purchase from your computer retailer or insurance company. Lost or Theft insurance is available for purchase with devices on Mackay State High School s Dell and Acer Internet Portals. Mackay State High School is NOT RESPONSIBLE for loss from damage or theft of an IT device on school property. Repairs and Maintenance All maintenance for the IT device, operating system, software and/or apps purchased by the family are the responsibility of the family. Families should ensure quick maintenance turnaround is available when purchasing student devices, for continuity of learning. All devices purchased through the Dell and Acer Portals, can be dropped-in and picked-up through ICT Services Centre at school for warranty repair issues. This significantly speeds up the turnaround of your device. Students MUST BE equipped with pens and paper in instances where they do not have their IT device available (see Stationery Lists). If students have a connectivity problem, we advise them to see Mackay State High School ICT Services Centre staff to diagnose the fault. If this is not able to be resolved by ICT

7 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students Page 5 Services Centre staff, they can recommend a course of action for repair (eg. warranty claim, insurance claim, etc.) Mackay State High School Equity The Equity Committee s Mission seeks to address and provide a standardised process for addressing issues of equity at Mackay State High School. The committee acknowledges there are a range of equity issues that collectively affect students at Mackay State High School, including but not limited to financial disadvantage. The Equity Committee s position is that any student whose individual case presents a genuine need for assistance should be considered. The Equity Committee exists to evaluate all applications presented in an impartial manner. It is important to note that while the Equity Committee seeks to address equity and social justice issues arising primarily as a result of a student s socio-economic status, the scope of assistance available is limited and cannot address all inequality. Laptop loan program The committee has endorsed the lending of school laptops to students who due to their circumstances would otherwise not have a computer for school. The criteria that applicants will need to address are difficult circumstances and/or disadvantaged financial background. Application forms are available from the Administration Office. Frequently asked questions What are the benefits of BYOx? Allows for differentiated learning. Improved student learning outcomes. Improved collaboration. Gives students great choice and more independence. It creates a model for lifelong learning. Smooth transition between home and school. Allows for 24/7 access. What about security, theft and damage to the physical device? Devices are the sole responsibility of the student. Students ARE RESPONSIBLE for the security of their device. Teachers and other staff will provide secure storage for non-classroom periods, but cannot store or hold on to devices during Break times. Parents are advised to review their insurance policies or purchase cover, to ensure their device is protected for Accidental Damage, and Lost or Theft. A suitable protective carry bag/case for device will reduce the risk of damage. Do I need a warranty? Recommend that the device has warranty for the three year period eg Junior Secondary years. Most retailers offer an extended warranty and/or a retail service plan when purchasing device. Warranty will cover hardware problems that were not caused by the owner, such as defective keyboards and monitor problems. Warranty covers parts and labour for repairs. Extended warranty prevents unexpected financial expense. What is the policy for charging personally owned devices while at school? Devices must be brought to school fully charged. School is not able to provide the opportunity or necessary resources to charge their device during the school day.

8 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students Page 6 Students should be equipped with writing equipment and supplies for the times when their device develops a fault or has no charge. What has to be done before my device is ready to be used at school? BYOx Device Check List pre-purchase or existing device optional. BYOx Connectivity Fee paid by parent and student takes receipt to ICT Services Centre. ICT Responsible Use Policy (ICT RUP) signed by parent and student. BYOx elearning Program Student Charter - signed by parent and student. Submit device to ICT Services Centre and/or attend BYOx elearning Training session for network connection all devices will have 2017 Approved Device sticker attached. Students will be able to access the school network resources after they have completed the above steps, and thus, work in a safe environment. How will my device be connected to the school network? Devices are connected by wireless connection when they are near a Network Access Point (located in every learning area). Students will be required to enter their unique username and password. Technical support will be provided to ensure students can access the secured wireless network. What about internet connection? Education Queensland provides a filtered internet connection in schools for studentowned. Sites blocked through Education Queensland filter are social networks, (eg Facebook, YouTube) and other sites deemed inappropriate in an educational environment. and other communication is also monitored to protect student s privacy, etc. Students should continue to use their own discretion with internet and behave in line with the ICT RUP and the Responsible Behaviour Policy. Teachers will be using internet-based resources Eg EdStudios, Virtual Classrooms, etc. Home internet connection is highly recommended, but is not able to be monitored by Mackay State High School. Parents who would like to know more about Internet Security can find information and resources at the Office of Children s esafety website: Does my student require 3G/4G? Devices with 3G/4G are not recommended. Students are not permitted to use 3G/4G devices at school. What is the policy for printing from personally-owned devices? Students are able to print to the schools multifunction devices from their personallyowned devices once they are connected. Mackay State High School uses printer management software. Students have access to multifunction devices for copying and scanning also. Any further queries please contact us via BYOx@mackayshs.eq.edu.au

9 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students Page 7 Documentation BYOx Device Check List use when purchasing a new device, or used by ICT Services to validate an existing device BYOx elearning Program Student Charter signed by student and parent ICT Responsible Use Policy signed by student and parent 2017 BYOx elearning Program Guide for Parents and Students All documents are available on the Mackay State High School website. Notes: --oooooo--

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11 Mackay State High School BYOx elearning Program Specifications Mackay State High School is primarily a Microsoft Windows-based learning environment. Parents and Students are advised software required for some subjects is Windows-compatible ONLY, and Education Queensland online resources prefer the Windows operating system. Parents of Junior Secondary Students and Senior School Students studying nontechnical subjects only require the minimum specifications and requirements. Minimum Hardware Requirements: HDD 150Gb RAM 4Gb Wireless Network n Screen - 10 Protective Case (mandatory) Backpack with padded laptop compartment, Hard-sided laptop case or Slipcase to provide adequate protection. Backup Device External Hard drive (recommended) or USB Maximum Hardware Requirements (recommended only): RAM 8Gb (Recommended for Technical Subjects) Screen - 14 Purchasing a laptop is an investment in your child s future. To ensure continuity of learning, your investment should be secured by: 3 year Warranty 3 year Accidental Damage Coverage Loss and Theft Insurance. It is highly recommended that screen size and weight be appropriate for your student s Year Level, physical stature and subjects being studied. Software Requirements: All Subjects: Windows: Windows 8 or above Apple: OSX 10.8 or above Antivirus Software (mandatory) Microsoft Office Professional Plus This software is available FREE to students via Mackay State High School website. Microsoft Office Student is not sufficient. Technical Subjects Requirements: (For full details of technical subjects see Pages 2/3) Information Technology and Art subjects require: Adobe Creative Suite 6 Master Collection available ONLY at school - $25 annual fee. Industrial Technology and Design subjects require: Autodesk software Inventor and/or Revit available free by download from Autodesk. **Autodesk software will ONLY work on Windows Devices**