Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Hagley College strongly recommends all students bring their own device to school to support their learning.

Q: What is BYOD?

A: BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. At Hagley College “Device” refers to a laptop computer. This means that the laptop is owned by the student and goes home with the student at the end of the day.

Q: Does my child have to have their own laptop?

A: Hagley College strongly recommends students bring their own laptop to school. Personal ownership and use of a laptop allows for anytime, anywhere learning and usually much faster access to learning opportunities during class time. Students who cannot bring their own personal laptop to school can apply for a long-term loan laptop via the eLearning Leader. Hagley College also has a limited number of daily loan laptops available.

Q: What if I have recently bought a laptop which does not meet the recommended specifications?

Hagley College recommends a Windows 10 device with the specifications below. However, Hagley College also recognises the financial cost of a new device. If you have purchased a device in the last 18 months or so which does not meet the recommended specifications (such as a Chromebook) you should still be able to carry out the majority of web-based tasks. Thus, until your child settles at school, they may use a Chromebook as their BYOD laptop.

Q: Why can’t my child use a smartphone as their primary device?

A: While smartphones are great as a communication tool, for browsing apps, and are wonderful for taking photos or videos, their small screen and keyboard means their usefulness is limited as a tool for quality learning in a classroom setting. Small screen devices such as cell phones, iPad Minis or similar are not suitable as a primary BYOD device.

Q: How will the laptops be used in the classroom?

A: Student laptops will be used to enhance learning opportunities in class. A laptop can support many positive learning opportunities such as individualised learning, increased opportunities to communicate and create, and enables teachers to provide faster feedback to students. Students will need to access the internet, and internet access will be safe using the Hagley College system. This involves close monitoring and filtering. Different teachers and different learning areas will use technology in various ways. There will be a mixture of face-to-face and laptop-based teaching and learning approaches used.

Q: Will I need to have internet access at home?

A: No, but it is helpful if students do have access to the internet at home. This enables your child access to their work and learning resources online and supports Hagley College’s aim of anytime, anywhere learning.

Q: What about the security of the laptop at school?

A: The safekeeping and security of the laptop rests with the student. Students will need to know where their laptop is at all times and should not leave it unattended. Lockers are available for students to use. During PE, classes’ devices will be kept in a secure space if they are not being used. Arrangements will be made for the secure storage of student laptops for those involved in after school sport. The school cannot be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged laptops. The laptop should be covered by your home contents insurance – please check with your insurer.

Q: Can my child get help from the teacher in learning how to use their laptop?

A: Students will be supported at the beginning of the year to set up and use their laptop at school. After this time, the teacher may be able to help students with basic usage, but this should not be an expectation.

Q: Who will be responsible for trouble-shooting and fixing student devices?

A: Hagley College’s ICT Services Team will assist students with connecting to the College’s
Wi-Fi network. They cannot provide other technical assistance.

Q: What about online safety and cyberbullying?

A: Hagley College students accept and sign the conditions of the school’s Digital Citizenship Agreement upon enrolment. This agreement covers students using BYOD and can be viewed on the Hagley website.

Hagley College regards cyberbullying as a major breach of the College rules and it is dealt with as a serious discipline matter.

Q: What else do I need to know?

A: The laptop should be robust and durable enough to handle school life, but light enough to be easily carried. A suitable bag for protecting and carrying the laptop is essential.

All students get free access to Microsoft Office 365. If you would like to know more about installing this software, please contact the eLearning Leader once school has begun. It is unnecessary to purchase additional anti-malware for Windows 10 devices. The built-in protection for laptops running Windows 10 has, thus far, proven to be suitable.

Q: What are the recommended specifications for a new laptop?

A: General requirements based on our experience and recommendations of device use:

  • A screen size greater than 10”. 13” or larger is recommended.
  • A Windows operating system (Windows 10) is recommended.
  • Wi-Fi to 802.11 a/c standard.
  • A laptop with a touch screen and digital stylus is recommended.
  • A battery that lasts at least 6 hours without needing to recharge during the school day.
  • A protective case or sleeve.

Example laptops that Hagley College have had positive experiences with:

Good

Specification:

  • >10” screen
  • 4GB of RAM (memory)
  • >64GB of SSD (Solid State Storage) – 128GB or above is highly recommended
  • Wi-Fi enabled to standards 802.11 a/c (most modern devices are 802.11 a/c capable)
  • At least 1 USB port

Expect to pay (approx):

  • $650-$850

Better

Specification:

  • 10-13” screen, possibly touchscreen with digital stylus is recommended
  • 4-8GB RAM (memory)
  • >128GB of SSD (Solid State Storage)
  • Wi-Fi enabled to standards 802.11 a/c
  • 1-3 USB ports

Expect to pay (approx):

  • $850-$1300

Best

Specification:

  • >=13” touchscreen with digital stylus
  • Minimum 8GB RAM (memory)
  • 256GB SSD recommended (Solid State Storage)
  • Wi-Fi enabled to standards 802.11 a/c with 2×2
  • 1-3 USB ports, one of which is USB 3

Expect to pay (approx):

  • In excess of $1400

Laptops that meet the above specifications are available from www.cyclone.co.nz (click ‘BYOD’ then choose ‘Hagley College’ and enter the code hcbyod) as well as from computer retail stores.

The Hagley College Digital Citizenship Agreement is available here:

Hagley Digital Citizenship Agreement