Why introduce BYOD?
The learning needs of students in the 21st century are different to those of previous generations. The NZ Curriculum reflects this need with a strong focus on promoting digitally capable, global citizens. Technology is moving at a fast pace and many of the careers we are preparing our students for do not yet exist. Skill-sets no longer revolve around merely learning facts, as this information is now at our fingertips. Digital learning enables teachers and students to access the curriculum in meaningful ways. Using devices and digital literacy at primary school helps our students foster a smoother transition to college.
Why are Chromebooks the preferred device at PBS?
Chromebooks are our preferred device option; many other NZ schools are already using this device and finding it the ideal choice for classrooms. Some of the reasons for this are: a long battery life (requiring no charging throughout the school day), attached keyboard and reasonable size screen, able to get online quickly, lightweight for carrying between home and school. Having one preferred device also increases equity between students e.g. they are all on a level playing field. Chromebooks are also a preferred device at both local Colleges, which means Year 8 students can keep using them through to Year 13. Students will be using Google Classroom as their main learning platform, which enhances their ability to work collaboratively and share work between home and school, teachers, parents and peers.
The Chromebook is designed to get you on the web as quickly as possible. They’re faster, simpler, and more secure than traditional computers. If you’re the kind of person to do everything online, a Chromebook will help you stay connected and get more out of the web.
Parent asked: What makes Chromebooks different?
- All your work is done in a browser.
Send mail, edit photos, create documents — you can do all of these activities in the browser, thanks to thousands of apps on the web. There’s no complicated software to install. - All your stuff is saved on the web.
Everything — your apps, documents, settings — are all stored safely on the web, and not on the device. So you’ll have constant access to your stuff even if you’re using another computer. - You can surf the web anytime, anywhere.
Chromebooks connect quickly to your preferred wireless or wired networks. Some Chromebook models also come with built-in mobile broadband access, so you can get online anywhere you can make a phone call. - Chromebooks start up fast and last all day long.
Chromebooks start up quickly and resume instantly from sleep. Your favorite websites load quickly, with full support for the latest web standards and Adobe Flash. Last but not least, you don’t need to worry about power because the battery lasts all day. - Your device will always be up-to-date.
Each time you turn your Chromebook on, it automatically updates itself with the latest features, hardware and system updates, and anti-virus software. - You can safely share your device, not your information.
People can sign in with their own Google Accounts on your device to access their own Chrome apps, bookmarks, and settings. Or they can browse the web as a guest, without signing in. Either way, your personal files are never accessible outside your account. - You are protected by built-in security.
Each webpage and application you visit runs in a restricted environment. So visiting one page that’s been infected with something malicious can’t affect anything else on your computer. - You won’t need that much RAM.
Since you won’t have client apps to manage, you don’t need that much RAM–everything you’re doing is taken care of by super fast and super secure supercomputers.
The Ministry of Education is clear that children should not be disadvantaged if they lack a device. How will PBS address this?
Finance is something we are aware of and equity is important to us. This is one of the reasons we prefer one device option as it raises equity and provides a level playing field. We will work with families in need and have some school-owned devices on hand for such students.
Buying a Chromebook
Parents are free to buy through such places as Warehouse Stationery, Harvey Norman etc. Wherever you buy from just make sure to ask about warranty and insurance.
How does the school intend to support families who cannot afford BYOC?
Finance is something we are cognisant of, which is why we are happy to have conversations with any family in difficult circumstances. As a Decile 8 school we know that there will be a small number of families who may approach us. The lease contracts offered by Noel Leeming should make this initiative affordable to most, but we will have some devices available at school to ensure equity.
