BYOx 2015 Guide for Parents and Students
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2016 BYOx
Victoria Park State
School
eLearning Program
Bring Your Own Device/Software
Guide for Parents and Students
2016 BYOx eLearning Program Guide for Parents and Students
Page 1
What is BYOx?
Bring Your Own ‘x’ (BYOx) means exactly that: students bring their own digital devices to
school for the purpose of learning. So instead of using school-owned ICT, students use their
own. The ‘x’ in BYOx represents more than just a privately-owned device, it also includes
software, applications, connectivity and appropriate behaviours. At Victoria Park State
School, students are able to bring an IT device that best supports their learning needs and
meets, and meets the school’s specifications and requirements.
At Victoria Park State 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.
Victoria Park State 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.
Minimum IT Device Specifications
The table on the next page, lists the recommended specifications and requirements for
devices and software to meet your student’s education.
The table should assist you in purchasing a suitable device to support your student’s
technology needs.
PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS CHOOSING TECHNICAL SUBJECTS NEED DEVICES WITH
HIGHER SPECIFICATIONS. See page 2 and 4 for more details.
If you have questions about whether a specific model computer will meet the requirements
please feel free to contact the school.
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eLearning Program Specifications and Requirements
BYOx Program
Core
Requirements
Operating
System
Windows 7 (SP1)
or above
Hardware
802.11n Wireless; Minimum 10” screen
Software
Microsoft Office 365 1; Virus Protection 2.
Other
Protective Case
Hardware
We Recommend
1.
2.
3.
4.
1 to 1 Program
There is an
annual fee for
this option
4GB RAM
(8GB Recommended)
Physical keyboard; Mouse; External Backup Device; 3 year Warranty;
3 Year Accidental Damage Coverage;
Loss and Theft Insurance. 4.
Microsoft Office 365 is available free to students via download. Full details on Victoria Park SS web site.
Symantec Antivirus is available to Education Queensland students at $9.99 for 12 months or $29.99 for 36 months. Full details on Mackay SHS web site.
If laptop does not have dedicated Graphics card then 8GB of RAM is strongly recommended to assist with performance in these subjects.
Victoria Park State School accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to a student’s personal equipment. This options are highly recommended.
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Choosing your Device
We understand and appreciate the uncertainties that may be associated with choosing the
best device for your student. To assist parents, we have partnered with three companies to
provide a range of specialised Education friendly devices and accessories which meet
Mackay SHS specifications and requirements. Most of the devices available through these
portals are specifically designed for use in schools and are not available through the normal
retail outlets. The portals are:

Dell
https://myschoolshop.qld.datacom.com.au/vpss
Access Key:

Acer

JB Hi-Fi
vicpark
www.jbeducation.com.au/byod
PIN: BYOD2016
login: vpss2016
Alternatively, many local retailers can provide devices which meet the Victoria Park State
School’s eLearning specifications and requirements.
The school provides a BYOx Device Check List document 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 technical approval. It can be delivered
to the school or emailed.
Should you have any specific questions in regards to a particular device please consult or
email our ICT Services staff and they will be happy to assist you.
Software
BYOx students are required to provide their own software (a word processor,
spreadsheet, presentation, Microsoft One Note and virus protection software) for their
personal device.
Microsoft Office 365 is available FREE to students via download. Information on how to do
this is available on the Victoria Park SS web site.
Suggestions of other software to install:
Internet Browsers:
 Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera.
Plugins:
 Adobe Flash Player, Reader, Air, Shockwave.
Video Players:
 Quicktime Player, VLC Player.
Audio Recorder:
 Audacity.
Virus/Malware Protection:
Symantec Antivirus is available to Education Queensland students at $9.99 for 12 months or
$29.99 for 36 months. Full details on Victoria Park SS web site.
Other alternatives:
 360 Internet Security, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus, avast! Free Antivirus, AVG Antivirus
FREE, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, Comodo Internet Security Premium.
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BYOx students are responsible for learning how to operate and use any software installed
on their device. This type of software support is not provided by Victoria Park State School’s
staff.
The ICT Responsible Use Policy clearly states that any inappropriate content (e.g. games,
pornographic content, viruses, etc) or unlicensed/pirated software/files will be removed from
personally-owned devices before bringing the device to school and such material will not be
shared with other students.
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.
At Victoria Park SS, we have a File Management policy which encourages students to use
good file management practices and included in these procedures is weekly backing up to
an external device. Backing up of data is the student’s responsibility.
Care of Device
It is the responsibility of families 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 power 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).
Each student’s device must be clearly labelled with the student’s name. Students should
take care to put their device to sleep when moving around, as failure to do so can damage
the Hard Drive and potentially lose files.
Case/Carry Bag
A strong carry case is a great way to protect your device from accidental damage like drops.
Victoria Park SS 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 recommended that all devices are covered by warranty which extends over the
student’s use of the device at Victoria Park SS, for example three years. Warranties cover
hardware problems that were not caused by the owner, such as defective keyboards,
monitor problems, or other issues with internal components. The warranty only covers the
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.
Some manufacturers will offer an extended warranty. An extended warranty is a way to
continue/extend the original term of the warranty and most often adds more to the purchase
price of your new laptop. Extended warranties are normally offered by the retail outlet where
you are purchasing the device. They offer good value in most circumstances.
Warranty work and repairs are usually done through your retailer or service agent and are
not conducted by Victoria Park SS. 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.
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Victoria Park State School Portals: extended warranty is included in the price of
devices purchased through the Dell and Acer Portals. Extended warranty is available
to be added to devices purchased through the JB Hi-Fi Portal. Most warranty and
repair 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. Please refer to
the Portals for full details.
Insurance
Insurance is highly recommended. Some retailers may offer insurance or the device may
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: 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. Please note, Accidental Damage coverage is
available for purchase with devices on Victoria Park State School’s Dell and Acer Portals.
Lost or Theft: This protection can be included in your Personal or Home Contents
insurance. The insurance may also be purchased with your computer retailer or any
insurance company. Please note, Lost or Theft insurance is available for purchase with
devices on Victoria Park State School’s Dell and Acer Portals.
Victoria Park State 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 for student devices. All devices purchased through the Dell and Acer
Portals, can be dropped-in and picked-up through the school for repair issues. Most
devices purchased through the JB Hi-Fi Portal can be dropped-in and picked-up
through the school for repair issues. This should significantly speed 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 report the problem to Victoria
Park State School ICT Services staff to diagnose the fault. If this is not able to be resolved
by ICT Services staff, they can recommend a course of action for repair (e.g. warranty claim,
insurance claim, etc.)
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of BYOx?








Allows for personalised 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
Supplements school resources and equipment
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What about security, theft and damage to the physical device?


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Devices are sole responsibility of the student
The school accepts no responsibility for security or safety of the device. 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 to ensure their device is
covered outside the home for Accidental Damage, and Lost or Theft.
Parents to provide a suitable protective carry bag/case for device
Do I need a warranty?





Recommend that the device has some form of warranty for the three year period e.g.
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 generally covers parts and labour for repairs.
What will your student use while warranty issue is being fixed?
What is the policy for charging personally owned devices while at school?



Devices must be brought to school fully charged.
School is not responsible to provide an opportunity or necessary power to charge
their device during the school day.
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?

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


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BYOx Device Check List – pre-purchase or existing device – optional.
BYOx Connectivity Fee – paid by parent and student takes receipt to ICT Services.
ICT Responsible Use Policy (ICT RUP) – signed by parent and student.
BYOx eLearning Program Student Laptop Charter - signed by parent and student.
Submit device to ICT Services and/or attend BYOx eLearning Training session for
network connection – all devices will have 2016 Approved Device sticker attached.
Students will be able to access the school network resources after they have
completed the above steps.
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?



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The standard DETE filter which is currently provided on the school network will apply
to student-owned devices when they are connected at school as per the ICT
Responsible Use Policy.
Sites blocked through DETE filter are social networks, (e.g. Facebook, YouTube) and
other sites deemed inappropriate in an educational environment.
Students should continue to use their own discretion with internet and behave in line
with the ICT RUP and Responsible Behaviour Policy.
Teachers will be using internet-based resources E.g. EdStudio, Virtual Classrooms,
etc.
Home internet connection is highly recommended, but is not able to be monitored by
Victoria Park SS. Parent who would like to know more about Internet Security can
find information and resources at the Office of Children’s eSafety website:
https://esafety.gov.au/esafety-information
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Does my student require 3G/4G?


It is expensive and not utilised a lot in learning
Not recommending devices with 3G/4G. If device has 3G/4G, students will not be
permitted to use this at school.
What is the policy for printing from personally owned devices?


Students will continue to use a printer control software - Papercut.
Students will continue to print in class and collect their printouts and deliver to
teachers in Break times.
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 Laptop Charter – signed by student and parent

ICT Responsible Use Policy – signed by student and parent

2016 BYOx eLearning Program Guide for Parents and Students
All documents will be uploaded to the Victoria Park SS website.
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Notes:
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