2014 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Students attending Lavalla Catholic College will require a
portable computing device to operate in a contemporary
learning environment; for use as a learning tool to enhance
curriculum delivery; for online research for work production
and creation.
Internet is provided on campus via Lavalla’s
network.
We are mindful that many families already have multiple devices, any of
which may be suitable so long as they meet the required specifications as
found in this document. Devices such as: tablets (including iPads),
ultraportable devices and laptops will all be able to connect to Lavalla’s
network. Students who currently own netbooks or laptops may be able to
continue using these for the effective life of the machine.
N.B – The warranty and lease contract for the Dell netbooks managed by
Lavalla Catholic College expires at the end of 2013, consequently the
devices will be out of warranty in 2014 and no longer maintained by
Lavalla’s ICT department.
FAQ’s
What will the devices be used for?
Generally students will need to use their device to access Lavalla’s network
to complete tasks e.g. research, access online text book(s), and complete
writing and graphical tasks. So while a smart phone or tablet might be able
to access this College system, it may not be appropriate for continuous use
when writing an essay for example.
Experience has shown that most students find tablets limiting as a primary
device and laptops are more user friendly. Many students who began Year
7 in 2013 working with tablets have transitioned to laptops during the year.
Please consider a device with a standard keyboard and a generous screen
size to assist with assignment typing, reading articles displayed on the
screen, editing information and the use of software programs such as
Adobe Photoshop, which require fine motor skill/mouse use.
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As some families may prefer to delay spending on a new device, please
note that students may begin the year with an existing iPad and make the
transition to a laptop when they feel it is appropriate.
How will students access Lavalla’s network?
Students will have access to our VMware View environment where we
provide students with a virtual desktop loaded with all the necessary
software required for their studies. Students are also provided with secure
individual passwords to access all the areas available to them. Students are
required to install the Horizon View Client (software) on their devices PRIOR
to the start of the school year. For instructions regarding access to this
free software please refer to: http://www.lavalla.vic.edu.au/2014-BringYour-Own-Device/Installation-Help-Documents/ or go to the Lavalla
website (see 2014 BYOD-Installation Help Documents).
How will the College manage Internet security and suitable
use?
Students accessing Lavalla’s network with their device will have secure and
filtered access to the Internet. Students will still be required to follow
College Internet usage policy, and adhere to College guidelines.
Will these devices be kept secure?
It is also worth considering appropriate storage bags or covers to protect
the devices. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that devices
are secured in their lockers when not in use.
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What happens if the device is faulty?
The device will need to be returned to the supplier and the necessary
repairs made: you should be clear on these arrangements at the time of
purchase. The College may be able to offer a very limited number of laptops
for loan which may be borrowed for use during the school day.
Alternatively, if your child has a faulty device and you have another suitable
device at home, he or she may use this during the repair period, provided
they install the Horizon View Client.
Note: Students using iPads will need their iTunes password in order to
install the Horizon View Client.
What to do if you opt to use a device you already own?
1. Does it meet the minimum operating requirements?
2. Will the battery hold sufficient charge to operate the school day (6
hours)?
3. If this is a shared device, you will need to ensure that any existing
content is school appropriate and will not compromise the
educational use of the computer?
4. To enable the ICT staff to offer support, it may be necessary to
provide the administrator password.
What else may I need?
Insurance, software support (including installation & setup) and
warranty, are to be organised privately: these services for devices will not
be provided by Lavalla. Software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and
others are provided by Lavalla through VMware and available free to all
students.
Access to an internet connection is a requirement for students to be
able to continue their studies when not at school. No SIM Card or Internet
plan is required whilst at school as wireless network & internet are provided
by Lavalla.
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Who can I contact if I need help?
Questions or concerns about this information should be directed to Mr
Lawrence
Sanchez
on
5174
7355
or
via
e-mail
at
Lawrence.Sanchez@lavalla.vic.edu.au.
What devices should families buy?
Families will make their own decisions about what is most appropriate for
their child to use at school. A tablet such as an iPad, is not recommended
to be used as a primary device (especially for senior students attending
Kildare campus) due to the small screen size, and lack of physical keyboard
and mouse.
We ask that you consider:

Screen size - MUST be 10” or bigger. Students spend a large part of
their school time & home study interacting with the device, so a large,
clear screen is important

Weight - As there is potential for user discomfort

Durability - You will need to consider the durability of the device, as
your child will be carrying it to and from school as well as from class to
class

Battery life – Devices need to have more than 6 hours battery life.
Opportunities for re-charging while at school are severely limited. It is
expected that the device is fully charged at the start of every day

Keyboard and stylus for touch screen tablets – A touch screen
keyboard can take up to half of the available display on a tablet device.
Students will require an external keyboard and a pointing device (stylus
or mouse)

External hard drive (recommended) - to backup files on a frequent
basis. This ensures that documents (including school work) are backed
up to an external device
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What type of machine should I consider purchasing?
The following will help you make an appropriate selection when
purchasing a machine or when deciding if a machine you already own will
be suitable.
2014 BYOD Specifications
Windows Laptop/Netbook/Ultrabook Devices
Minimum
Operating
Windows 7 or 8 (32
System
bit)
Memory
4GB
Intel Core i3
Processor Type
AMD Phenom II
CPU Speed
2.4GHz
Storage
500GB
Graphics
Antivirus
Recommended
Windows 7 or 8 (64 bit)
8GB (or more)
Intel Core i5 or higher
AMD A6 or higher
3.0GHz or higher
256GB SSD
Integrated GPU (at least
Integrated GPU (at
256MB)
OR
least 128MB)
Dedicated GPU (at least 1GB)
Students must have Antivirus software installed on
their device, and are required to keep it regularly
updated.
N.B There are many antivirus software products online
which are free for personal use.
Wireless
Connectivity
5.4GHz wireless N is recommended
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Mac Devices
Operating
System
Memory
Processor Type
CPU Speed
Storage
Graphics
Antivirus
Wireless
Connectivity
Minimum
Mac OS X Snow
Leopard 10.6.8
4GB
Intel Core i5
2.5GHz
128GB
Integrated GPU (at
least 128MB )
Recommended
Mac OS X “Mavericks” 10.9
or later
8GB (or more)
Intel Core i5 (or higher
3.0GHz or higher
256GB or higher
Integrated GPU with at
least 256MB memory
5.4GHz wireless N is recommended
iPad tablets
Minimum
iPad model
iPad (1st generation)
Operating System
iOS 4.2
Storage
16GB
Wireless Connectivity 5.4GHz wireless N is
Recommended
iPad (5th generation)
iOS 7.0 or higher
32GB or higher
recommended
Things to Consider:

iPad minis do not meet minimum device specifications due to
screen size (7”). We strongly recommend against purchasing
an iPad Mini (as a primary device)

iPad tablets do not have the ability to connect to external devices
such as a mouse, USB or a hard disk
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Android tablets
Operating
System
Storage
Wireless
Connectivity
Minimum
Android 3 (Honeycomb)
or later
4GB
Recommended
Android 4.4 (KitKat) or
later
8GB
5.4GHz wireless N is recommended
Microsoft Surface tablets
Surface model
Operating System
Storage
Wireless
Connectivity
2014 BYOD SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum
Recommended
Surface RT
Surface Pro
Microsoft Windows 8 Microsoft Windows
RT
8
32GB
64GB or higher
5.4GHz wireless N is recommended
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