E-Learning and BYOD

Learning Vision

Learning at St. John’s College is engaging and personalised. Young men at St. John’s College develop competencies to enable them to become:
* confident,
* self-directed,
* collaborative learners through the effective use of ICT, and
* ethical and responsible users of ICT.

What is the “D” in BYOD?

For the purposes of BYOD, the “D” stands for any technology that is a privately owned personal, portable computing device which is wireless capable. This includes laptops, netbooks and tablets. A mobile phone, on it’s own, is not considered a suitable device for learning.

Minimum device specifications:

Operating system:     Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android
Screen size:                   At least 11 inches
Battery life:                  5 hours (continuous use)
Wireless capable       802.11 n/ac
Keyboard:                     external (Recommended)
Memory (RAM):       4 GB
Internal storage:     64 GB

In the case of tablets we recommend that the student have an external keyboard that can connect to the tablet.

 

Recommended Device

  • Operating system:   Windows 10 or MacOS
  • Touch screen capable – This allows students to use a stylus to write on their screens allowing them to annotate notes and diagrams easily.
  • Screen size:                11 inches to 15 inches
  • Battery life:                6 hours (continuous use).
  • Keyboard:                  External keyboard
  • Memory (RAM):       4 GB
  • internal storage:     128GB

 

St. John’s College uses Microsoft Office 365, which is free for schools.  This enables all our students to download the Office suite of programs onto their device for FREE. Students are able to download the software to a maximum of 5 devices.

Instructions for downloading Office Apps to your laptop

The school has a Windows server and uses Microsoft 365. We therefore recommend Windows based devices or  Apple laptops/tablets (MacOS).  We do not recommend Chrome Books, but if a student has a Chrome Book, it must be one that can download and run the Android version of the Office Apps. The Office Mobile Apps can be installed  through the Google Play Store. Chrome Books will run on our network, but if students cannot download the Office apps, they will only have access to the online apps which have less functionality.

All devices must have a protective carry case to minimize the risk of damage.

Digital Citizenship

Part of our learning vision at St John’s is that our young men become ethical and responsible users of ICT. In line with this vision, each student and their parent/caregiver is required to complete and return the College’s digital citizenship agreement.

Digital Citizenship Agreement

 

St John’s College App

The St John’s College phone app can  be downloaded from the appropriate app store. You will receive alerts for important reminders and notifications as well as being able to access other school information such as the school calendar and sports draws.

Frequently Asked Questions – Students

Q: I brought my personal device to school to use in the classroom, but my teacher said I couldn’t use. Can I still use my device?

A: The teacher in the classroom has the final say on procedures in the classroom. If he or she asks you not to use your device, then you should follow those directions.

Q: I need to print something, is this allowed?

A: Yes. You will need to run a set-up programme to install the school printers on to your device. Printer Setup instructions.

Q: My personal electronic device was stolen when I brought it to school. Who should I contact about this?

A:  Bringing your personal technology to school does have some risks. It is always a good idea to record the device’s serial number in case of theft. Some devices also have a locator application – it is recommended that this is enabled. St Johns College is not responsible for the theft of any personal technology, nor is it responsible for any damage done to a device while at school. Theft or vandalism of any kind should be reported immediately to the Deputy Principal (Pastoral) so the appropriate action can take place. Damage to, or theft of, a personal device is solely the responsibility of the owner.

Q: Am I still held accountable to the Cybersafety agreement I agreed to, even though this is my own personal device?

A: Yes. The school cybersafety policy remains in effect even when you are using your own device at school. Violating the terms of the agreement is a violation of the student code of conduct and will be dealt with by the Assistant Principal.

Q:Will there be a penalty to my grade if I do not have my own personal, portable computer?

A: Not having a laptop may impact your learning which may indirectly affect your level of achievement.  If you cannot afford a laptop, the school will endeavour to lend you one.

Q: I have my device with me in class. How do I get on the Internet?

A: Most devices will detect a wireless access point when you are near one, and will prompt you to join the network identified. A network password key will be emailed to you which will give you access to the St John’s wireless network. The wireless connection is named “SJC_BYOD-students”.

 

Frequently Asked Questions – Parents

Q: Is it required that my son use the school wireless? Can they use their own 3G, 4G or 5G service?

A:  Students with a personally owned device need to use the BYOD wireless network. While at school, students are not allowed to use their personal 3G/4G/5G service to access the internet or download data. This is to do with cyber safety and security.

Q: My son is bringing a device to school for instructional purposes. Will they have access to things they normally do with school equipment?

A: Your son will have access to any of the web-based software the College currently uses (Microsoft 365, library search tools etc.). It must be noted that software may run differently on different devices for varying reasons. In addition to this, different platforms will use different applications to do the same thing.

Q: As a parent / caregiver am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device, etc.) to my child’s device?

A: Virus protection and device location software is recommended.

Q: How will my son’s device be used in the classroom?

A: The learning vision is to challenge students with personalised learning experiences using ICT. Therefore, ICT will be used in the teaching and learning process. However, it is important to realise that teachers are learning focused not device focused, so there will be times when the use of ICT is not appropriate.

Q: How much instructional time will be spent using ICT?

A: This will vary from class to class and on a day-by-day basis. Refer to the answer above.

Q: With all these devices around, is there going to be a problem with theft?

A: BYOD is happening in many schools and the reports are that theft is not an issue when an entire year level has a device. Many students currently have phones which are more expensive than the devices we recommend, and we have very few problems with the theft of phones.

Q: I’m concerned that my child will break a device, drop it or lose it?

Answer: We recommend a protective case for all laptops and insurance cover. Most people look after their expensive electronic equipment like phones, so this expectation extends to laptops. As our young men get older they will be given expensive equipment and it is up to them to look after it.