DELL BYOD - Wavell State High School

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Dell in Education

Dell is passionate about education, and has teams of people focused on the education market throughout Australia and the rest of the world.

Dell provides a strong foundation for these efforts that include professional learning for teachers and administrators, access to the right technology for your school district and an efficient IT infrastructure.

Dell is committed to helping our students in Australia use technology to achieve their full potential. Through its ability to stimulate learning on multiple levels, technology can enhance the classroom experience for both teachers and students. If we can inspire students to utilise technology to learn inside the classroom, we might be able to inspire them to use it for learning throughout their lives.
By working closely with educators, Dell has designed technology solutions that help propel students, teachers and schools to a higher level of performance.

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A Look Inside – Dell commercial PC Quality and Reliability: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqpKfZGwGRE

Payment is made directly to Datacom via our secure payment facility. We accept VISA, VISA Debit, Mastercard and Debit Mastercard.

We also accept payment directly to our account by Direct Deposit.

Datacom do not offer finance however there are a number of providers that will offer 6 months interest free for the purchase. An example of this would be GEM finance http://www.gemvisa.com.au/apply.html  

Disclaimer: Datacom are not associated or affiliated with GEM finance or any other credit card provider. Any transaction is purely between your chosen finance provider and yourself and you are advised to read the disclosure statement and terms and conditions from the provider that you have selected.

We already have a computing device at home. Can I use it at school?

Yes, as long as it meets the minimum specifications as determined by Wavell SHS.

Will every device work inside the Education Queensland network?

No. Some devices with low specifications have been found to not connect within the EQ network. These devices may struggle with the security filters used by Education Queensland.

How will I be kept safe online?

When a BYOx device is connected to the BYOx Gateway, student work, including Internet searching will be filtered and monitored through Education Queensland filters and security systems. AB Tutor will also be used at Wavell SHS to monitor the activities of students while working on the BYOx Gateway.

Will the school assist me with network connection settings at school?

Limited assistance with be provided. Students will be provided with a handout of instructions available from the IT Services Department.

Will the school protect the student owned device from virus attacks?

It is a condition of being accepted into the program that the student owned device has a current, compatible anti-virus software installed (for all Windows devices).

Will 3G/4G be permitted on a student owned device?

No. 3G or 4G enabled devices are NOT permitted to be used at school. The school has an effective wireless network available and it is Education Queensland’s policy that, whilst at school, students must use the school web proxy. Personally owned devices with 3G/4G enabled do not provide filtered internet.

Does the school provide software for my BYOx device?

All state school students from Prep to Year 12 can now download multiple free copies of the Microsoft Office 2013 Suite to their personal home and mobile computer equipment. Information on how to do this can be found on The Learning Place.

The provision of other subject specific software, antivirus software or PDF Reader for a personally owned device is the responsibility of the parent/student.

Can I take my BYOx device to the Wavell IT Services Department for repair?

Note: Devices purchased through any of the vendor portals approved by the school will have technical assistance provided by the device manufacturers while covered by warranty.

The Wavell IT Services Department cannot work on a privately owned device purchased through a retail outlet. Limited assistance to connect to the BYOx Gateway will be provided through an instruction handout.

Will I need to bring the device to school every day?

Yes. Teachers are changing the way they teach to take advantage of students having greater access to technology. The new digital platform curriculum means that digital devices will be essential tools in each classroom.

Do I need to bring my charger to school to recharge my device while I am at school?

No. No charging faculties are available at school. All BYOx devices must be brought to school fully charged for each school day. The minimum specifications also state that the batteries of the device must last for at least 6 hours each day.

Note: This is also a safety policy of Education Queensland which requires all chargers to have a current Education Queensland Test and Tag fitted.

How do I protect my BYOx device?

Protective equipment such as bags or cases need to be organised by the parent and student to keep these devices safe while at school, and travelling to and from school. It is the responsibility of the student to look after the device while at school and kept securely and safely in bags. Lockers are not available.

What is deemed inappropriate?

All illegal (unlicensed) software; pirated music or videos; defamatory documents, or images, or any content not suitable for viewing by persons under the age of 18 are deemed inappropriate.

Will the school assist me with home internet connection settings and issues?

No. Your home internet provider or local computer technician can assist you with these enquiries.

Do I need to back up?

Yes. It is the student’s responsibility at all times to back up files. The school assessment policy clearly states that loss of data due to information technology problems is not an acceptable reason for assessment extensions.

How is the device to be kept safe?

It is the student’s responsibility to have to look after their device on their way to and from school and while at school.

Will the classroom teacher be able to provide technical support in class?

No. It is the student’s responsibility to manage any technical issues associated the use of a student owned device. Teachers will not be able to resolve technical issues in class. If a device purchased through a BYOx portal experiences a technical issue, assistance should be organised through the support area of the vendor/manufacturer.

Q & A Responses to Parental Concerns Raised in BYOx Survey

During the BYOx survey of parents in 2014, a number of concerns were raised which were the result of several misunderstandings. These responses will hopefully clarify any misconceptions.

Question:

“I would be very annoyed if people were forced to enter eg. An iPad scheme for $1350 if the family could just send their existing one along.”

Response:

Wavell State High School is currently investigating the development of a new, sustainable model to provide students with access to computers, internet, software and printers through a partnership with parents/guardians. No parent/guardian will be “forced” to join this program.

The BYOx program is being designed to enable students to bring to school a privately owned computing device that meets certain minimum specifications to enable the device to connect to the school network and access resources such as licensed software, internet and school printing devices. The cost structures are yet to be determined for any device provided by the school for students to take home to use but will be based on a three year period and will include components related to insurance, warranty, software and technical support.

Question:

“Given that most kids have their own devices at home, surely technology + free programmes on internet has progressed that they can access school stuff by using what most kids already have at home? Why does everything always cost so much? “

Response:

At Wavell State High School we use quality software that has been endorsed by industry or education as of the highest standard for educational use. A number of our senior subjects require access to special software. As this software is very expensive to purchase from a retail outlet for individual use, we have licencing arrangements in place with software manufacturers that enables us to provide the software for student use on school owned devices throughout the school. With the BYOx program, much of this licenced software will be available for students to use outside of school hours, depending on the licence conditions.

Question:

“Cost is a major factor that affects our family as we are on a very low income. We want the best for all of our children and support this program, however costs need to be manageable for us. “

“It just needs to be affordable and available for all students so no one is disadvantage.”

Response:

Wavell State High School recognises that not all parents are in a position to fund the technology requirements for a BYOx program and is seeking to develop, in consultation with the school community, an equity plan to ensure all students will have access to an appropriate level of technology.

Question:

“I don't believe this (BYOx program) is required.”

Response:

As educators, Wavell State High School staff feel they have a responsibility and a unique opportunity to investigate the challenges and work on solutions to make BYOx a manageable option for students.

A successful BYOx model should provide students with outcomes that include:

• improved student learning outcomes through the use of technology that facilitates learning
• students developing and maturing as digital citizens – embracing digital opportunities and responsibilities
• normalising technology use between the school and home
• greater autonomy in the classroom
• improved motivation and increased engagement
• increased comfort and confidence using a familiar device students can use for learning immediately
• opportunities to collaborate on projects with students from other schools
• using technology that is appealing at home that can also be appealing and interesting in the classroom
• rapid development of technological skills for increased future employability.

Question:

“I 100% support using a device to enhance education outcomes. It could benefit many students. Would be good if the text books could be downloaded. Many schools are already using devices.”

Response:

Education Queensland has been in negotiation with several textbook publishers to come up with a cost effective solution. At present, we receive one individual licence every time we purchase one textbook. No cost effective site licencing solution currently exists. The costs for access to online curriculum resources would continue to be met through the Resource Hire Scheme.

Question:

“I think the school should choose a device and all kids then have the same device. My opinion is the school does a deal with a particular supplier to get the best price and we purchase through the school, that way everything is equal.”

Schools are able to align recommendations made to the community with devices on the Queensland Government preferred supplier arrangement list (QGCPO 861-12). However, the cost savings from a bulk procurement arrangement will not be allowed to be passed on to parents.

Question:

“Just wondering about transporting to and from school as bags are so full and heavy now. Where would they go once at school? I would be concerned about theft and breakage.”

“The BYOx program potentially will result in students having to carry a device in addition to their bag of books, lunch boxes and for some footy or sports gear. The school does not provide lockers to support students in this regard. Some thought should be given to the amount of weight they are expected to carry to school on a daily basis.”

Response:

Wavell State High School is very conscious of the combined weight of student equipment being brought to school in their school bag. Ergonomic, Health and Safety issues and the weight of a BYOx device(s) are recognised and will be addressed within the scope of this program. We are also looking into issues such as storage; security of device while being brought to school, while at school; and while on the way from school; and battery life.

Question:

“Would the $290 resource levy be abolished?

Response:

1. The resource levy exists for students to be able to access a range of resources including textbooks, printed resources, elective subject resources such as; music equipment, sporting equipment, Home Economic machines, industrial technology tools and equipment, computer network infrastructure, library resources, school planners and calendars and a range of other learning resources used in classroom. This is a very cost effective way to provide a well-resourced curriculum. The costs associated with any online text resources downloaded to BYOx would also need to be met by this scheme.

Question:

“I am sure the Australian Government in their election promises stated that each student will receive a computer to do their school work on, I haven’t seen one yet, but have other parents from other schools whose children have received a laptop to use. Where does the funding go if Wavell High School isn’t using the government funding for supplying computers? I have 3 kids, I can’t afford $3000 or more for computers, I can get a basic one for around $500 at any supplier. I do not support BYO devices. They get stolen, broken and or lost. The school should supply all classrooms with basic computing capabilities especially in this day and age.

I thought it was being offered to students in year 11 & 12 already and yet not one of my children have been offered this availability.

This was a program that was implemented by the state government years ago where schools were supplied funds for each child to provide them with a laptop in particular grades. For some unknown reason Wavell chose to spend that funding on other resources and now we are expected to pay for it.”

Response:

The previous Federal Labour Government provided funding to all secondary schools through the National Secondary Schools Computer Fund (NSSCF) to provide all students in Year 9 – 12 with access to a computer device (desktop or laptop) while at school. This funding has now been withdrawn. Schools will now be required to develop innovative programs to provide sustainable access to computers for all students into the future.

With the NSSCF funding, some schools implemented a take home program for their students. The parents who decided to engage in this program were required to pay a levy for additional services (In other schools this ley ranged from $200 to $600 per year depending on the software and support provided). Wavell State High School used our NSSCF funding allocation to provide students at our school with laptop computers and desktop computers. These computers/laptops are located throughout the school so that all of our students and not just students in Years 9 – 12, have access to a computer device. This decision was taken following a survey of parents and receiving overwhelming feedback that most parents were unwilling to pay the additional levy.

A retailer may sell a basic computer for what appears to be an attractive price. However, this device is a personal use device and has a limited warranty for 1 year. Any “extended warranty” will generally have conditions imposed. It is not built as an enterprise device which is more robust and is designed for the type of “use” which students in a school can subject a device to. These devices also carry no insurance. There is generally no after sales service attached to these devices and no “technical support available”. If the device requires servicing it will be sent away for weeks at a time and no loaner device will be provided by the retailer. Once a retailer has made a sale, many really do not want to know you.