The increasing availability of personal mobile devices has accelerated the demand for new models of learning. Bring Your Own Approved Device (BYOAD) has become a prominent technological trend in education. This approach is widely adopted in the world to empower students by allowing them the freedom to bring their own personal devices to support educational objectives.
This policy is in line with Beaconhouse’s commitment to providing contemporary, technology-driven education that equips students for success in the digital era. The primary objective of this policy is to foster an environment where students are encouraged to utilise their personal devices enabling seamless integration of technology into the classroom, ensuring equitable access to educational tools, promoting innovation and personalised learning experiences for all.
The policy aims to accomplish the following goals:
- Transitioning Instructional Methods: Shifting towards more engaging and self-directed learning approaches that prioritize student-centred learning, inquiry-based learning, authentic learning experiences, and digital citizenship, with a focus on skills-based education.
- Emphasising 21st Century Learning: Prioritising critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and global and cultural awareness within the education system.
- Increasing Digital Access: Promoting 1:1 computing to ensure every student has access to a digital device and encouraging the use of digital technologies to achieve educational goals.
Implementing the BYOAD policy fosters a sense of responsibility among students and staff.
DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS
Students are expected to bring their personal computing devices to school. Chromebooks stand as the sole permitted devices due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The minimum specifications necessary for a student Chromebook to ensure optimal performance and compatibility are:
- Laptop type: Chromebook
- Operating System: ChromeOS
- Processor: Intel Celeron or better
- RAM: 4 GB or more
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- Storage: 32 GB or more
- Display: 10″+ HD (1366×768) or higher
- Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date: 2027 or higher Auto Update policy – Chrome Enterprise and Education Help (google.com)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB ports, HDMI port
- Battery Life: 8-12 hours
- Charger: Type C preferred
- Additional Features: Integrated webcam, built-in mic & speakers
Please note that the specifications mentioned above may be subject to change due to technological advancements. The responsibility for purchasing a suitable device lies with the parents or guardians, and the school does not endorse any particular brand or vendor. Additionally, please be aware that the school does not provide technical assistance for device maintenance or repair. The device owner, along with the parent or guardian, is responsible for data management and device maintenance.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUIDELINES
It is advised that students and their parents/guardians thoroughly read and comprehend the following responsibilities and guidelines before registering their devices for the school’s Bring Your Own Approved Device (BYOAD) programme:
1) Device Compatibility and Specifications: Students are responsible for ensuring that their personal devices meet the approved specifications provided above by the school. Devices should be compatible with the school’s network and software resources.
2) Device Registration or Authentication: Students must register their Chromebooks for connectivity to the school network. The school will format the devices to comply with policies and ensure security. After registration, students will receive login credentials for device usage at school and home. Device activities are monitored to maintain a secure learning environment. Students should keep authentication credentials confidential and must not share them. Parents or guardians must complete and submit the “Device registration and consent form” to confirm agreement on implementing appropriate device authentication measures.
If a student changes their device, it is essential to notify the school. The school will then follow the same process for the new device to ensure authentication credentials are set up accordingly.
3) Device Security and Maintenance: Students are responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of their personal devices, including installing necessary updates and security patches. Devices should have up-to-date antivirus software to protect against malware and other security threats.
4) Responsible Device Usage: Students should use their personal devices solely for educational purposes within the school premises. Devices should not be used for unauthorised activities, such as accessing inappropriate content, engaging in cyberbullying, or violating the school’s code of conduct. Students should use the school-provided storage lockers to keep their devices safe and secure when they are not being used.
5) Network Connectivity and Access: Students must connect their personal devices to the school’s Wi-Fi network as per the instructions provided by the school. The school reserves the right to monitor and manage network usage to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. Use of social media or messaging applications, including but not limited to Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, is restricted on the school network. YouTube is also inaccessible to students; however, students will be able to view YouTube instructional videos posted by teachers on Google Classroom.
6) Data and File Management: Students are responsible for organising and managing their files on their personal devices. Regular backups of important files should be maintained to prevent data loss.
7) Compliance with Tools on Digital Toolkit: The BYOAD programme requires students to use digital tools provided by the school or approved by teachers when using their personal devices for academic purposes. They should understand the tool’s features and limitations, maintain device security, respect intellectual property rights, seek help for technical issues, and be cautious with personal information.
8) Respect for Others’ Devices and Privacy: Students should respect others’ privacy and personal belongings and must not access or use others’ personal devices without permission.
9) Reporting Issues and Technical Support: Students should promptly report any technical issues or malfunctions with their personal devices to the parent and/or guardian. The teacher can provide assistance by allowing a student to borrow a device in accordance with the duration in the school policy, that is, for no more than 3 days.
10) Compliance with School Policies and Code of Conduct: To affirm their commitment to abide by the school’s policies and code of conduct while using personal devices, students are provided with a “Student Agreement Form.” This form must be read and submitted by the students. It will serve as a confirmation of their agreement to comply with the school’s policies and code of conduct in relation to the usage of personal devices.
