What is BYOD?
Portland Secondary College has implemented the BYOD program since 2016. Digital technologies are dramatically changing how we educate our students and with increased access to electronic devices such as laptops, netbooks or convertible 2-in-1 devices students can leverage learning that is interactive, differentiated and collaborative. The explosion of online information enables our students to interact with and create high quality content, resources and tools.
Why does my child need a computer?
BYOD provides students and families with the latest technology, software and support to afford our students the greatest opportunity to succeed in their schooling by allowing greater engagement and involvement in their learning. Students will learn to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, practices and attitudes necessary to be an engaged and robust 21st century citizen who is capable of shaping our future.
1:1 programs (a personal device for each student) are part of an international move towards individualising learning, which can increase independence and self-initiated learning in students and extend their learning beyond the classroom. Students who have their own computers have been found to take greater pride and ownership over the knowledge they create, with a flow-on effect of extending formal learning communities to include parents or carers, siblings and other people important in students’ lives.
What does this mean for my family?
BYOD allows students to use a device chosen by them as a principle 1:1 device at school. Portland Secondary College will provide access to the wireless network and the Internet for the principle 1:1 device but will not provide any hardware support.
Cost to Families
BYOD has a cost for the family. Families can purchase from any vendor although we do have local providers who all supply devices which meet the college’s recommended specifications.
Recommended devices
- Laptop
- Netbook
- Convertible 2-in-1 device
iPads and tablets are NOT permissible for use at PSC as a primary device. They can be used as a secondary device if the primary device is damaged/being repaired or replaced with prior arrangements from the Student Engagement Level Leader.
BYOD ‘Bring Your Own Device’ Program Device Specifications
If you are purchasing a device that is not on the list of recommended devices in the BYOD Information Booklet, it must meet all of the following specifications (or above):
Hardware Specifications
Type – Laptop, Netbook or Convertible 2-in-1 device
Processor – Minimum Core i3 CPU
Storage – Minimum 256GB (Solid State Drive SSD/HDD)
Memory – Minimum 8GB RAM
Software Specifications
Operating System;
- Microsoft Windows 10 or 11
- Apple Mac Monterey 12.6 or newer
- Note: Android, Windows RT, Windows 10 S and Chrome based devices are intentionally omitted from the Hardware Specification as they are not suitable devices for use at PSC.
Office Suite – Microsoft Office 365 (Windows/Mac is available free to PSC Students)
Security/Antivirus – Windows – Please ensure Windows is kept up to date as the built-in antivirus is updated with Windows updates.
Security/Antivirus – Mac OS X – Please ensure Mac OS X is kept up to date
Please CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Microsoft Office 365 Factsheet.
Please CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Microsoft Office 365 Acceptable Use Agreement Form.
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