Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is being implemented across many Dept of Ed. schools across the state. The BYOD program recognises that technology and choices about technology are very much personal and acknowledges technology in education means more than meeting specific curriculum requirements. BYOD is designed to give freedom to make technology choices that suit you and all your circumstances.
Barrenjoey has successfully implemented a BYOD model to support the teaching and learning needs of our students and our school.
There are specifications that need to be met in order to make the devices useful in the classroom, e.g. for a device to have access to the school’s network there is a minimum standard for device connectivity.
There are a significant range of devices that are on the market that will meet a range of budgets and purposes. Some of the current generation of devices however don’t meet the crucial component of the BYOD experience - connectivity to the internet.
Wireless Capability
Every public high school in NSW has been equipped with a robust and centrally managed wireless network to allow staff and students to connect. The DEC wireless network installed in high schools only operates on the 802.11n 5Ghz standard. Make sure it supports both “a” and “n”.
- Devices with 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n 2.4Ghz only will not be able to connect.
- ·We recommend purchasing new devices or cards with 802.11ac, dual-band wireless cards. This is only a desirable requirement.
Recommended devices for use at school include PC Laptops, Notebooks and Ultrabooks as well as Apple Macbook products. With the introduction of Google Apps to Barrenjoey, students will also be able to use a Chromebook device at School.
Again we recommend purchasing new devices or cards with 802.11ac, dual-band wireless cards. This is only a desirable requirement.
Free software is available for NSW DOE Students through their Student Portal.