BYOD FAQ’s
TOOWOOMBA
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Established 1875
What is the reason behind moving to a
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model for
technology?
The last decade has seen a fundamental change in how
technology is used in all aspects of life, including the
classroom. Students have access to a wide range of mobile
computing devices and have developed increasingly
sophisticated ways of using this technology to work,
study, communicate, and locate information. Each boy
has different backgrounds and preferences in their use of
technology, and are much more likely to be effective users
of technology when they have access to a device of their
choice. This model also allows parents greater flexibility
in purchasing a computer to suit their budget and family
circumstances.
When does it become compulsory for students
to bring a computer to School?
The following table will summarise the computing
requirements for Senior School students over the next two
years:
Year
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Students Students Students Students Students
Year 12
Students
2017
BYOD
Optional
BYOD
Optional
BYOD
BYOD
BYOD
Current
Arrangement
2018
BYOD
Optional
BYOD
Optional
BYOD
BYOD
BYOD
BYOD
Note: This table gives an indication of our current planning it will be reviewed annually as the technology environment
evolves.
How long does the device need to last?
Students in Year 12 in 2017 should continue to use the
laptop or tablet device that they received in Year 9. If
for whatever reason a student in one of these year levels
wished to bring a different device with them to School,
this would be acceptable, however, families would need to
continue to pay the technology levy to cover the lease of
the School-issued device until the end of Year 12. Students
who are bringing their own device to School may elect to
update this device at their expense as often as they please,
so long as their device continues to meet the minimum
specifications. A quality-built and well maintained device
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could be expected to have a useful lifespan of up to four
years; the component most likely to limit the lifespan of
the device is the battery. Boys would be well advised to
select a device with high battery life and to ensure that the
computer can be used for the entire day without the need
for recharging. Many laptops released after January 2014
have internal components that provide such extended
battery life.
My family does not have sufficient time or
expertise to select and purchase a device. Is
there a “default” option available?
Each year, following the review of minimum specifications,
the School IT Committee will research and select a number
of devices from trusted suppliers that would represent a
safe and reliable option for families who are concerned
about selecting a suitable option themselves. This option
may be particularly appealing for Boarders, who may have
greater difficulty in purchasing their own device from an
off-site vendor.
What if the device breaks? Will the IT Support
Department be able to fix it?
The IT Support Department will always be willing to help
students to troubleshoot problems on their computers,
regardless of whether the device is School-supplied or
purchased elsewhere. Most minor technical problems
will be able to be resolved in this way. However, if there is
a more substantial issue with the device such as a faulty
or broken component, then families would have to seek
redress under the warranty terms of the purchase.
Parents should ensure that the purchase of their son’s
computer includes a sufficient warranty provision, and
they are also advised to investigate whether the device
is covered under their Home and Contents insurance for
accidental damage. Further options for insuring the device
will be suggested by the School over the coming months.
What software is required to be purchased?
The only proprietary software required to be purchased
on a device would be the operating system, which would
usually be pre-installed on newly-purchased computers, as
well as an anti-virus program. The annual technology levy
will continue to cover licenses for essential software such
as Microsoft Office, as well as subject-specific software. To
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clarify, there would be no need for parents to purchase a
retail version of Microsoft Office for the computer, as this
license would be provided by the School.
Why are Apple iPads now compulsory?
Apple iPad devices are included in the booklist for all Senior
School students from Year 7 to Year 12. The primary reason
for this is that the Senior School is transitioning to electronic
textbooks and curriculum resources. Electronic textbooks
(or eBooks) have several advantages over traditional
books. Firstly, the ease of storing all resources on a single
lightweight device such as an iPad means that the boys will
have a greatly reduced weight in their School bags (which
is a health and safety issue that has been of concern for
some time). Secondly, electronic books open up exciting
possibilities such as dynamic content, interactive features,
and web links. In addition, the iPad makes it easy to record
audio and video, and to use these recordings in projects
and assignments. Students will also be able to access
an increasing number of outstanding educational apps
which will augment our traditional curriculum offerings.
Finally, although we recognise that the cost of the iPad
device represents an additional expense, the vast majority
of textbooks are heavily discounted in electronic form,
meaning that these savings will almost certainly cover the
additional cost of the device over its useful lifespan.
How will eBooks work?
Campion Education, the textbook provider for Toowoomba
Grammar School, are leaders in eBook technology.
They have developed their own iPad app which will
allow students to access all electronic books in a single
location. In most cases, students will have access to their
eBooks for the length of time that they are enrolled in a
subject. Various departments in the Senior School are
also investigating the option of creating their own custom
textbooks. In some subjects, it is anticipated that the
enormous volume of information available on the iPad will
obviate the need for traditional textbooks.
How should my son set up his Apple ID?
It is recommended that students set up an individual iTunes
account. Instructions on how to do this on a computer or
iPad can be found on the Apple support website.
How does my son set up an iTunes account if
they are under the age of 13?
If students are under the age of 13 a parent is required
(by Apple) to set up their child’s iTunes account for them.
Parents need to use their own date of birth during the set
up process. They should also use the student’s personal
email address (the school address is a good option) and
an iTunes gift card, not a credit card. To set up an iTunes
account (Apple ID) without a credit card see this Apple
support article. It is also important that parents actively
monitor the apps (and other media) that students are
putting on their iPad.
Toowoomba Grammar School
(Please see Recent News in Question 12, as there is a new
Family sharing feature in iOS8)
Can students use a family iTunes account?
Many families will already have an iTunes Account. However,
it is important that students create their own iTunes
Account. The iPad is a personal computing device and
it is important that students learn to manage their own
technology. (If students already have their own personal
iTunes account they may continue to use that).
Students should create a new Apple ID using their personal
or school email address ([email protected]). This is
important for using individual based tools like iCloud which
can backup student work to the cloud.
Family Sharing allows up to six people to share iTunes
purchases, including apps, music and movies, provided the
same credit card is linked to each iTunes account. Families
using the feature will also be able to access each other’s
calendars, reminders and photos.
Parents will also be able to control their children’s
purchasing ability. Children who have a parent’s credit card
connected to their iTunes account must ask permission
from the cardholder before making a purchase.
How will students know which iPad belongs to
them?
Parents are encouraged to affix a label or write the student
name with a permanent marker on the iPad cover or on the
back of the iPad itself. Students are also encouraged to set
a passcode lock to their iPad so that only they can access it.
Please note that if the passcode lock is forgotten then the
iPad needs to be erased. Parents are encouraged to keep a
copy of their child’s password for safe keeping. It is possible
to have iPads engraved. This is an option that some families
may choose to pursue.
Does my son’s iPad require a cover?
It is essential that student iPads are brought to school in a
cover for protection. Please ensure that the cover protects
both the front and back of the iPad.
Do I have to get the latest version of iPad?
It is recommended that when purchasing an iPad, the
latest version be purchased. We expect a new iPad will
last students for 3 years. If an earlier model iPad is already
owned then this is fine to use. Please note that earlier model
iPads would not be expected to last students for as many
years.
Can my son use an iPad Mini?
Because one of the primary purposes of using the iPad in
Senior School subjects will be as a textbook replacement,
we do not recommend the iPad Mini. Although it may
be compatible with the apps and resources required for
lessons, the size of the screen makes it difficult to read
large-format textbooks. If your son already has an iPad Mini,
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to avoid the expense associated with purchasing a new
device, it may be worthwhile for him to trial the iPad for
reading textbooks. If he needs to purchase a new device in
the future, a full-size model is recommended.
How often should an iPad be charged?
It is expected that students will bring an iPad to school with
enough charge to see them through the day. As such it is
recommended that iPads are charged overnight prior to
each school day.
Can I insure my iPad?
Like any device it may be wise to include the student’s iPad
as a nominated item on your house and contents insurance
policy. Please discuss this with your insurance provider.
Should we purchase AppleCare?
Every iPad comes with complimentary telephone technical
support for 90 days from your iPad purchase and a one year
warranty. AppleCare is an extended warranty program
from Apple. With the AppleCare Protection Plan, you can
extend your service coverage to two years from the iPad
purchase date. We have found that if there is going to be
a manufacturing fault with an iPad, it will undoubtedly
rear its head within the first year and for this reason we
do not recommend purchasing AppleCare. This is merely
a recommendation and families are welcome to purchase
AppleCare if they would like to do so.
I am concerned that my student is using their
iPad inappropriately.
All use of technology by students at Toowoomba Grammar
School is bound by the Acceptable Use Agreement. The
use of iPads in class will be actively monitored by teachers.
Misuse of an iPad will be treated the same as any other
distracting activity and normal classroom discipline rules
will apply. The Internet at Toowoomba Grammar School is
also filtered to block any inappropriate content.
At home if you would like to limit your child’s iPad use to a
single app you can enable ‘Guided Access’ – this temporarily
restricts an iPad to one particular app and may assist
students to stay focused on a task. Go here to learn more.
Parents are encouraged to restrict the use of technology
at home to shared rooms, for example the living room or
dining room (not bedrooms). Another option for concerned
parents is to enable restrictions on their students iPad. You
can enable and adjust Restrictions on the device to prevent
access to specific features or content on the iPad. Locate
these settings by tapping Settings > General > Restrictions.
More information can be found here.
If you would like to filter all Internet content specifically
on your Child’s iPad another simple solution is to install
McGruff SafeGuard Browser. This is an Internet browser
for the iPad that can be customised to allow or disallow
any sites a parent chooses. More information on McGruff
SafeGuard Browser can be found here. Net Nanny have
also released an iPad Internet browser to replace Safari
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which can be found here. To make these iPad browser
solutions effective you would also need to disallow Safari in
Restrictions as above.
Can my son use an Android device instead of
an iPad?
Although there are many apps which have been developed
for both Apple and Android portable devices, the School
is requesting that parents purchase an Apple iPad for their
son. Staff have been planning their lessons and selecting
their classroom resources using an Apple platform, and
our e-book resources have been selected with Apple
compatibility in mind. The School is also investing in
physical infrastructure to support the rollout of Apple
devices within classrooms.
I am concerned about the physiological effects
of too much “screen time”.
As the technology environment continues to change,
various people have expressed concern about the
physiological effects of extended periods of “screen
time”. These concerns are not new - they date back to
the emergence of television as a primary form of home
entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s, and they have
continued into the modern era where portable technology
is so prevalent. Some of the risks associated with protracted
viewing of television or computer monitors may include
poor posture, eye strain, and the effects of bright screens on
melatonin levels, particularly prior to bedtime.
Many of our boys are already avid users of technology and
do spend a lot of time at their computers. It is important
for the boys to take regular breaks during their computer
usage, and the School timetable affords the boys many
opportunities to do this throughout the day. Students are
advised not to spend extended periods of time viewing
computer or iPad screens directly before they go to bed.
A comfortable and well-lit study environment, as well as a
balance between computer-related and other activities, will
minimise the risk of any adverse physiological effects.
TOOWOOMBA
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
PO Box 2900, Toowoomba QLD 4350 AUSTRALIA
24 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba QLD 4350 AUSTRALIA
Telephone: (07) 4687 2500 Facsimile: (07) 4687 2666
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
ABN 86 510 299 250 - CRICOS Reg No. 00525D
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