Attention Parents with Children in Years 3 – 6 in 2021

BYODD – Bring Your Own Device Program Year 4 - 6

With technology developing at such a fast rate, it is easy to feel a little overwhelmed and unsure about its possibilities. This information sheet aims to help parents with the transition into the BYODD program at St Monica’s.

With changes in technology we will undergo a review of technology at St Monica’s in 2021. With many of the high schools moving to laptops we need to evaluate our curriculum needs and explore the devices that best serve our needs for learning.  We will be considering iPads, laptops, Chromebooks or a combination of all three for use across the school.

In 2021 the Year 3 children will access the iPads available at St Monica’s. They do not need to bring an iPad to school.

In 2021, the BYODD iPad program will continue in Years 4-6. Any future changes will be via a transition program coming in 2022 from Year 4.

Should the purchasing of an iPad place a burden on a family’s finances please speak to Carmel Maguire, as soon as possible. We do have a small bank of iPads available for use by families experiencing difficulties in Years 4 to 6.

Why BYODD?

With the development of the Australian National Technologies Curriculum, technology subjects have become a focus in education. Consistent with this research, industry surveys show that STEM literacy is increasingly becoming part of the core capabilities that Australian employers need. In order to carry out authentic learning tasks with technology, it is important students are equipped with the right tools. The school has iPads available to students however the CE has a policy that all IT hardware be replaced every 3 years if we want access to technical support for hardware. This creates a big cost to the school and still does not provide the ideal 1:1 ratio of students to devices.

Our school IT budget is going towards apps for school owned devices, new laptops, a trail set of Chromebooks, Wi-Fi and other technologies like robots and STEM resources. By implementing the BYODD program, students have the tools they need to engage in individualised learning and having access to school work at home. We will continue to report on Technology outcomes from the Australian Curriculum in our school reports in 2021.

What apps will my child need for school?

The school does not provide apps for BYODD devices. Parents will need to download school required apps at home. This will mean the app is licenced to the child and not the school. We are in the process of refining our list of apps and will advise once finalised. Students will be permitted to use other apps at school only if they assist with completing educational tasks.

What are the technical requirements of BYODD at St Monica’s?

Minimum Specifications if purchasing in Year 4  in 2021

We are asking students to bring Apple iPad devices only.  If purchasing, we are recommending 10.2” iPad WIFI 32GB Retina display. This is the newest model for education however other iPad models will be compatible. The iPad must have a durable cover, preferably with a keyboard. Earlier iOS will work, but may limit the effectiveness of some apps.