At Maitland Grossmann High School students have the opportunity to use a BYOD in their classes to enhance their learning experiences. While this is not compulsory there are a number of benefits to students having such a device.
The school has an extensive Computers on Wheels (Cows) program with all areas of the school having access to laptop computers via a trolley system. This means all students have access to technology regardless of whether they own a BYOD device.
What is BYOD?
BYOD is a strategy whereby students are able to bring a familiar personal device to school to use as their primary technological device. The school can provide the ability to connect compatible devices to a filtered internet service. The Department of Education and Maitland Grossmann High School support the bringing of your own device for use at school. For more information see DEC - BYOD Policy.
BYOD Requirements
When parents are looking to purchase devices for their student, they would be advised to purchase a device that suits the family budget and is compatible with our Wi-Fi system.
To assist students and parents with BYOD the following is a guide to the selection and purchase of a BYOD device.
Wireless Connectivity: At the heart of the BYOD experience is connectivity to the internet. Every public high school in NSW has been equipped with a robust and centrally managed wireless network to allow staff and students to connect. Devices that connect via the 802.11n wifi standard, on the dual band both 5 Ghz 4 Ghz frequency devices will connect to the school WiFi.
Instructions for logging in to wireless and internet at the school can be found here.
Suitability: The specification listed will alow studnets to run most (if not all) of the applications and web resources that they might use in class on a BYOD platform. We would like to stress that BYOD is just that, what you feel best suits your student needs.
Price: Devices range greatly in price and suit a number of different purposes. While the specification below are listed because they meet the minimum standard of suitability we understand parents need to make the best choice for their student based on their family's needs and cost will often be a significant factor.
BYOD Conditions
If your student intends to bring their own device, they and you must be aware that use of the network and internet is subject to the same conditions as when accessed on a school owned computer as agreed to when the student enrolled at the school. Additionally, all students are required read and follow the MGHS BYOD Procedures (pdf 396 KB).
Hardware Specification Requirements:
Form Factor
Laptop, tablet or convertible device.
A tablet device must have a physical keyboard available with separate keys for A – Z and 0 – 9. A separate Bluetooth device is sufficient to meet this requirement.
Physical Dimensions
Minimum Screen Size: 9.7”
Operating System
- Microsoft Windows
- Apple MacOS
- ChromeOS
Note: Windows 10 and Office 365 are available as a free download to students through the DET portal. Chromebooks and MacOS come with built in software. You must be able to install your own software from third parties (such as installing Google Chrome onto Microsoft Windows 10)
Processor
Dual core processor or better.
Memory
Minimum Ram: Laptops 4GB (8 GB preferred) / Tablets 1GB
Wireless Compatibility
Wireless connectivity required. Devices that connect via the 802.11n wifi standard, on the dual band both 5 Ghz 4 Ghz frequency devices will connect.
Battery Life
Advertised battery life of 6 hours or more.
Storage
Minimum 128GB storage on device.
Protective casing
Students should store their device in a suitable protective case when not in use.
Additional Recommendations
- USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port
- USB-C (desirable)
- Accidental loss and breakage insurance
Software
Microsoft 365 & Adobe
Microsoft, Google Drive/Classroom and Adobe are providing access to a variety software to all students with a DEC email address. All three of the these services can be accessed via the student portal.
Instructions on how to download Office 365 can be found here: 365 instructions student (pdf 620 KB).
Instructions on how to download Adobe Creative Cloud can be found here: install Adobe software.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I just bring a Laptop from home?
Certainly, however the wireless card may not be suitable to access the Wi-Fi, if this is the case a WiFi adapter can be purchased, this adapter needs to be a AC Dual Band Wi-Fi adapter and it can be purchased locally and online. Just be aware that some AC Dual Band adapters may not suit your operating system. Ask for one specifically "will this work with windows 10?"
What will be provided by the school?
The school will provide access to a filtered Wi-Fi internet service. No other support, software or service will be provided by the school. Students do however have access via their DEC account to a range of software including Office365 (see above)
What should do if I have more questions?
For any further information, ask the Technical Support Officer (TSO). Please note the school is not responsible for the installation of any software that may be required to manage these adapters.
What should I buy?
Year 7 and 8: Students commencing years 7 and 8 are welcome to BYOD, it is understandable that parents and carers will be concerned that they give their student the best possible start to High School. This does not necessarily mean a brand new expensive BYO device. We recommend that for junior students, something light, portable and robust would be the best option whilst they are getting used to their new High School routine.
Year 9, 10, 11 and 12: We recommend that if you intend the BYOD devise to serve the student during the senior years you should consider the student's most likely pattern of study and the demands that this will place on the device in terms of processing and speed. Students studying technical, computer or creative subjects may wish to have a higher capacity device.