What device should we consider?
Advantages of Student-Owned Mobile Devices
There are many advantages to students bringing their own devices to school. More obviously, students are able to connect with an unlimited selection of resources. Other advantages include:
- Quick research.
- Collaboration of work with other students as well as the ability for staff to provide feedback.
- Photo and video recording of experiments, speeches, field trips and assignments.
- Access to online learning resources such as Reading Plus and Education Perfect.
- Multimedia presentation of work.
Is a smartphone a suitable device?
A phone is not suitable as the main device for learning. It may be used in class for some activities with teacher permission.
Will students be spending all their time on a device?
A device is just one aspect of classroom activities. They will be used as part of the mix that makes up good teaching and learning.
Will the students share devices with others in the class?
No. It is their device and students are not permitted to share. This is for their protection.
How will Glenfield College ensure that cyberbullying is not occurring?
The College’s WiFi will block access to certain websites, and all students will sign an ICT User Agreement when they enrol at the College. Any cyber-bullying will be dealt with under the College’s anti-bullying policies.
What happens if my child’s device breaks or fails?
The device is the responsibility of the student and should be treated with care at all times. Should it break or fail, consider the value of the warranty when you purchase a device. The Consumer Guarantees Act ensures that devices should be fault free for a “reasonable” period of time. It is also worth considering whether the device is covered by your home contents insurance.
Do I need to get Microsoft Office installed on my child’s device?
No. Students will use Google Apps for Education, which is free and includes many tools including email, word processing, spreadsheets and the ability to create presentations.
However, although it is not required or compatible with all devices, students are also freely provided with access to the desktop version of Office 365 and can log in with their student email account here: https://portal.office.com/
Only on compatible devices will an “Install Office” button appear towards the upper right area of the page. The first option, Office 365 Apps, is the one you seek.
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