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DEVICES

With a common goal to create a more engaging and effective education process here at Kelston Girls' College, we have a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) integration within lessons to make the learning experience engaging and to make sense of the learning. The use of digital technology can transform learning in school and beyond. Students are encouraged to bring their own devices to use in class. The Cyber Safety and Acceptable Use Agreement must be read and completed on enrolment. If a student is loaning a device from school a Device Loan Agreement must be signed before collecting a device. The device must be handed back at the end of the year during the clearance process.

What do we recommend?

Students working online Year 9 and 10: 

  • Chromebooks work best with our Google tools in school. Chromebooks work in a Google Apps environment. You must not install software on to the chromebook.
  • All types of Chromebook will be suitable for school.
  • Senior students may prefer a device with software that supports their courses (e.g. InDesign).

All year levels:

  •  Laptops, Notebooks, and MacBooks support all software that may be required in school.
  • Chromebooks can be used in some senior subjects that don’t require software. 
  • Getting ready for digital exams: This page provides the technical and digital examination support requirements from NZQA recommends for digital examinations.
  • A note on tablets: We find that tablets (e.g. iPads, Android Tablets) do not always offer the functionality that students need, even with a remote keyboard.

Device requirements:

Minimum specifications:

Chromebooks of any specification are suitable for school in years 9 – 10.

Laptops, Notebooks, and MacBooks are suitable for students of all years and support all software that may be required in school. Below is a list of minimum specifications to think about when you decide to buy one of these devices. These are recommendations, not requirements:

  • Processor: Intel i3 Dual Core, AMD E2/A4 Dual-Core (Equivalent or better)
  • RAM: Minimum 4GB
  • Screen: 11″ or bigger
  • Battery: Recommended Minimum of 6+ hours
  • Antivirus: Recommended
  • Operating System: Windows 8.1 / OS X 10.9 (or better)
  • Hard Drive: 128GB+, SSD Recommended

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Care for your device

Mishandling laptops is the largest cause of problems. Please read your device care guidelines. We also recommend: 

  • Protect your device with a strong username and password. Do not share these with anyone else.
  • Store laptops in a protective case, and don’t pile items on top of it in your bag; this can break your device.
  • Carry your laptop in its case inside your school bag.
  • Never lift the laptop by the screen. This will stress the hinges, which carries the data and power supply to the screen.
  • Never leave your laptop in unsupervised areas during the school day.

Insurance

  • You are responsible for insurance cover for the devices you own.
  • Most theft or damage will be covered by your existing home contents policy. Please check with your insurance provider that this is the case. Often an excess will apply so you will need to weigh up whether to make a claim.

Life of the device

  • All devices and hardware have a limited life span, depending on how they are used.
  • A robust laptop that is well treated may last your student for their five years at Kelston Girls College, although it may slow in the last two years.
  • Families should plan to buy at least two devices during secondary school years.
  • We recommend that you buy a hard case that will protect your student’s laptop.

Saving and Backup

  • Students are responsible for their own backup of data at all times. They may use a USB drive, SD card, external drive, or cloud-based site.
  • While they are at Kelston Girls’ College, students have access to Google Drive via their school account with unlimited storage.

Security

  • The security of a student-owned device is the responsibility of the student. Laptops should be engraved or labelled with the student’s name.
  • Here is a helpful overview from Netsafe on setting up your ‘BYOD’ devices safely: Bring Your Own Device (Netsafe/CERT)

Size of the device

  • Larger laptops are usually more powerful than Notebooks and can be easier to use, but
  • They are bulkier, heavier and more difficult to carry around the school.

Software considerations
Managing software on devices is important.

  • Students need to know what they are installing on their computer because a computer with a lot of software installed on it will slow down and reduce the battery run time. Installing software from unknown/untrusted sites may install harmful aspects that can slow or damage the computer.
  • Windows XP & Vista are not recommended: They are no longer supported by Microsoft. Ensure that the virus and malware protection on portable devices is kept up to date. Find out more: What anti-virus software should I use (Netsafe).
  • Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative for Students: Microsoft provides Office 365 to every student free of charge. Even though we use Google Suite at school, your student can download Office 365 on to their devices. They can then have access to the latest version of Word, Excel,  PowerPoint and more.
  • Install on up to five compatible PCs and Macs, plus five tablets.
  • Gain valuable skills on Microsoft’s productivity software
  • This Office subscription lasts for as long as your child is a student and the program continues.

Warranty

  • Most devices come with a 1-year warranty and a 3-year optional warranty.
  • The majority of warranties cover hardware problems that were not caused by the owner, and will usually cover the parts and repairs.
  • A warranty will not cover damage caused by the owner or someone else.

Damage to school Devices
If a school device is damaged or not working properly, please bring it back to school so the IT department can get it repaired or replaced.