Whittlesea Primary School recognises the use of technology in our classrooms can enhance and transform the way learning happens. We aim to maximise learning outcomes for our students and believe having an appropriate device can assist us in meeting your child at their point of need in learning. The school’s ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) program provides the necessary technology to facilitate 21st-century learning within the classroom and support upskilling our students to not only be ready for secondary school learning but also to prepare them to be responsible digital citizens in a global online community.
At the heart of the BYOD program is the expectation that every student has a suitable device with them for lessons (under teacher instruction). There’s no questioning the importance of technology in everyone’s life, and this is also the case for our students, whether it be in their personal or academic activities. Whittlesea Primary School recognises the power technology has to transform learning outcomes by developing 21st-century skills and experiencing new ways of learning, working, and collaborating.
It is important to acknowledge that technology is not a replacement for pen, paper, and associated learning activities, rather it provides opportunities to innovate and reshape teaching and learning to enhance learning outcomes. Using technology, students will enhance their 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Students require laptop-based devices as they provide far greater functionality than tablet-based devices. Full desktop capability allows students to use multiple programs at once which is often important for different aspects of the learning experiences in class. A laptop also provides a physical keyboard and mouse which allows students to quickly interact with the programs they are using and participate in more complex learning activities, such as simulations and/or design activities.
The school expects that students in Years 3-6 bring a suitable laptop device that is charged and ready to use in classes. The school’s Digital Learning Leader and IT support staff will connect suitable laptop devices to the school network and install any school-related software, as required, provided the student and their parent/guardian have signed the Student Code of Conduct and BYOD Policy.
The BYOD program will be rolled out each year in Term 3 for Year 2 students transitioning into Year 3 the following year and for any students who have not yet purchased devices.
Whittlesea Primary School encourages all Years 3 to 6 to participate in the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ 1:1 program. This initiative will give our students immediate and on-demand access to learning technologies that support their academic growth. The program will complement quality instructional teaching and give students the freedom to research, communicate, and create with digital resources that are personalised to their needs.
Whittlesea Primary School has partnered with Edunet, an industry leader in BYOD programs. Through our relationship the process of sourcing a computer and its ongoing support has been made easy. Please refer to our program booklet and access the Edunet portal through the provided link.
Whittlesea Primary School Technology Portal
Code for Parents is: WhittleseaPSBYOD
BYOD Handbook
