Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is being implemented across many DEC schools. The BYOD program recognises that technology and choices about technology, are very much personal and acknowledges technology in education means more than meeting specific curriculum requirements. BYOD is designed to give freedom to make technology choices that suit you and all your circumstances. There are a significant range of devices on the market that will meet a range of budgets and purposes.
There are specifications that need to be met in order to make the devices useful in the classroom, e.g. for a device to have access to the school's network there is a minimum standard for device connectivity.
HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS:
Please take special note of the Wireless Compatibility requirements. This is the most difficult requirement to verify yourself for Windows laptops.
Hardware Considerations
The following are not requirements of the BYOD program, but are considerations which should ensure that your device continues to work well for at least 3 years:
- Maximum weight: 2kg
- Minimum RAM (laptops): 4GB
- Disk configuration (laptops): Solid State Disk (SSD)
- Protective cover / sleeve
- Accidental loss and breakage insurance
SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS:
All students will need to perform the following tasks on the device and therefore have relevant software for each task. Please read 2 important points below, before purchasing expensive software.
- Google Apps provides the ability to create and store documents, presentations and spread sheets for free. This works ‘in the cloud’ and work can be shared across a variety of devices and operating systems.
- Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. These are available to students free, from the DET Portal, so you do not need to buy any expensive software. Students are to download independently.
Software Considerations
Anti-Virus Protection – AVG or Avast are free and work well. Windows 10 comes with an in-built antivirus (Windows Defender).
Note: Some anti-virus software with inbuilt VPNs or website filtering may cause issues connecting through the school’s network
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is my email address?
All students have a NSW Department of Education email address which is your student login followed by @education.nsw.gov.au (e.g. firstname.surname@education.nsw.gov.au).
How do I check my email?
Your NSW Department of Education student portal is found at https://student.det.nsw.edu.au This is where you go to access your email. You will also find lots of other resources through this site, such as access to the Google Classrooms and links to download and install software e.g. Microsoft 365 Subscription (which is free!).
How do I access Google Classroom?
You will eventually have a Google Classroom for each of your classes. This is where your teachers will put resources for you to use and allow you to collaborate with your peers and have online discussions.
You access Google Classroom THROUGH your NSW Department of Education student portal (where you check your email) - click on the Learning tab, and then click on Google Apps. You will need to enter an individual code for each class the first time to join the classroom - this will be provided by your teacher.
How can I contact my teachers or check my homework?
This is done through the Sentral Student Portal
You should check this regularly, as you will find school bulletins, access to your timetable as well as homework and messages from your teachers. Your parents can also log in here and see information about your attendance!
