Kia ora koutou

Thank you to the families who took time out of their week to join us in the school staffroom for our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) information evening.

When making decisions that support teaching and learning it is important to return to our school vision and goals, set by the school and by the community, to ensure the decision is relevant.

Mount Maunganui College School Vision

Together as learners, we are inspired to grow

Our Goals

• Empower all learners to be confident, connected and to succeed with integrity
  
• Form respectful relationships that are responsive to the needs of all
  
• Grow active learners who positively contribute to our society
  

From these goals, there are some keywords that resonate with technology in classrooms; connected, responsive and active. Young people in the 21st Century are all of these things. They understand the power of communication and they know the importance of connection. They certainly have an acute appreciation for the accessibility of information. It is logical then to see why students and teachers get frustrated when they have to leave their current reality at the door of a classroom and in spite of students innate curiosity, rely on the teacher and textbooks as the only providers of information. In modern classes, devices and technology are not the only tools utilised for effective teaching, but they are powerful tools nonetheless.

Chromebooks versus Other Devices

Not all devices are equal. In our opinion, smartphones and tablets (including iPads) as learning tools are of minimal value. These devices were designed as consumer products and then made to fit into education. Chromebooks, on the other hand, were primarily developed for the classroom and teaching and learning. This is evidenced by the fact that in New Zealand they are rarely marketed outside of the education sector.

In a secondary school context, a keypad is handy, and Chromebooks can take a few knocks. Some of our current stock is four years old and still fit for purpose. Our student accounts are Google accounts, and the synergy that exists between the device and digital teaching and learning systems are seamless. Over the years we have tested a range of hardware solutions, and Chromebooks emerge as by far the most useful and robust.

There is also a real benefit to having managed Chromebooks as the school security and safety features are more stringent. While the student owns the Chromebook, the school pays to manage the device. This allows the school to ensure the device is used as a tool, not a toy. It also makes the device less prone to theft as it can be completely immobilised if lost or stolen. Settings can be arranged so the device has 'single sign-on' during school time and then freed up for other users outside of school hours. In other schools, most families are keeping the school settings permanently placed on the device to help keep students safe at all times while on the internet.

These security features are only applicable to Chromebooks. Phones, tablets and laptops can not have this functionality applied. While the school takes all practical measures to ensure a safe online environment exists, the use of VPN's (Virtual Private Networks) and personal data means it is nearly impossible to protect students at all times while at school. This level of protection is another reason why we believe if families are investing in any technology for their children, that Chromebooks should be the primary consideration.

Finally, I would like to return to our school vision; Together as learners, we are inspired to grow. From my perspective, this means that the College as a community institution will grow, evolve and adapt to our changing world. It also says that there will be new learning for us as we navigate this future. Not all staff, students and families are at the same level of digital engagement. However, I am confident that as we learn together, the teaching and learning environment at Mount Maunganui College will continue to strengthen.

Ngā mihi nui
Alastair Sinton