From 2024, we expect all students from Year 9 to 13 to bring a laptop to school. To help families prepare, we have put together this list of frequently asked questions.
How do we know if this laptop is money well spent or wasted?
We believe it is money well spent to have a laptop for school, especially in light of possible changes to government policy about cell phone use in schools. Our school is experienced at using technology effectively across teaching programmes. Students use their laptops daily to take part in a wide range of online tasks relevant to the learning goals. Students learn to use their device to solve problems, to manage themselves, to collaborate with others in their class, to make connections with the wider world and to develop a digital skillset. Some units of work rely heavily on e-resources, while others do not. Students will use software and hardware in different ways in different subjects and this is a strength of our blended learning (BYOD) approach. Teachers will let students know this ahead of time so they can organise themselves effectively. Students will, at times, work in groups on projects where students can use laptops together.
Won’t students without a device feel left out?
We have a few devices in each classroom available for any student that does not have their device that day. It is true that having ‘ownership’ of a device brings students a level of freedom and control in their ability to use the device for learning at home and at school. We have had success in the past in sourcing a limited amount of refurbished devices at little or no cost for students and we are hopeful we can continue this in 2024. You can indicate your interest in this programme by adding your details to this list: https://forms.office.com/r/Q57HqQ4VzL
How will students learn to use their device?
The first few weeks of the year focus on the transition back into school. Time will be set aside for gradually introducing new-to-Nayland students to our systems and to set up devices. Support is also available to resolve technical issues, such as accessing the wifi and setting up Office 365 on a personal device.
What laptop should we get?
We do not specify which device students can bring. However, devices that prove effective have good battery life, are lightweight, have a strong screen and keyboard, have enough memory to store documents, are powerful enough to start quickly, run fast and are strong enough to survive teenage life. There is more information on our website: https://nayland.school.nz/curriculum/byod/
What if the device gets damaged?
Laptops rarely get damaged when they are kept in protective case or a dedicated section of a school bag. There are a range of insurance options offered when purchasing a device. You can also check the conditions of your home contents policy with your insurance provider. The school is not liable for damage to a laptop. We strongly recommend checking insurance cover for screen damage.
Don’t teens already spend too much time online?
There’s no simple answer to this question because not all screen time is created equal. Spending two hours on the internet playing games isn’t as beneficial as spending two hours on a device learning. As parents, we suggest you set your own guidelines about how online time is used.
How am I going to afford to buy a laptop?
There are a range of options available, and all major retailers have BYOD sections in their stores. An entry level Windows 10/11 laptop has worked well for junior students in the past. Please see our website for further details. Many retailers offer payment plans. We can also provide letters for WINZ.
Is there technical support if the laptop won’t work?
Yes. There is some limited tech support for students who are having trouble accessing our network or O365 software.
How do I help my child with their laptop?
We suggest that you set up the laptop and learn how it works for yourself and this will support the laptop being ready to use in class. For example:
- Have limits on screen time.
- Charge the laptop at home each night.
- Run software updates regularly.
- As parents, talk about how to be cybersafe with your child and set your own guidelines and limits.
When students learn on laptops, how do they stay safe?
Nayland College teaches students digital citizenship and this is integrated into our schoolwide expectations for behaviour. Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz ) is an online safety for New Zealand and has a great deal of up-to-date and quality content. We have processes to manage responsible behaviour that includes a student user agreement and the ability to monitor online activity.
The school’s internet access is managed by N4L who block a wide range of non-educational websites. Students are not allowed to access VPN networks. .
https://www.n4l.co.nz/managed-network-home/
I still have some questions, who can I talk to?
Gaye Bloomfield - Email: gaye.bloomfield@nayland.school.nz