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eLearning and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Gretchen Cocks - March 7, 2025

BYOD is offered to Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha students in Years 4-8. The school provides iPads for tamariki to use as learning tools from Years 0-3, but in Year 4, students can begin to use Chromebooks.

Chromebooks and iPads are used to teach different skills. iPads teach children how to use ‘create’ apps (e.g., iMovie, Garageband, Clips, Book Creator, iStopMotion, Chatterpix) to design, create and communicate learning.

Associated skills with using Chromebooks include word processing, researching, storing learning, and using email. With both kinds of devices, children are able to choose ‘the right tool for the job.’

How do students use their devices?

Children use their devices to Learn, Create, and Share. This includes: 

  • accessing knowledge and resources 

  • creating digital responses and communicating their learning 

  • giving and receiving feedback 

  • participating in online learning activities 

  • collaborating with others

By using their own device at school children are then able to continue their learning at home (ubiquitous learning).

Digital responsibility

There is a large degree of responsibility in students using a device. We have a 'Kawa of Care' contract that has to be agreed to and signed by students and their parents. 

Students must agree to using their device respectfully whether it be school owned or they own it personally, as well as ensuring their online behaviours are kind, positive and helpful.

Parents must agree to making sure their child understands their 'Kawa of Care' agreement and cybersafety responsibilities, providing insurance for the device, and being responsible for any damages to their child’s device as well as replacement or repair costs.

Hapara Teacher Dashboard

Additionally, Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha provides ‘Hapara Teacher Dashboard’ to support the safety of students online. Hapara allows teachers access to students' school Google accounts to monitor any of their online activity at school. Through Hapara, teachers can also view learning, provide feedback and next step learning, and children can also respond to teachers. This is a safe and secure way for children to use online learning at school.

Chromebook Deals

While Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha does own a small number of Chromebooks and iPads, students may like to bring their own Chromebook. Yaldhurst School is part of The Uru Mānuka Kāhui Ako /Cluster. If you are considering purchasing a Chromebook, there are options available on the Uru Mānuka website here Chromebook Bundles.


If you have any questions about BYOD you are welcome to contact the classroom teachers. You can visit the classrooms to see how devices are being used.