“Schools have to prepare students for jobs that have not been created, technologies that have not yet been
invented and problems that we don’t know will arise.”
Andreas Schleicher
What is BYOD?
This model allows students to bring an IT device to the Queensland Academies Science, Maths and Technology (QASMT) campus that best supports their learning needs (within specifications).
IT devices are powerful means of differentiating and personalising a student’s education, and student-owned devices facilitate student choice over which application best suits their learning and communication style. Teachers will work with students to ensure everyone can access and view a student’s final work in appropriate formats as necessary.
One of the key aspects to the BYOD program is that students learn the skills they need to continue their
education and strive to reach their goals as they move forward into the future. QASMT is a building ground
for students as they prepare for high school, post high school education, and a lifelong learning. QASMT
prepares students for future success by focusing on the individual student and incorporating the use of
technology in learning to support critical thinking and problem solving skills. As more and more jobs require
technology, it is important that students understand how to use technology in a variety of ways. Hopson,
Simms and Knezek (2001) stated, "The advent of the Information Age has made the development of problem
solving, critical thinking, and higher-order thinking skills crucial to future success" (p.109).
We are giving families control over the choice of IT device to bring to school as their primary device (within
specifications). A stylus enabled device is a minimum requirement. Recent studies support using a stylus
device in the educational context. Dean (2014) explains the ability to mix digital ink, images and text means
that products such as formulas in Mathematics or the drawing of diagrams or annotation of images imported
into text in Biology, can be quickly undertaken. Mantgem (2008) notes students and teachers alike can write,
draw and sketch with freedom, enabling students to ‘tap directly into their creative brainstorming thought
processes’. With this primary device we will continue to support students by diagnosing IT issues and
consulting with families if further action is required. We make the following recommendations around device
specifications and software as these are expectations that QASMT has of the devices students bring to school.
Minimum IT Device Specification
Platform
| PC or Tablet PC.
Screen must be able to detach or lay flat for stylus use.
|
Stylus
| A stylus must be supported.
|
Screen Size
| 10" screen or higher (measured diagonally) - consider portability and weight
Screen must be able to detach or lay flat for stylus use.
|
Processor
| Intel i5 or higher
AMD A4 or higher
|
RAM
| 8 GB or higher
|
Hard Drive
| 256GB SSD or higher
|
Operating System
| Windows 10
NOT SUPPORTED: MacOS, IOS, Android, Windows RT, Chromebook
|
Wireless
| Dual-band AC wireless card
(5GHz required for school network)
|
Features
| Keyboard, USB Ports, headphone port, In-built microphone, webcam
|
Battery Life
| Minimum of 10+ hours.
Please note: It is school policy to have a fully charged device at the beginning of each school day. Students cannot charge their devices during class time. Free device charging stations are available for use during break times.
|
Weight
| Under 1.6kg is recommended
|
Warranty
| Recommended additional 3 year manufacturer warranty + accidental damage protection (ADP) cover
|