GUIDELINES

At BBPS e-learning refers to all learning in which information and communication technologies are used to enhance creative, critical and reflective thinking. It is an integral part of our teaching and learning pedagogies. E-learning connects students to their real world, links school learning with home learning and prepares them for potential future opportunities and challenges.  

Teachers and students will choose appropriate e-learning tools to support the learning intentions planned for students, for example they may consider the appropriateness of interactive whiteboards and other electronic equipment such as cameras, visualisers, ipads, digital learning centres, internet sites, software and communication tools.

Digital citizenship will be deliberately taught and will be underpinned by our school values. Use of all devices at BBPS will comply with school policies, procedures, guidelines and relevant legislation e.g. Copyright, Privacy, Safe & Healthy Learning Environment.

Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD)

Classrooms already offer access to e-learning opportunities and for equity of all students it is important that this continues. However, parents are now offered the chance to improve the access their child has to ipads. This is offered through BYOD where students bring an ipad from home.

Many schools in NZ are engaged in BYOD and reviewing in an ongoing way is accepted best practice.

Use of ipads will be integrated into daily learning wherever this enhances learning. The outcome will be students more future-focussed and creative in their learning. Classes have been focussed on learning new pedagogies and practices in using e-learning to enhance learning in all areas for a number of years.

The goal is that the ipads are used in a creative capacity for at least 2 sessions per day, Literacy and Inquiry. The emphasis is on creating collaborative learning opportunities that these devices facilitate. They are not simply used as a substitute for paper. Just as with paper, work completed digitally, will show a learning journey from draft to finished product. Teachers  plan their learning around e-learning tools to ensure that those in their class who do not have a device can complete the same tasks as those who do have a device.

Cybersafety at BBPS

Strategies to ensure cybersafety at BBPS reflect our values.  BYOD involves the introduction of more rigorous cybersafety agreements for students and parents to discuss and sign prior to participation. The overall goal of the school is to create and maintain a cybersafe culture that fosters good digital citizenship at school and beyond.

The school’s network, WI-Fi, computers and BYOD devices are for educational purposes appropriate to the school environment. The school may audit use of BYOD devices, its network and computers and any other e-learnng tools at any time.

Filtering, Specifications & Apps  

At present Network for Learning (N4L), undertaken by the Ministry of Education is used for filtering inappropriate internet content.  This is the latest available to schools. It offers an internet connection, fully funded filtering (management of online content access and block malware), a managed firewall and real-time monitoring.

IPADS accepted for BYOD usage need the following features:

• Wi-fi capability
• Minimum of 4 hour battery life
• Itunes account (app store) that students do NOT know password for

They are:

• iPad Air
• iPad 4,3,2,
• IPad Mini
• A keyboard is recommended, optional extra
• A tough, hard cover for protection is advised e.g. an otterbox

Any ipad with 3G or 4G capacity needs disabling at home, by removing the card. School filtering only works on the school network.

Please note: limited to ipads for manageability.

Initial Apps

The table below is a starter stationery pack for BYOD iPad devices coming into Year 5 & 6 for the start of 2017.

Cloud based applications such as Google Apps will be used for file management

Guidelines For Students

• The device will be taken home each night and returned fully charged (charging at school is NOT possible)
• Bags will be unpacked in classrooms on arrival at school and packed in the classroom prior to departure.
• 3 or 4G devices will be disabled prior to being brought to school.
• Safety routines taught in class will be followed at all times e.g. walking, no pushing, safe storage, no eating/drinking, not leaving on floor, supervised usage only.
• Screen sharing only. When working in groups, only the owner of the device will operate the device.
• All personal apps/documents will be stored in a ‘home folder’ that will not be accessed while at school.
• Students will use a school email account ONLY when approved by the class teacher.
• Digital citizenship practices will be learned and used at school and at home.
• Acceptance in the BYOD trial requires signed agreement of the Cybersafety Use Agreement Form.

Guidelines For Parents

• iPad Air, 4,3,2 or iPad Mini may be brought to school. A keyboard is a suggested, optional extra. A tough, hard cover is advised e.g. an otterbox
• Any ipad with 3G or 4G capacity needs disabling at home, by removing the card.
• Insurance against loss or damage is the owner’s responsibility as devices are not covered by school insurance. All care and reasonable precautions, will be taken at school, but no responsibility will be accepted by the school.
• The device will be named in the top right corner and the school will provide a labelling service for this.
• Apps will be supplied according to the list, and students will NOT know the iTunes/App Store password. Students will use cloud based applications such as Google Apps for file management and are encouraged to access this at home with parent approval.
• Good digital citizenship practices will be discussed and modelled at home.
• Acceptance in using BYOD requires signed agreement of the BYOD Use Agreement Form.

Guidelines For The School

• The school has a significant role in keeping devices and students safe and will teach and supervise routines within classes to minimise risk.
• Locked storage facilities will be provided for use at break times.
• A device is a powerful tool for engaging in learning, but is only one tool for teachers to use in the delivery of high quality teaching. The device will be used at the class teacher’s discretion and under supervision by the class teacher. The goal is to use BYOD daily for two blocks, in Literacy and in Inquiry.
• Devices brought to school are for the use of the owner. The school adheres to a sharing screen concept, whereby a student may share his/her screen with others. In collaborative group work there may be two or three students working together, however, the owner will be the only one to operate the device in this instance.
• Healthy practices such as good posture and regular eye breaks will be encouraged.
• Digital citizenship and cyber-safe practices will be an integral part of the classroom programme.
• Hapara Dashboard and Drop Box will be used by teachers to monitor student learning and output.
• Teachers will engage in professional learning and development to support e-learning curriculum delivery and pedagogical best practices.

Print or Save this Post