Why is MAC implementing a student owned device program?A student owned internet capable device can be an important part of a student’s toolkit, giving instant access to unlimited resources and enabling students to support, extend, communicate and share their learning in a way that will prepare them for the future. The Big PictureWhat are the educational benefits? • Improved motivation and engagement. • Greater independence and personalised learning. Improved critical thinking and integration of concepts. • Greater access to information, resources, and experts. • Greater opportunities for collaboration in wide contexts, including international ones Advantages for StudentsHow are students advantaged through the use of devices? • Anytime, anywhere access to class resources, support and extension activities through Google Classroom • Greater ability to communicate with teachers, parents, and peers, to support their learning • Access to unlimited resources and information on the internet. • The ability to draft, redraw, and publish their work at the click of a button • Ensuring working at school and working at home is an easy and seamless transition Is BYOD Compulsory?In 2017, MAC introduced a compulsory device program for years 12 and 13. In 2019 this will be extended to the rest of the school, with a stable of Chromebooks as loaner devices available (limited). Device Recommendations
Years 7-8
• Tablet (iPad / Android)* • 11” - 13’’ Chromebook
Years 9-11
• 11” - 13’’ Chromebook • 11” - 13’’ Laptop (Windows or Mac)
Years 12-13
• 13’’ Chromebook (Depending on Classes) • 13’’ or Larger Laptop (Windows or Mac) • 8 Hours+ Battery Life
*Some tablets will be better than others, if you have doubts or questions about devices, email ICT@mtaspiring.school.nz with links! Damage and RepairUnfortunately MAC cannot accept liability for damage to devices when used at school. It is the student’s responsibility to manage and minimise likelihood of damage. We can however provide support for students when diagnosing issues and provide information regards how to proceed when repairing devices. MAC Online EnvironmentWhat MAC provides?• WiFi network for students • High Speed Fibre Internet Connectivity • Filtered Internet access • Implementing Pods of Chromebooks in classrooms throughout 2017 and onward.
Digital CitizenshipMount Aspiring College believes in a Digital Citizenship model for supporting safe and responsible use of the internet in teaching and learning. An important part of this is that we are able to show others what that responsible use looks like while we are using technology in our learning. We think a good digital citizen is someone who;
• is a confident and capable user of ICT and uses ICT for learning as well as other activities • will think carefully about whether the information they see online is true • understands that they may experience problems when using technology but can deal with them • will always use ICT to communicate with others in positive ways • will be honest and fair in all of their actions using ICT • will always respect people’s privacy and freedom of speech online
Because we know this is important for us all, we ask everyone, the staff, students and volunteers working at the school to agree to use the internet and other technologies in a safe and responsible way by following the rules laid out in our Responsible Use Agreement If someone cannot agree to act responsibly, or the things that they do mean that other people are being harmed, then we might stop them from using the internet or other technology at school.
Cell Phone Use at school (Protecting the learning environment and freeing you from distraction)
If students bring cell phones to College, they are to be kept out of sight and switched off during class, meeting and whanau times, and on education outside the college.We have not banned students from bringing these items to College altogether. If parents need to get an urgent and important message to their son or daughter during the day, they may phone the school office and the message will be given to the student.
Year 7 and 8 Cell Phone use For safety reasons, Year 7 and 8 students may not use their phones at all between 8:30am and 3:15pm unless requested by a teacher for a specific learning purpose. For students in Years 9-13 Out of sight What we do require is that these devices are out of sight and not used during class, meeting and whanau times. On occasion, a teacher may ask students to use their cell phone (to record homework, photograph notes or time a speech, for instance) but this is at the discretion of staff members only.
The school takes no responsibility for cell phones which may be lost, stolen or damaged.
Parents need to be aware that if students break this rule, the phone will be confiscated. The item can then be collected by parents from Reception any time between 8.30am and 4.30pm, but will not be returned directly to students. We regret having to inconvenience parents in this way, but we have to have a means of enforcing this rule, which is designed to ensure the learning of all students is maximised. Students may not collect their own confiscated phones. Questions?
Should you have any comments or wish to discuss any issues raised on this document please call us on freephone 0800 MT ASPIRING or 03 443 0499 during office hours. Alternatively email us at learn@mtaspiring.school.nz and we will respond to you as quickly as we can.
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