Bring Your Own Device and TechExpress
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a term used to describe a digital device ownership model where students or staff use their personally-owned devices to access the Department of Education and Training's (DET) information and communication technology (ICT) network.
The Bentley Park College BYOD program for Secondary, and TechExpress program for Years 3-6, were developed in response to the significant role technology plays in education. They enable students to bring a personally-owned device to school as a learning tool and provides seamless movement between school and home.
Students wishing to access the program and their parents/carers must have read the Acceptable Use of Information Technology, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Equipment and Systems Policy (PDF 749KB), and completed the Acceptable Use of Information Technology, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Equipment and Systems Agreement (PDF 213KB).
BYOD Program Device Specifications gives you information on device provider partners and program device specifications.
Hire devices are available for Primary and Secondary students through our Student Laptop Hire Program.
Secondary
The College strongly recommends all Secondary students have access to their own personal device, with the Secondary Student BYOD Program aiming to encourage a sense of ownership, responsibility and independence as well as improving students' technology skills.
Primary
We also encourage Primary students to have access to their own device and students in Years 3 to 6 can apply for our TechExpress Program. For younger Primary students the P-2 iPad Program has been implemented, with Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students having access to iPads. These programs each have their own charter and agreement where you can find more information.
Relevant Forms and Documents:
Connection Instructions:
It is recommended you enrol your device at home. Below are installation guidelines for Windows and Mac devices.
Windows devices:
MacOS Devices:
Why does your child need a BYOD device?
- Enhanced Learning and Engagement: Boosts classroom learning and engagement.
- Independent Learning: Facilitates self-directed learning at home.
- Seamless Curriculum Access: Ensures smooth access to the curriculum both at school and home.
- Increased Participation: Promotes student participation, collaboration and positive engagement during class.
- Student-Driven Learning: Empowers students to take charge of their learning.
- Flexible Learning Options: Offers a variety of online learning programs and tools for use at home and school.
- Supports Diverse Learning Styles: Encourages and accommodates different learning styles and abilities.
- Expanded Learning Opportunities: Provides access to higher and extended learning opportunities.
- Improved Technology Skills: Enhances students' technology proficiency.
- Software Access: Office 365 suite is provided by the school and Adobe Creative Cloud at $10 per year.
- Educational Tools: Access to ClickView, The Learning Place, QLearn, and Microsoft Teams.
- Smart Online Learning Suite: Availability of Smart Online Learning Suite.
- E-Textbooks: Access to e-textbooks including JacPlus.
- Primary School Resources: Access to Mathletics, Reading Eggs, and Online Learning Tools.
- Secondary School Resources: Access to Mathspace and Mathletics.
To ensure students have the best possible learning experience, please ensure their device meets the minimum specifications below. These are recommendations, with affordability and functionality, accidental protection insurance, and extended warranty, also being critical issues when deciding on a device.
BYOD Program Device Specifications |
Specifications
| Minimum
| Recommended
|
Physical dimensions
| 11"
| 14"
|
Operating system
| Windows 11 or Mac OSx 13 (or newer) | Windows 11
|
Hard drive/storage
| 128GB HDD or SSD
| 256GB SSD (or larger)
|
Memory
| 8GB RAM
| 16GB RAM
|
Wireless capability
| WiFi 802.11n/ac (5Ghz)
|
Warranty
|
| 3+ years warranty
3+ years accidental damage protection
|
|
Battery life | Advertised battery life of at least 6 hours
|
Software
|
Microsoft Office (available at no cost for students)
Anti-virus - Windows Security (up to date) is available as part of Windows and has proven to be suitable and is free. You may want to purchase extra cover. MAC OS also has built-in malware threat protection, but you may consider purchasing additional coverage for extra protection. |
Software (optional)
| Adobe Creative Cloud – available to all students at a price of $10 per year
|
Other
|
Extra charger for school Padded sleeve or bag to protect the laptop
Corded of Bluetooth mouse Headphones |
Please note: Chromebooks are unsuitable for the College environment as they require a connection to Google Drive which is blocked by the Queensland Department of Education. Smartphones will not be connected to College Wi-Fi.
For specialised subjects such The Arts and ICT, that require devices with specifications outside of the above recommendations, students will be provided with access to computer labs that contain the required programs and equipment for these subjects. This is covered by the Bentley Park College Student Resource Scheme (SRS).
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the BYOD Program or Student Laptop Hire Program, please contact the Head of Department ICT, Steve Johnson, via email sjohn145@eq.edu.au or phone 4040 8111.
More information on TechExpress is also available in our TechExpress brochure. (PDF 248KB).
