BYOD Information

BYOD | Future Focused Learning

From the Principal

As a school, over the last 10+ years we have been increasing the use of digital technology in all learning areas. We see this as being an effective tool that will allow teachers and students to further develop their learning. This allows integration of education inside and outside of the classroom. Digital technology also refers to e-learning or e-ako where digital tools support and enhance traditional teaching practice and is transforming teaching and learning.

The New Zealand Curriculum vision is to develop young people who will be “confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners”. It encourages all students “to reflect on their own learning processes and to learn how to learn”. At Katikati College we see e-learning as enabling our young people to achieve these goals.

BYOD and e-learning (e-ako) can be used to:

• Assist in the making of connections by enabling students to enter and explore new learning environments, overcoming barriers of distance and time.
• Facilitate shared learning by enabling students to join or create communities of learners that extend well beyond the classroom.
• Assist in the creation of supportive learning environments by offering resources that take account of individual, cultural or developmental differences.
• Enhance opportunities to learn by offering students virtual experiences and tools that save them time, allowing them to take their learning further. Where would you see e-ako already in our classrooms?

Page 36 NZC (2007)

2018 Information

In 2018 it will be compulsory for all students in Year 10 – 13 to bring an acceptable device to school. Students in Year 7 - 9 are encouraged to bring a device to school.

Where would you see e-ako already in our classrooms?

In nearly every class your child will take there will be some form of e-learning. Devices are used for research, creating innovative work, collaborating with other students, receiving effective feedback and feedforward from their teacher and their peers, and recording their work (audio and visual). Our staff are taking part in extensive professional learning to support the integration of e-ako in their teaching.

Our Current Online Environment

• Google Site | This includes:
  • Gmail, Google Classroom, Docs, Sheets, Sites, Drive, Forms and more
• A range of other web based software and applications
• Stile App
• Parent Portal
• Moodle

Looking to purchase a device for your child?

Features that we feel are essential are:

• Minimum screen size of 9”
• Battery life which will last a typical school day (at least 6 hours)
• Wireless internet capability

Others features to consider:

• Lightweight but robust enough to handle daily use
• Security software
• Suitable, durable bag / cover for protection
• Suitable for use online and offline

For all types of devices we recommend that:

• They be less than 4 years old
• They have AntiVirus software if appropriate
• Students make regular back-ups of critical work on external storage (eg. external hard drive or USB drive)

Frequently Asked Questions

What security will be provided at school?

Physical security will be provided through some lockers being available and an increased number of security cameras around the school. Students may also bring a padlock for their bags for additional security and have additional security software installed. Katikati College uses N4L (Network for Learning). This is Ministry of Education-provided internet with filtering.

Why only Year 10 - 13?

We recognise that one device won’t last 7 years. Our analysis of standard learning has indicated that at years 7 - 9 a smaller device is adequate and for Year’s 10 – 13 having a device that can be used for NCEA assessments is essential.

Why not a smartphone/iPod?

The screen size is too small to allow the effective creation of work on these devices.

Where do you recommend that I buy my device?

Family and friends of Katikati College receive a discount when purchasing through Noel Leeming.

Where can I find out more information?

In the College Newsletter, information evenings, emailing one of the teachers from the list below.

If you have any further questions, please direct these to anyone of the following: