BYO iPad @ Birkdale
Birkdale State School is a BYO iPad school for students in Years 3-6.
Vision
The vision for our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program at Birkdale State School is to foster an environment where critical and creative thinking are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum. By equipping students with iPads, we aim to provide them with the tools needed to explore and engage with learning materials in dynamic, interactive ways. This approach encourages students to develop essential 21st-century skills including problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy.
The use of iPads also enables teachers to personalise learning experiences to cater for individual needs and learning styles, while also allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through diverse, creative mediums. Ultimately, this program seeks to create a vibrant, technology-rich learning environment that prepares students to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital world and prepare students for their future.
Birkdale State School 1:1 iPad program will:
- Provide a greater opportunity to individualise learning
- Allow for a collaborative approach to learning
- Enhance communication skills
- Facilitate the development of 21st century knowledge and skills
- Provide an engaging, interactive learning environment
- Improved digital literacies skills
- Strengthen links between home and school
Usage expectations
iPad school usage is managed by teachers to ensure:
- posture is appropriate
- usage is balanced, educational and primarily targeted at learning opportunities that would not be possible without technology
- students are responsible, respectful and safe when using iPads and the online environment
- screen time is not excessive.
Minimum device specifications
- Students cannot use any other tablet or device to ensure consistency and ease of use, we only use iPads.
- Recommended iPads - iPad 9th or 10th gen 64GB+
- Supported iPads - iPad 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th Gen 32GB+ / iPad Pro 32GB+
* 32GB iPads are fine for school use, however will have a limited life span. We recommend 64GB+
* Students are not permitted to use iPads enabled with 4G data connections or sim cards
Accessories
Parents will need to also purchase over the ear headphones with microphone & a protective case. A waterproof carry case and screen protector is also recommended. Apple Pens/keyboards are optional.
Apps
The BYO iPad program will require necessary apps to be installed onto the iPad device. App Lists are provided on our school website. Please ensure that all apps on the list are downloaded onto your child's iPad at the start of the school year. The majority of apps are free, but some are paid. It is a requirement of participation in the program that the paid apps are to be purchased. Please do not substitute the free version of the app as it will not offer the functions required.
Purchasing
iPads and accessories can be purchased from a variety of resellers and we do not recommend one over another. A Birkdale SS BYO Portal with very competitive process has been set up on our website for JB-HI-FI. The Apple store provides a 5% discount for school purchased iPads.
Insurance
All devices are monitored by teachers at school and rules are in place to prevent foreseeable problems and damage; however, from time to time, accidents may occur. Parents are encouraged to provide personal insurance for their devices. Check with your preferred insurance company about personal insurance. You may want to investigate an extended Apple Care+. Please note that the school does not provide insurance coverage for the student owned devices.
Acceptable usage
Students and Parents will be required to sign and return the iPad Personal Device Agreement Form. This clearly outlines the school routines and expectations of the use of iPads as an educational tool.
Students without BYO iPad
Students unable to a provide a BYO iPad will have shared access to a school purchased iPads. These iPads will remain at school.