Bring your own device (BYOD) means that students bring to school a personally owned or family owned device to support their learning. Equity and access are essential for the success of any BYOD program. To this end, St Patrick’s College has developed a BYOD Equity Policy that provides a framework to guide the BYOD program’s implementation.

Minimum specifications – BYOD Requirements
St Patrick’s College Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program requires families to provide a laptop computer for use at school and at home. This program enables access to College-provided ICT resources including the Wi-Fi network, electronic texts, subscriptions to a range of eLearning materials, printing facilities and software licensing. The BYOD Minimum Specification Advice document is designed to guide families in the purchase of a suitable device.

Transition from iPads to Laptops
From 2021, students entering Year 7 are required to bring a laptop to the College. iPads will be phased out and will no longer meet the minimum requirements for the BYOD program.
Transition
In 2020 and beyond, no families are required to purchase another device if a suitable device is in current use. The transition to a fully laptop school will take several years.

• 2020 – Years 7 to 12 students who are using iPads may continue to bring an iPad as a BYO device. BYO iPads will continue to be supported until the device reaches its end-of-life.

• 2020 – Years 7 to 12 students who have not yet purchased a device, or who are considering upgrading to a new device, are advised to purchase a laptop computer that meets the minimum BYOD specifications.

Purchasing a device
Parents are able to purchase devices from anywhere and there are a range of devices available that meet our minimum specification. Together with the College Technology team, JB Hi-Fi have created a purchasing portal. Access the JB Hi-Fi Education portal here - https://www.jbeducation.com.au/byod and use the school code: SPCBYOD19.

Loan Devices
To ensure access to digital technologies and equity for all students, the College has established procedures for families to apply for assistance in obtaining access to a device.

Day Loans
To ensure access to digital technologies and equity for all students, the College has established procedures for families to apply for assistance in obtaining access to a device that meets the minimum BYOD specifications.

BYOD Day Loan Request Form (SPC students only)
1. Students complete the online Day Loan Request form.
2. Go to the library between 8.00 am and 8.20 am
3. Pick up laptop
4. Return the laptop at 3:08pm (after the final bell)

Week Loans
For BYO devices that may be under repair, the College has established an extended loan process (one week) that can be used by parents or carers to apply for student access to a loan laptop.

BYOD Weeklong Loan Request(Parents / Carers to complete)

1. Students complete the online Day Loan Request form.
2. Go to the library between 8.00 am and 8.20 am
3. Pick up laptop
4. Return the laptop at 3:08pm (after the final bell)

Extended loans
To ensure access to digital technologies and equity for all students, the College has established procedures for families to apply for assistance in obtaining access to a device. If parents/caregivers believe they are unable to provide a device that meets the Minimum Device Specification for an extended period, they need to complete the following steps:
1. Make an application in writing to the Business Manager or make an appointment to speak with the Business Manager indicating that assistance is needed in meeting the requirements of the Bring Your Own Device program.
2. Liaise with the College to identify the most appropriate way to provide access to digital resources.
3. Enter into a written agreement between the College, student and parent/carer that confirms alternative arrangements made for access to digital resources.

Applications to the Business Manager are initiated by parents or carers completing the following online form:Request an Extended Loan.

Please click through to the Learning Technologies information available on the College website - (http://www.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/academic-care/learning-technologies.)

I have some more questions, who can I ask?
Please feel free to forward any questions you may have regarding our College BYOD program to the Leader of eLearning and Library Services (elearning@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au).

Debra Bourne - Leader of eLearning and Library Services