BACKAll students are required to bring a personal computing device to school to support their learning.
Open Platform
Device Type
Cloud Based
Restrictions
Although we do not mandate the purchase of a specific model or type, we encourage students to have a device that includes features that provide the greatest possible access to the educational resources that will support and enhance their learning. The device must also be easy for students to manage. We have found that tablet devices, including iPad’s, do not offer the best experience and for this reason it is the College’s expectation that students will not have these.
The use of the device in the classroom will be “cloud based”, with Google applications used extensively across the curriculum.
If you are considering buying a device, we would recommend either a laptop or a chromebook. Laptop’s are generally more expensive, may be able to be used in specialist subjects in the senior school (depending on specification) and have wider application beyond the school. Hybrid tablets are suitable – these provide the functionality of a laptop with the benefits of tablet.
A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Chrome operating system. These devices are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing “in the cloud”. The Chrome operating system is designed by Google to work primarily with web applications.
A Chromebook delivers outstanding and hassle-free performance at an affordable price. They offer thousands of free apps and gets better over time with automatic updates.
Long battery life means Chromebooks last an entire school day. And since it’s easy to connect a Chromebook anytime and anywhere with built-in Wi-Fi and optional 3G, students can continue learning after school and at home.
A powerful (expensive) device is not required. What is required is a device that will be easy for students to manage and one that allows documents to be created and edited efficiently.
Whether purchasing new, or using an existing device, it is important to ensure that the device makes life easier for the student and not more difficult.
Older devices and very cheap devices can present problems (e.g. connection and speed issues, battery life, etc.) as can those with significant restrictions applied at the time the device was set up.
The following are important considerations that will enhance the user experience:
Weight and portability are big considerations, especially for juniors. Students carry their device from class to class throughout the day.
Long battery life (6 hours +) is another major consideration. Students may not be able to charge their device at school and need a device with enough battery to last them the day.
Wireless connectivity is important. The device should be AGN capable and ideally meet the 802.11n standard.
Screen size needs to be large enough to work with documents in order to create and edit content and watch video.
Keyboard – a physical keyboard is far easier to use for text entry.
Robustness – a good quality build with a rugged hard shell provides durability. Hinge mechanisms need to be robust as these can be a point of failure.
Headphones will be necessary for listening to sound. The device needs a headphone port.
Virus Protection will be necessary for PC and Mac devices.
Warranty – students using the device will want faults fixed quickly. The College will not provide technical support or repair services.
Insurance – the College insurance does not cover personal property. You will need to ensure you are covered for replacement if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Most retailers offer flexible payment terms and layby options. Support may be available through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) once benefit eligibility criteria has been met.
