Do students really need to bring their own device?
Yes
Why do they need a device?
For every lesson, teachers at James Nash SHS make decisions about how best to help your students learn. In some cases they will use tried and trusted traditional learning techniques such as teacher talk and handwritten work, and at other times, technology will be used to enhance or improve the learning.
At the very minimum, the BYOd will be used as a means for connecting school learning with home learning. Educational research has found that students who routinely use the same device at school and home become much more familiar with the software and apps, and their learning can occur much more quickly. Students will have easy access to their classwork at home through online tools such as QLearn/Canvas and OneNote.
In some classes, the functions of the BYOd will be leveraged to enhance your child's learning. This might happen through independent inquiry tasks, cooperative learning tasks, and creative tasks. As more students bring their BYOd to class, teachers will be able to extend the types of device enabled learning that is available in their classes.
Students who struggle with learning can also be better supported when they have their BYOd in class. Microsoft Online apps, especially Word Online, have inbuilt functions to support inclusion, especially when it comes to reading and writing. Using these apps helps to remove some of the barriers to learning experienced by some students, and provides an opportunity for them to more effectively demonstrate what they know.
What do they need the laptop for in each subject?
Each subject will use the BYOd differently. For specific details, see the BYOd Deliverables information at James Nash SHS website > Extra-curricular > Computer and internet > BYOd use in each subject area
Does it need to be an expensive laptop?
Not at all.
There are a number of more affordable options available through local vendors and our linked vendor portals.
In all cases though, it is important to ensure that the minimum device specs are met. There are some devices that run-on low-quality processors and these will affect how quickly the device will work and have a negative impact on your child's at-school learning.
What device is best for my student?
Families are best placed to make this decision. We recommend you consider the device weight and the screen size and think about how those features will impact your student.
What do I look for in the device?
We understand that many of you would like to buy a device that will be functional for a few years of school work. Our recommended device specifications are put together with that in mind. Return to the Computers and Internet page to see the most current recommended device specifications.
Where can I buy the device?
As a state school we cannot make recommendations of where to buy the device. There are a number of computer sellers in town who can provide the device and follow up service. Some larger computer companies also have their products available through an online portal, linked to the school website.
Is a laptop case really necessary?
Yes. We have over a thousand people walking around the school in the rush to get to classes. Bumps will happen. A laptop in its case will be safer than one without a case.
Where do I find out how to set the device up for school?
To find the information and user guides for BYOxLink, the method for joining a privately-owned device to the school network, go to the James Nash SHS website > Extra-curricular > Computer and internet > Related links.
For additional support, contact the school technicians.
Who does my child see at school to get BYOd help?
The school technicians. They are based in the Tech Support area in the library.
How do they book in for BYOd help?
Each day during care class, students can book in for tech support by asking their care teacher to record their name and the BYOd issue.
Students can also drop by the Tech Support room in the library before school and at break times.
How can I get in contact with the school technicians?
Email tech@jamesnashshs.eq.edu.au
How can my child get their password reset?
Care teachers can reset passwords.
Can laptops be charged at school?
Charging laptops can pose safety risks so we recommend that students charge their device at home. In some classrooms, for some classes, teachers are able to decide if it is safe for students to charge their device in the room. These safety decisions are made on a lesson by lesson basis and the teacher's decision must always be followed. For both safety and courtesy reasons, students must always seek permission before charging their device.
Students can also charge laptops during break times in our lockable laptop charging units. One charging unit is located in K Block for senior student use only, and the other is in the library and is available for all students to use.