3 minute read
Linking learning at school with learning at home
KWS to implement a ‘Bring your own laptop’ program.
Mr Ben Wark, Director of ICT
In his role as Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Ben Wark wants to ensure technology enhances learning, wellbeing and educational attainment at Kinross Wolaroi School. That’s why from January 2021, the school is adopting a ‘Bring Your Own Laptop’ policy for Years 7 to 12.
“With the move to single portal access for students, staff and parents in 2021, students will be able to navigate more easily on a laptop rather than on iPads. With our complete move to Teams (from Microsoft) for our learning management system, the primary access through a laptop will have huge creative and ease of use benefits,” Ben explained.
In addition to day-to-day learning, the policy will bring the school up to speed with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority’s (ACARA) decision to move the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) online by 2022 and the compulsory online Higher School Certificate (HSC) minimum standards Literacy and Numeracy tests from Year 10.
This year also highlighted the importance of every student needing to be able to work remotely. Online learning during the pandemic would not have been possible without computers to access the digital classrooms Ben and his team created with Microsoft Teams.
The laptops will be used in classrooms, as well as for independent learning and homework, and will replace the previous iPad program for students in Years 7 and 8. While the policy will require parents to purchase a device for their child, the school is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.
All students in Years 7 and 8 must have a laptop that meets the school’s minimum specification requirements by January, however, other years will have until 2023 to phase-in.
Most students in Years 9 to 12 recently acquired a laptop to support their independent learning and can therefore continue to use their laptop for 24 months, even if it doesn’t meet the school’s minimum specification requirements.
The school has provided a limited number of three-year-old laptops to support families who are not in a financial position to invest in a laptop.
The minimum requirements mean laptops must have one of the latest operating systems, ample storage, wireless capability and a minimum of eight hours of battery life.
Ben said the minimum device specifications ensure that students get the best experience out of their technology.
“Older devices are prone to issues and are problematic within the classrooms and boarding houses. New devices with a two to three-year manufacturer warranty provide a solid platform for students,” he said.
ACARA lists ICT Technology as one of the seven key capabilities students need to be successful learners and the policy allows students to choose between their preferred device – Windows or MacBook.
New access and filtering management software for 2021
In response to the concern from many parents about students’ screen time and the use of devices for homework, revision and daily schooling, KWS will launch a service called Family Zone.
“This service will require an application to be installed on all of the students’ laptops to enable them to access the school’s Wi-Fi network. The solution will enable access management and controls at a school, year, class and individual level when on the KWS campus,” Ben said.
“The software is also licensed for use at home. Parents will have the choice to enable controls that manage internet access, website filtering and device location. In addition, Family Zone will be working with KWS to provide regular seminars and ongoing support.”
KWS also recognises that handwriting and reading are essential skills and there will still be a focus on handwriting instead of keyboarding in classes and the use of hard copies of textbooks. The role of technology is to assist and enhance but not drive the learning at KWS •
