Why has MAC implemented a student-owned device program?
A student-owned internet-capable device can be an important part of a student’s toolkit, giving instant access to unlimited resources and enabling students to support, extend, communicate and share their learning in a way that will prepare them for the future.
The Big Picture
Key drivers for implementing compulsory devices:
- New Zealand Qualifications Authority has run online assessments for students since 2020.
- Ministry of Education's introduction of Digital Technologies into the NZ Curriculum.
Advantages for Students
- Anytime, anywhere access to class resources, support and extension activities through Google Classroom.
- Greater ability to communicate with teachers, parents, and peers, to support their learning.
- Access to up-to-date resources and learning material on the internet.
- The ability to draft, redraw, and publish their work at the click of a button.
- Ensure working at school and working at home is an easy and seamless transition.
We have an eLearning Coordinator (Craig Jefferies) and an ICT committee, together they provide support and training to staff throughout the year to help improve integration of IT into curriculum delivery.
Minimum Device Specifications
Recommended devices include Chromebook, Macintosh or Windows Laptop, 13’’ Screen or larger, Keyboard, six hours or longer battery life.
Chromebooks are the obvious low-cost option for students that meet the needs of most subjects. Priced from $300 and upwards they are the most affordable. Some students may choose higher specification machines depending on their subjects (such as Art, Music or Technology).
Years 7 to 11
Some students may already have devices that don't meet the above criteria. Tablets like iPads can be quite robust in their features, but might not meet all needs as students move upwards in the school. It is recommended at the very least that any device has a keyboard (detachable is fine!) to facilitate written work.
Is BYOD Compulsory?
In 2017, MAC introduced a compulsory device program for years 12 and 13. In 2019 this was extended to the rest of the school, with a stable of Chromebooks as daily loaner devices available (limited). If a loan device is required for longer than a day, please make contact with MAC IT.
Damage and Repair
Unfortunately, MAC cannot accept liability for damage to devices when used at school. It is the
student’s responsibility to manage and minimise the likelihood of damage.
We can however provide support for students when diagnosing issues and provide information
regards how to proceed when repairing devices.
MAC Online Environment
What MAC provides?
• WiFi network for students
• High-Speed Fibre Internet Connectivity
• Filtered Internet access
• Short-Term Loan Devices
• Some Software Licenses (Microsoft, Adobe etc)
Digital Citizenship
Mount Aspiring College believes in a Digital Citizenship model for supporting safe and responsible
use of the internet in teaching and learning. An important part of this is that we are able to show
others what that responsible use looks like while we are using technology in our learning.
We think a good digital citizen is someone who;
• is a confident and capable user of ICT and uses ICT for learning as well as other activities
• will think carefully about whether the information they see online is true
• understands that they may experience problems when using technology but can deal with them
• will always use ICT to communicate with others in positive ways
• will be honest and fair in all of their actions using ICT
• will always respect people’s privacy and freedom of speech online
Because we know this is important for us all, we ask everyone, the staff, students and volunteers
working at the school to agree to use the internet and other technologies in a safe and responsible
way by following the rules laid out in our Responsible Use Agreement
If someone cannot agree to act responsibly, or the things that they do mean that other people are
being harmed, then we might stop them from using the internet or other technology at school.
Cell Phones at MAC
Cell Phone Use at school (Protecting the learning environment and freeing you from distraction)
If students bring cell phones to College, they are to be kept out of sight and switched off during class,
meeting and whanau times, and on education outside the college. We have not banned students from
bringing these items to College altogether. If parents need to get an urgent and important message to
their son or daughter during the day, they may phone the school office and the message will be given
to the student.
Year 7 and 8 Cell Phone use
For safety reasons, Year 7 and 8 students may not use their phones at all between 8:30am and 3:15pm
unless requested by a teacher for a specific learning purpose.
For students in Years 9-13 - Out of sight
What we do require is that these devices are out of sight and not used during class, meeting and
whanau times. On occasion, a teacher may ask students to use their cell phone (to record homework,
photograph notes or time a speech, for instance) but this is at the discretion of staff members only.
Damage or theft
The school takes no responsibility for cell phones which may be lost, stolen or damaged.
Confiscation
Parents need to be aware that if students break this rule, the phone will be confiscated. The item
can then be collected by parents from Reception any time between 8.30am and 4.30pm, but will
not be returned directly to students.
Confiscated Phones
We regret having to inconvenience parents in this way, but we have to have a means of enforcing
this rule, which is designed to ensure the learning of all students is maximised. Students may not
collect their own confiscated phones.
Questions?
Should you have any comments or wish to discuss any issues raised on this
document please call us on freephone 0800 MT ASPIRING or 03 443 0499
during office hours. Alternatively, email us at learn@mtaspiring.school.nz
and we will respond to you as quickly as we can.