Why BYOD at West Rolleston?

As a part of our vision to "grow happy, healthy learners”, we are naturally passionate about future focussed learning. If our kids are going to be successful in what is a rapidly changing world, then their ability to apply meaningful learned knowledge and skills, flexibly and creatively in different situations, will be key. Therefore providing opportunities for our tamariki to develop these capabilities is crucial.

The use of digital technologies is a key part of this. Through the use of digital technologies, the potential of what skills and capabilities our learners acquire is so much greater than without. Over time, our learners will become digitally fluent. A digitally fluent person can decide when to use specific digital technologies to achieve their desired outcome. They can articulate why the tools they are using will provide their desired outcome. They can critique the relevance and accuracy of the information they find, they can recognise and use the most effective methods of reaching their intended audience, they are an adept producer of digital content and they understand and can demonstrate how to use digital technologies responsibly including – digital security (self-protection), copyright.

We are committed to creating a balance for our learners. Having real life hands on experiences is still the key to learning, and we will use digital devices when it can enhance the learning or even better, create opportunities which are not possible without the device.

In years 5-8 we run a BYOD programme where learners are able to bring along their own devices. This is an optional programme and the school will continue to provide Chromebooks for those learners who do not have one at a ratio of 1:3. A pod of iPads will also be provided in each studio.

The WRPS board of trustees will contribute $100 towards the purchase of an approved device from our supplier.

The reasons why are clear.

Our next question was what. What devices would best allow for this learning to take place? When setting up the BYOD programme in 2016 we thoroughly researched this question, asked many experts and visited other BYOD schools and concluded that BYOD programmes are most successful when the same devices are used. We have also concluded that Chromebooks are the best fit for our learners.

Why Chromebooks?

Below are the latest Chromebooks we have on offer. Please note that both work perfectly fine with the studio programme regardless of features and price.

Acer Chromebook C734

Features

Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB RAM, a heavy-duty Intel UHD Graphics 600, and a spacious 32GB eMMC storage to give you outstanding system performance. In addition, its 11.6" TN LCD screen is backed up with an HD 1366 x 768 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, 16:9 aspect ratio, and a maximum brightness of 250 nits. Two USB Type-C 3.2 ports for ultra-quick data transfer, video streaming, and battery charging. Easy Fix keys. Wifi 6.

Dark Grey, 3 Year Warranty, Durable Hard Case, White Glove Service, Optional 3-year theft and damage insurance.

Acer Chromebook spin 511

Features

You can open this stylish touchscreen Chromebook all the way, until it becomes a tablet. On the way to 360 degrees of tablet fun, you can also stop to configure it as a stand-up display, or a tent-shaped display that lets you place it on a window sill so you can watch videos on the wide-viewing-angle screen while doing the dishes.

11.6" TouchIntel, Quad Core Celeron Processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB Storage, up to 10-hour battery life, 1.25kg

2 x USB Type-C port supporting: USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps)

Black 3-Year Warranty, Durable Hard Case, White Glove Service, Optional 3-year theft and damage insurance.

Other costs?

From time to time learners may be required to purchase some core apps to use with their learning. Information will come home regarding this when necessary.

9 Reasons to purchase a recommended Chromebook

How do I purchase a Chromebook?

Please click here to go to the Cyclone BYOD page. You can simply choose which Chromebook you would like and pay online.

Please note that if you choose to purchase a device from another supplier it must be a Chromebook. Other devices are not compatible with our management system.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to come and ask us.