Students attending Gladstone Central State School are encouraged to bring a device to school. The device will be used to enhance curriculum delivery, to enable online research and for work production, creation and submission. Connection to the internet will be provided via the school network.
As a school, we would prefer a single device, to ensure consistency in classroom implementation and ongoing maintenance of school systems. As such in 2021, Gladstone Central State School will begin to rollout a BYO iPad program for students in Years 4-6.
iPads are the preferred device because:
* our school has incorporated iPads as a teaching and learning tool for the past 5 years, making them a familiar tool to students
* our teachers all have school supplied iPads as part of their teaching kit and receive training on an ongoing basis
* this aligns with our feeder high schools BYOx programs.
As such, we would encourage families to consider this when/if they intend on purchasing a device for 2021.
Vision
Our vision at Gladstone Central State School is to develop critical and creative learners that have access to all the tools necessary for the 21st Century, whilst also valuing and engaging our learners into deep thinking, problem solving and solution focus real world activities that explore the array of possibilities not just what has been done before.
The focus of the BYOx program at Central is to provide the tools and resources to the 21st-Century Learner. A successful BYOx program requires technology to be seamlessly integrated throughout the school's curriculum. Increased access to technology is essential for teaching students skills for a future in which, as societal trends suggest, digital literacy is key. The individual use of personal devices is a way to empower students to work to their full potential and develop essential learning habits with the support of digital tools.
Learning results from continuous dynamic interaction among students, teachers, parents and the extended community. Technology immersion does not diminish the vital role of the teacher. On the contrary, it transforms the teacher from a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Effective teaching and learning with technology integrates technology into the curriculum any time, any place.
Research that supports our vision
Minimum device specifications
Recommended iPads:
- iPad 7th Gen 32GB or larger
- iPad 6th Gen 32GB or Larger
Supported iPads:
- iPad 5th Gen 32GB or larger
- iPad Air 1 & 2 32GB or larger
- iPad Pro 32GB or larger
Unsupported iPads:
- iPad 1, 2, 3, 4 (2010-2012+)
- iPad minis (2012+)
- Note - These can’t be updated to iOS11.
*The life span of an iPad is approximately 4 years.
Accessories
- Over the ear headphones with a microphone
- Protective case
- Waterproof carry case.
iPads and accessories can be purchased from a variety of resellers and we do not recommend one over another.
Apple Australia
A BYO Portal is being set up through Apple Australia. More information to come.
Insurance
All devices are monitored by teachers at school and rules are in place to prevent foreseeable problems and damage; however, from time to time, accidents may occur. Parents are encouraged to provide personal insurance for their devices. Check with your preferred insurance company about personal insurance at home and to and from school for your iPad. You may want to investigate an extended Apple Care+. Please note that the school does not provide insurance coverage for the student owned devices.
Apps
The school will be responsible for the purchasing of all Apps. However, for students to have access to these apps and the Wi-Fi /email profiles, parents need to download the Intune app and enrol their device. Details and help notes on how to do will be emailed to parents. These Apps remain the property of the school and the paid Apps will be removed when a student exits the school.
You may load other apps on the iPad for use at home to be kept in a folder labelled “Home” as long as there is a minimum of 16GB available for school use. These apps need to be age appropriate (no social media) and home apps will need to be removed if they are a distraction at school.
Students without BYO iPad
Students unable to provide a BYO iPad will have shared access to a school purchased iPad. These iPads will remain at school.