Bring Your Own Device

WestMAC considered multiple options for when making the decision about implementing a 1:1 device program. Due to several factors, including research-based evidence and financial implications for the College, the BYOD option was selected as the most appropriate for our school context. The College continues to evalutate the program and ensure the best fit for purpose option is maintained.

Research and experiential evidence shows that smartphones, while useful tools, are not ideal devices for learning in classrooms, particularly due to distraction, restrictions of screen size and keyboard use. In addition, the College has a policy of no mobile phone use during the school day for students, which has been very successful.

Where possible, we suggest choosing one of the devices offered by our recommended vendor, as these have been selected to avoid issues in the long term. It is vital that our teachers are not spending time assisting students with device questions that take them away from classroom teaching and learning, and that students have continued access to a functioning device each day. However, as long as the device meets the minimum specifications we have provided, it is fine to bring a device that is already part of the household, as long as it is available for the student every day and has the battery capacity to last the day. 

Please note that Chromebooks are not supported devices for use at the College.

The length of time the students will attend the College will depend on whether or not they require a device. The International Department will provide information to current and prospective students on this issue.

Families should ensure they choose a device suitable for the needs of the student. At this stage, no additional software is necessary, but this will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

WestMAC has a high quality wireless network, covering our buildings and most student-used open spaces, allowing students to use their device across the campus.

WestMAC’s internet connection is protected by a stringent content filter. Students are required to use the WestMAC wifi while on campus.

In specialist areas that require access to costly or limited access software, students have access at school or via a virtual desktop provided by the College. This will continue to be evaluated by the College for feasibility and affordability.

Yes. However, physical texts can be provided to students if required for learning needs.

Students must bring their device to school fully charged. If fully charged, it would be unusual if they need topping up over a day of normal use. Uncharged devices or poor battery performance may lead to a student’s inability to participate in some class activities. A core tenet of The WestMAC Way is 'Being prepared and organised'. If a device is broken or devices are not working, families will need to contact the retailer the device was purchased from as quickly as possible to facilitate repair. We recommend obtaining extended warranty and support option at point of purchase where available to help ensure swift resolution of any issues.

No. Workplace safety and the sheer number of devices that will be in the College make this impossible. One element of selecting a device appropriate for BYOD is to ensure long battery life, and part of being prepared and organised under the WestMAC Way will be making sure devices are fully charged ready for school each day.

All students have a locker, and every device has an individual serial number which should be recorded by families in case of loss. Devices are the sole responsibility of the student. WestMAC accepts no responsibility for the security or safety of the device. Clear marking of devices with the student’s name is advised, as with all personal resources

All learning areas have spaces students can place devices when not in use. Students should consider their timetable and make good choices about when to leave their device in a locker if they have a practical lesson. A high quality protective laptop bag is also recommended.

No. Families need to ensure their student’s device is explicitly covered by their household insurance, if specific insurance provided by vendors is not chosen.

Overseas and Australian research has shown that insurance companies have reported very few incidents while students travel to and from school. Students should avoid taking devices out in public, and to carry them in a protective cover, inside their school bags.

The College may require access to the browser history and caches on an individual’s device as well as any and all files belonging to the student that reside on the device as well as those stored on cloud based drives. Students and families need to be aware that files stored locally or on College cloud drives are not private and all traffic on the College network and systems is monitored.

Device use before and after school, morning tea and lunchtime is restricted to designated learning areas of the school, such as the Claridge Centre Library and the Senior School Flex. As with all College infrastructure, including College wifi, students may only use their devices for learning purposes in these spaces. Any inappropriate technology use (or use of devices outside of designated spaces) will be treated in the same way as any other infraction of The WestMAC Way. Teachers use their professional judgement on this matter.

All BYOD devices must be carried inside an appropriate laptop bag while on campus. Our recommended vendor haS selected fully reinforced styles that provide the greatest level of protection for devices, and these are approved for use at WestMAC. The College does not endorse any particular laptop bag but if purchasing from another vendor, please ensure the laptop bag chosen meets the following requirements:

• Laptop bags must be a single colour of plain black.
• Fully reinforced laptop bags are preferred due to the superior quality of protection.

Some students may require a laptop bag that can be carried on their back while at school due to physical needs. There are a limited number of laptop bags with backpack straps that are suitable for WestMAC, and the information above must be adhered to for all types of bags. The images below demonstrates the particular styles that are suitable in that circumstance.