BYOx | Education Queensland’s Bring Your Own Device Program

The information age has well and truly changed the way we live and work, and schools are no exception. A revolution is underway when it comes to how Brisbane Kids learn and how their teachers teach.

What is the BYOx Program in Queensland Schools?

Some parents might have heard of the BYOx program. It stands for Bring Your Own ‘x’. The ‘x’ refers to privately owned devices like iPads, tablets, and laptops – as well as the software, apps and internet connectivity that comes with them.

In some schools, these devices are becoming central to how students work. They access the school network, do research, word processing and share ideas. It’s an electronic world, so it makes sense that students learn how to use technology and use technology to learn.

It’s the BYO part that raises questions

The move down this road seems to be driven by two factors. The convenience of students having one device they can use at school and home. And funding. For some schools, BYOx is the solution to a cash shortfall that makes it difficult to provide each student with a computer to work with.

When the trial started back in 2014, Brisbane Kids contacted the Department of Education for information about how many primary and secondary state schools were implementing a BYOx-style program. We also wanted to know what happens if families can’t afford to send their kids to school with a tablet or laptop?

Turns out there are no simple answers! The decision to run a BYOx program is totally up to individual principals and school communities. The Education Department provides research, support tools and information on various models, but it doesn’t dictate what schools should do and it doesn’t know how many schools are asking kids to BYO.

Which Brisbane schools currently have a BYO device program in place?

It is unclear exactly how many Queensland schools utilise the BYOx program, though it would appear more and more schools are initiating the BYOx program each year. Individual schools have their own guidelines and specifications regarding the BYOx program. Some schools will only have it for certain classes or year levels, while others, implement BYOx across the whole school. For details regarding BYOx requirements, contact your child’s school.

Equality issues with Education Queensland’s Bring Your Own Device Program

The report from the Department of Education also discusses the obvious equity issues raised by BYOx programs. It says many schools tackle the equity challenge by providing a bank of computers or devices that kids can use if they don’t have their own. It highlights the need for these devices to have the same capabilities as those used by kids who BYO. The downside is that school-owned machines can’t be taken home.

Many schools utilising the BYOx program will have a small number of devices available to students who have either forgotten their device or have opted not to supply their own device.

To further address equality issues when being required to bring your own device to school, some schools offer assistance to families in need. This could be in the form of hiring a device from the school, enrolling in a payment plan or applying for a scholarship to buy a device. Contact your school to see what assistance they can offer.

Benefits of participating in the BYOx Program

While the initial cost to families taking part in the BYOx program can be significant, there are many benefits to both the student and teacher when utilising digital platforms in the classroom. Schools have reported the following benefits when using the BYOx program:

• improved digital literacy
• normalising of technology use between the school and home
• greater autonomy in the classroom
• students becoming responsible digital citizens
• increased student motivation to learn
• preparing students for the workforce

Device Selection

Once a school has decided to initiate the BYOx program it is up to the school to specify which devices they require students to bring and what specifications are needed. Generally speaking, primary schools utilise tablets such as iPads etc, whilst most high schools utilise laptops in the BYOx program.

In addition to device requirements, schools may also stipulate minimum device specifications. Specific operating systems and hardware platforms may be requested, as well as minimum memory (RAM), storage, networking and communications. This will ensure all students have the same accessibility to necessary applications and programs. If you already have a device meeting the school’s requirements you can use this, otherwise you may be required to purchase a new device.

HOT TIP – Check with your school before purchasing a new device. Some schools have links with retailers, offering parents/students discounts when purchasing BYOx devices.

What is the BYOx Link Service?

In order for students to securely access the IT network at school using their own devices, a mobile device management tool, Microsoft Intune, is now used. Devices using the BYOx Link service are required to enrol in the Microsoft Intune Company Portal (Intune), which in turn allows curriculum related applications and a wireless network profile to be distributed across the devices.

Further information and user guides for BYOx Link can be found here.

As with any technology, problems can occur. If you experience issues while installing or using BYOx Link (Intune), contact your school IT support or administration.

Considerations When Bringing Your Own Device to School

Taking a device to and from school each day is not without its issues. To reduce the risk of major problems with a BYOx device consider the following:

• Screen protection – One of the first things you should do, especially for tablets, is invest in a quality screen protector. This is particularly important for primary school-aged children. Replacing screens can be costly so paying for a decent protector up-front can save you money and heartache in the long run. A tempered glass protector is a popular choice.
• Insurance – devices are an expensive item to be carrying to and from school, consider getting relevant insurance to cover for damages, accidents and theft. It may also be worth asking your school if their insurance would cover the device should anything happen at school.
• Battery life – the battery life of the device should be reasonable, ideally allowing students to use it at school without the need for recharging.
• Chargers – keeping the device charged is imperative when taking it to and from school each day. Set up a charging station at home and get your child/ren into a routine of putting it on charge as soon as they get home. You may also like to consider having an extra charger in their bag or locker at school.
• Protective case – Investing in a protective case for your child’s device is important. Consider things like do they need a handle to carry the tablet, a stand to raise the device, a keyboard etc
• Labels – If your child is taking a device to school then so are many other children. Make sure your device is clearly labelled so your child can easily identify it and it can be returned to the rightful owner should it get lost.
• Storage – Find the safest spot in your child’s bag to transport the device. Does their bag have a padded section?

The BYOx Trial in Queensland Schools

During 2014 – 2015 several Queensland schools took part in the BYOx trial. One such school was Oakleigh State School. They trialled the program with a class of Year 4 students and created a blog dedicated to their journey. A hub of information for students and parents, the blog includes details of the apps the students have used, online tutorials, examples of students’ creations and data taken from surveys completed by parents and students throughout the program. For a great overview of how one school has incorporated technology into their students’ education, we highly recommend visiting the website at www.osstechenablinglearning.edublogs.org.

Brisbane Kids would love to hear what families and teachers think about the BYOx program. Does your school have one? If so, what do you think about it? If not, do you think it’s a good idea?