What type of device can my child bring to school?
- Fitzroy North Primary School’s CONNECT program allows students to bring the following devices to school:
Mac Book Pro - Mac Book Air
- Windows Notebooks
- PC
- Ipads with an attachable keyboard
*Please note that these do not have to be brand new devices. We accept second hand and used devices providing they fit the following requirements;
Additional requirements for laptop:
- A screen size no less than 11 inches
- Minimum 5 hour battery life
- Protective Case
Can they leave their device at school?
For insurance and educational purposes it is preferable that the device goes home each night. This will also ensure the device is fully charged each night ready for the school day.
Can they charge their device at school?
We ask that devices be fully charged at home each night. This is to ensure there are no trip hazards in the classroom and so that students can work easily in the different learning spaces around the school.
What’s the process for participating in the CONNECT program?
If you are interested in participating in our CONNECT program please come to one of our information nights to learn more or email the office to arrange a time to speak to Rebecca.
Will my child’s computer be imaged?
As of 2017, devices will not be imaged. This will enable parents to have greater control over their child’s device.
If programs are required at any time throughout the year, parents will be notified in advance.
Most programs are provided by the department, school or are for free. We do not anticipate there will be many additional program costs.
If my child gets a computer at school if they don’t have one, why should I participate?
- Strengthen the connection between learning at home and school.
- The student has a computer that knows them when they log in, they can get started straight away.
- Students have fast access to their documents and their passwords and profile is saved for fast access.
- Students who do not have their own device will not miss out but they may have to share between 2 or 3 other children.
- Parents can see what their child is working on each night
What about students who cannot afford to participate?
Equality and inclusion is a huge focus at FNPS. Every action will be taken to ensure the families who are unable to participate will be provided for.
Will this increase the amount of time students will spend on computers?
- This question relates to curriculum NOT a One to One program.
- The CONNECT program does not increase the amount of screen time in the classroom, rather enhances the quality of time students have.
- Screen time and access at home is at the parent or guardian’s discretion.
What about security?
Safe storage – Laptops are locked in a secure space or storeroom and then locked in the classroom during recess and lunch.
Home school transfer security – The Mac Books come with a secure cover and case in the unlikely event that laptops are dropped. Students are to keep their laptop in their bag until they get to school or home and are not to take it out of their bags in public.
Home internet filtering –The school image does not protect against online content at home. Parents are advised to set up an internet filter at home to protect their child from unwanted exposure in inappropriate content.
Can they share the device with their sibling/s?
While the school does not oppose siblings sharing a computer at school, the management of this may be difficult as students tend to use computers at the same time.
The benefit of students having their own computer is that they don’t need to search for one. and to walk between buildings (if senior and junior) this would be an inefficient use of learning time.
What filter is used at school?
The school uses a ‘Netspace’ filter which is provided by the education department. It is regularly updated and reviewed by staff to ensure students can not access inappropriate content. Students are reminded to notify teachers should they stumble across anything that makes them uncomfortable so that these sites can be added to the comprehensive list and blocked.
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/prinregulationinternet.aspx
The following information is taken from Netspace:
Does Netspace provide a safe Internet environment for students?
Netspace employs the award-winning, 100% Australian, ContentKeeper content filtering technology. Automatically updated hourly, ContentKeeper filters extensive predefined and local defined URL lists together with dynamic content filtering. Schools also can submit details of additional sites containing inappropriate material they wish to be blocked, as well as immediately blocking or allowing sites as needed. Netspace uses an array of load-balanced ContentKeeper systems to ensure high performance and an uninterrupted filtering service in the event of an outage. Additional details about ContentKeeper can be found at: http://www.contentkeeper.com
What network does the school run on?
Our wireless network runs on both frequencies 2.4 and 5ghz.
What about software?
Should any software be required by the level for projects, at least 2 weeks notification will be provided. We do not anticipate that there will be many additional software requirements. Any additional programs such as educational Minecraft, cost around $5 per student. Most of the programs used are web based and free of charge.
Do we need to get Microsoft Office (or the Mac equivalent) installed in addition to anti-virus software?
Students have access to office365 for free which can be installed on Mac, Windows or IOS. Anti-virus software will need to be installed on the students device.
How much RAM and storage do I need?
I would recommend a minimum of 4gb of ram to ensure a three year life span and a minimum of 128gb storage will be more than enough.
Why is there a minimum requirement for screen size?
A screen size which is smaller is perfectly acceptable. We recommend the 11″ minimum for greater screen size for less eye strain and bigger screen real estate. We also understand that the size of the student’s backpack and fitting it into the school bag is an important consideration. School bags are being remade to fit the 13 inch screen size in the future.