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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

All students are required to bring a personal computing device to school to support their learning.

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Noel Leeming Bring Your Own Device Offer.

Noel Leeming is our preferred supplier of BYOD devices for students. They are giving the Rangitoto College community preferential pricing at the Albany and Wairau Park stores. In addition, Noel Leeming provides our kura with a two per cent rebate on all purchases.  For more information on how to participate in this Noel Leeming BYOD offer read here.

See below for further information that includes device recommendations, purchasing opportunities and financing options.

Device Guidelines

Open Platform​

  • We do not mandate any particular platform (PC, Apple, Android, etc.).

 

Device Type

  • Our experience has found that tablets (Android, Apple iPad) are not well suited to classroom use.  It is our expectation that students will have either a laptop or a chromebook.

 

WIFI

  • We recommend that devices support Wi-Fi 6 (or later) at 5GHz in order to avoid potential wireless connectivity issues

 

Cloud Based

  • There is no need to purchase specialist software (e.g. Microsoft Word, etc.) or Apps.

 

Restrictions

  • Gaming consoles and smartphones are not considered suitable devices.

Our Recommendation

Although we do not mandate the purchase of a specific model or type, we encourage students to have a device that includes features that provide the greatest possible access to the educational resources that will support and enhance their learning. The device must also be easy for students to manage. We have found that tablet devices, including iPad’s, do not offer the best experience and for this reason it is the College’s expectation that students will not have these.

The use of the device in the classroom will be “cloud based”, with Google applications used extensively across the curriculum.

If you are considering buying a device,  we would recommend either a laptop or a chromebook. Laptop’s are generally more expensive, may be able to be used in specialist subjects in the senior school (depending on specification) and have wider application beyond the school. Hybrid tablets are suitable – these provide the functionality of a laptop with the benefits of tablet.  We recommend that devices support Wi-Fi 6 (or later) at 5GHz in order to avoid potential wireless connectivity issues.

A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Chrome operating system. These devices are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing “in the cloud”. The Chrome operating system is designed by Google to work primarily with web applications.

What is a Chromebook

A Chromebook delivers outstanding and hassle-free performance at an affordable price. They offer thousands of free apps and gets better over time with automatic updates.

No Hassles

Chromebooks are fast to use and don’t slow down over time. They have built-in security, so you’re protected against viruses and malware. There is no need for tedious backups or security patches. Automatic files back-up means no file loss. They come with apps for all your everyday needs and keep your files safely backed up on the cloud. It boots in less than 10 seconds and wakes up instantly. With free, automatic updates, your Chromebook also keeps getting better and better.

Long Battery Life

Long battery life means Chromebooks last an entire school day.  And since it’s easy to connect a Chromebook anytime and anywhere with built-in Wi-Fi and optional 3G, students can continue learning after school and at home.

Portable and Powerful

A Chromebooks processor cost-effectively delivers greater power efficiency for improved battery performance and exceptional performance in an ultra-slim package. They are very lightweight – around 1 kg.

Full-sized Keyboard Designed for Chrome

The keyboard is optimised for the Chrome operating system with a dedicated search key, a row of web-enabled keys, and a comfortable, full-size layout that doesn’t cramp your fingers, so you can get more done.

Simply More Flexibility

A Chromebook has a range of ports, including HDMI and USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports, to enable greater flexibility for sharing data and multimedia playback.

Storage

There is no built-in hard-drive.  Internal storage (generally around 16 Gb) is provided on an internal embedded flash drive.  Storage is enhanced using the “Cloud”.

 

Perfect for Google Apps

The Chromebook does not run PC Windows programs (e.g. Microsoft Office,) instead users use Google Apps through an online connection.

The User Experience is Important

A powerful (expensive) device is not required.  What is required is a device that will be easy for students to manage and one that allows documents to be created and edited efficiently.

Whether purchasing new, or using an existing device, it is important to ensure that the device makes life easier for the student and not more difficult.

Older devices and very cheap devices can present problems (e.g. connection and speed issues, battery life, etc.) as can those with significant restrictions applied at the time the device was set up.

The following are important considerations that will enhance the user experience:

Weight and portability are big considerations, especially for juniors. Students carry their device from class to class throughout the day.

Long battery life (6 hours +) is another major consideration. Students may not be able to charge their device at school and need a device with enough battery to last them the day.

Wireless connectivity is important. The device should be AGN capable and ideally meet the 802.11n standard.

Screen size needs to be large enough to work with documents in order to create and edit content and watch video.

Keyboard – a physical keyboard is far easier to use for text entry.

Robustness – a good quality build with a rugged hard shell provides durability. Hinge mechanisms need to be robust as these can be a point of failure.

Headphones will be necessary for listening to sound. The device needs a headphone port.

Virus Protection will be necessary for PC and Mac devices.

Warranty – students using the device will want faults fixed quickly. The College will not provide technical support or repair services.

Insurance – the College insurance does not cover personal property. You will need to ensure you are covered for replacement if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

What if I cannot afford to buy a Device?

Most retailers offer flexible payment terms and layby options. Support may be available through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) once benefit eligibility criteria has been met.

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