Mount Barker High School Information

Throughout 2014 Mount Barker High School has reviewed all ICT options extensively and has determined that our only reasonable course is to introduce a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative which is a strategy many schools across the world have been using for several years to meet the requirements of 21st Century learning. We believe this option will ensure that no Mount Barker High School student will be disadvantaged. Mount Barker High School has made a major investment to develop a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) computer network across the school. The main focus of this development has been to enable students to bring their own computing mobile hardware and for them to have access to the school's software and network storage from their own devices. This access enhances their work environment, access to required software and supports their learning. The VDI system is also accessible from home and elsewhere offsite, enabling students to conveniently use school software and storage. The school has opted for a windows VDI environment, and this will offer the same set of applications to all ICT users in the school. In this way, whether students have iPads, Android tablets or laptops, they will have access to the same programs both at school and at home. These programs will include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other applications yet to be determined by staff, in line with the requirements of the Australian Curriculum and the SACE Board. Should parents decide to purchase a new device, our recommendations are that the device has these minimum specifications: A 6 hour battery life WiFi Network Access At least a 10 inch screen (iPad Air is acceptable) Keyboard (Bluetooth is suitable) Touchscreen, a trackpad or mouse. Mount Barker High School cannot take responsibility for your child's BYOD and you may like to consider insurance or a maintenance agreement when purchasing. Some of the advantages of the BYOD program to your child are: The technology is available to the student all day at school, so ...