Strathmore Secondary College Student Netbook Allocation 2012

Strathmore Secondary College
 Student Netbook Allocation
            2012

As part of their ‘Digital Education Revolution’ initiative the Australian Government has committed funds
under its ‘National Secondary School Computer Fund’ (NSSCF) scheme for the purchase of netbook
computers for student use.
In this round of funding, the Government has directed that the computers be provided directly to
students for them to use at school and at home.
The College Council has decided that the funds provided for 2012 will therefore be used to enable the
school to supply each student in Years 9 and 10 with a Netbook computer.

In implementing this policy the Government is acknowledging the importance of 21st Century learners
being able to effectively apply ICT in any appropriate situation. By participating in a 1:1 netbook
program students will have ready access to eLearning and become members of a globally connected
community.
For 21st century learners the skills of finding, selecting, structuring and evaluating information will be
important. Equally important will be the need for problem solving skills, the ability to be creative and to
collaborate with others. Skills in communication will also be highly regarded.
The Government’s purpose in providing funding for the netbook program is to help promote acquisition
of these essential 21st Century skills.

The program is new and so brings questions and challenges – amongst these would be cyber safety, the
provision of appropriate professional learning for teachers and issues of technical support.
The accompanying Frequently Asked Questions attempt to answer some of the practical issues
associated with the program.
There is also attached some advice on responsible netbook use and information about Government
websites where parents have access to additional advice on this matter.
Finally, the Department has provided us with an “Acceptable Use Agreement” that must be completed
by all those who intend to take part in the Netbook Scheme.

This initiative is a valuable opportunity for schools to more consciously address the question of
eLearning. One thing we need to remember though is that the netbook is essentially a tool and needs to
be seen as an aid to quality teaching.

K W Harbottle
Principal

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Safe and Responsible Netbook Use
Netbooks are a powerful learning tool providing anywhere, anytime, access to learning and information.
Just like any other device that can directly connect to the internet, it is important netbooks are used
safely and responsibly at home as well as at school. There will be some differences in how netbooks are
used at home and at school. Schools generally have web filtering and will use the netbooks specifically
for learning.

With internet access at home, students will generally be connected to unfiltered internet content and
there will be an opportunity for the student to use netbooks for social networking and leisure activities.
As a parent, you play an important role in ensuring your child has safe and positive experiences when
online. Encourage your child to think and question both the information they obtain from the internet
as well as the people that they encounter. Be aware of how your child is using the internet and what
they use it for. Understand strategies for dealing with the risks young people may face online. This will
help equip you to guide them in the online world.

Tips for parents:
    1. Encourage use of the netbook (or any computer) in a central, communal place in the house - not
         a private space like a bedroom.
    2. Spend time with your child asking them to show you the places they use online. Make this a
         regular, ongoing conversation.
    3. Discuss strategies your child could use if they were upset by something sent or posted online.
         Telling you, not responding to a person whose actions make them feel uncomfortable and
         leaving the space straightaway may be some first steps your child could take.
    4. Set in place agreed levels of personal information your child can share online. It is important
         private information such as their name, address, and images are kept private.
    5. Encourage your child to think before they post information online. They should be aware that
         once information is posted online it can be difficult, or in some instances impossible, to remove
         it.
    6. Reinforce stranger danger messages and encourage your child to question who they trust online
         as there is a chance that people may not be who they say they are. This can at times be difficult
         as the concept of friends online can include people your child does not actually know but may
         feel that they know after chatting over an extended time period.
    7. Remind your child of the importance of keeping their password a secret. More often than not,
         accounts are hacked by someone known to the account holder using a password they have
         obtained from the account holder.
    8. Try not to use the removal of technology as punishment for online issues. International research
         shows the number one reason young people give for not reporting online issues, including cyber
         bullying, is because they believe they will lose access to their online technology and
         communities.

All parents are encouraged to access the following sites concerning cyber safety and to discuss the
contents with their children.

DEECD Working with the Web – www.education.vic.gov.au
Australian Government Net Alert - www.netalert.gov.au
Cyber Smart - www.cybersmart.gov.au

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When students are at School we consider positive behaviour with digital technologies to be part of our
existing framework for school-wide positive behaviour.
Within that framework we promote:
Effective Learning – working to your full potential and allowing others to work to theirs
Fair Treatment – understanding the rights of all
Safety – use of sensible behaviour inside and outside the classroom
The following illustrates the application of these positive behaviours and expectations in an eLearning
environment.

Fair Learning
 Set high standards for learning by using your netbook as a tool for learning while you are at school.
 Always come to class prepared with everything you need (netbook battery should be fully charged
    at home)

Fair Treatment
 Respect and do not interfere with other people’s netbooks
 Consider others and respect their privacy when using technology
 Promote positive online behaviour through using your netbook for the purpose intended
 Support others’ online safety by reporting any inappropriate use or behaviour to a teacher

Safety
 Keep netbooks secure at all times (locked in lockers outside of class time or under your direct
    supervision)
 Always treat your netbook with care, particularly when opening and closing and transporting it to,
    from and around the school
 Protect your personal information by keeping your password secure

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a netbook?
The netbook is a small computer weighing just over 1kg that fits into a standard schoolbag. After
assessing the options available, the College has decided to purchase Dell Inspiron M102z netbooks, with
the following configuration:
     AMD E-450 CPU with 1.65 GHz Dual Core Processor
     2GB RAM
     320GB HDD
     11.6" Widescreen HD WLED display
     64 bit OS

How will netbooks be used at school?
Netbooks provide anytime, anywhere access to information and learning, allowing students to
complement the learning that usually takes place in the classroom. Netbooks provide students with a
suite of educational software programs as well as broadband internet access while at school.

The netbook can, for example, be used to record and document information and then to share that
material with others. Students can undertake research projects and use the netbook to create their
reports employing a variety of different media including drawings and animations. Students in science
may attach probes for collecting experimental data or use online resources to improve their numeracy
skills in maths. Students can use on-line dictionaries and spell checking software to receive immediate
feedback on the correct spelling of words they use.

It is important to note that students will still continue to use paper and pen and work to improve their
handwriting, as well as their use of the keyboard.

Can students access the internet from home?
Home internet connection is not supplied by the school. If there is existing internet provision at home, a
netbook is able to be configured for access to that network. However, Strathmore Secondary College
cannot filter or monitor internet access outside of the college network.
No guarantee of restricted access to inappropriate material can be presumed when the netbook is
connected to the internet other than through the College network.

When will students receive their netbooks?
All students in Years 9 and 10 who have completed the User Agreement will receive their netbook early
in Term 2, 2012.

Will textbooks still need to be purchased?
Yes. Most current textbooks are provided with electronic resources, generally a CD, DVD or access to
online resources established by the publisher. Few books provide the opportunity to purchase only the
electronic resources and when they do there is very little difference in cost.

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What software will be on the netbooks?
The College’s netbooks will have installed the latest version of the Department’s School Technology
Architecture and Resources (eduSTAR) platform. This will mirror the software available on school based
computers. The eduSTAR platform provides students with over 80 software applications to enhance
their learning. The broad range of applications cover:
     animation
     concept and Mind Mapping
     digital video and image creation
     drawing and painting
     interactive curricular resources
     logic and problem-solving
     3D modelling and game-making
     presentation and multimedia tools
     sound and music making
     web authoring tools
     word processing tools

Can software be added to a netbook?
The netbook is a school-owned device for individual student use. Students should feel free to change
background images and use pictures to personalise their netbook. Students will be able to install home
printers and set up access to home networks but they will not be able to load additional software onto
the netbook. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that there is enough hard drive space and RAM
available to engage in all educational requirements.
Music and movies are allowed for academic and recreational reasons, provided copyright obligations
are met.
It is the student’s responsibility to back-up their school and personal files. Students are encouraged to
frequently back up their files to the College network, a USB stick or personal hard-drive.

Are netbooks going to add to the heavy loads students carry from home to
school?
Weight is one of the reasons for the selection of netbooks. At around one kilogram, the netbook is light
enough for students to carry without incurring problems.

How do we look after the netbook?
Encourage your child to store the netbook in its protective sleeve and avoid packing it at the bottom of
a schoolbag where heavy books and other items may cause the screen to crack. Care should be taken to
avoid dropping the netbook, or spilling drinks or food on it. Students should be specifically warned to
avoid removing their netbook from school bags and displaying or using it in public, in order to reduce
the risk of damage or theft.

Permanent changes to the netbook, such as engraving, marking, painting or drawing are not permitted
as the netbooks remains the property of Strathmore Secondary College.

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How do I know my student is using the netbook safely and responsibly?
Teachers, students and parents share responsibility for ensuring safe and appropriate use of the
netbook. To encourage safe and responsible use, parents and students will be asked to sign a form
indicating willingness to abide by both an Agreement for Acceptable Use of Internet and Digital
Technologies and of the NSSCF netbook before being issued with a netbook. The agreement sets out
your child’s responsibilities in relation to taking home a school-owned netbook.

During class, teachers will supervise students as they would for any learning activity to maintain a safe
and learning-focused classroom. The College network is closely monitored to maintain appropriate use
of the internet. The network’s filtering system actively blocks student access to malicious and
inappropriate content and is constantly updated. However, this filtering system does not apply to home
networks. Education and parental support are important for maintaining acceptable use of netbooks,
particularly in relation to home internet access.

Parents and students should also be aware that all files stored on the netbooks or on the College server
are not private. Students can expect their netbooks to be monitored for appropriate usage. School
personnel are able to access the browser history and/or caches as well as any and all files belonging to
the student stored on the netbook or the College server.

Are there any rules about using the netbook?
There are expectations and responsibility that come with accepting the netbook.

These expectations include that:
    The netbook will be used only for access to appropriate materials
    The netbook will be bought to school every day
    The netbook will be fully charged and ready for use at school each day
    The charger will be left at home at all times. Chargers are easily lost and attractive items for
       theft. Lost chargers will incur a cost to the parent/guardian.
    Guidelines about extra software will be followed and copyright laws complied with.
Breach of the Acceptable Use Agreement may result in:
    Reimaging of device
    Network access being temporarily revoked
    Network access being permanently revoked
    Temporary seizure of device
    Permanent seizure of device
    Consequences as outlined in the Student Engagement and Wellbeing Policy
       or a combination of the above

Who owns the netbook?
The netbook remains the property of Strathmore Secondary College.

Can students bring their own netbooks from home instead?
No. Home netbooks are not configured to work with the school network, can be a source of viruses and
often do not have the required licensed software. Home netbooks cannot use the school image due to
licensing arrangements.

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Who is going to handle warranties and repairs?
All devices are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for 4 years. The warranty will cover
manufacturer’s defects and normal use of the device. It does not cover negligence, abuse or malicious
damage. A fee for any lost or (non-warranty) damaged devices may be charged, at the Principal’s
discretion.

What do students do if the netbook needs repair?
Software errors are handled by the College IT Department. Students should visit the office between
8am - 9am with their netbook and completed repair request form available from:
http://intranet.strathmore.vic.edu.au/it_network/downloads/NetBook%20Repair%20Request.pdf

Any difficulty with the hardware will need to be reported by families directly to DELL.
Phone Support: 1800-633-559
Web Support
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/supportrequests/apj/create.aspx?request=true&c=au&l=en&s=bsd

You must provide Dell with the Netbook Service Tag. It is on the base of the device, Dell will assist you in
locating it.

Strathmore Secondary College is not responsible for the loss of any personal documents, files, or
software. All users should maintain a backup schedule away from the college network.

Where do the netbooks go when not in use?
When not in use, the netbooks should be in a student’s locker or school bag. It is the student’s
responsibility to ensure the netbook is never left unattended. A penalty such as confiscation of the
netbook for a period of time may apply if the netbook is left unattended as this invites theft and/or
damage.

What about flat batteries?
Students are required to fully re-charge the netbook overnight and bring it to school each day. The
netbook has sufficient battery life when fully charged to last for a full school day.

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ACCEPTABLE
                                 USE
                              AGREEMENT

The following pages cover the conditions for acceptable use of technology, including the NSSCF
netbook, at Strathmore Secondary College.

It is to be read in conjunction with the Acceptance of Agreement form attached to this booklet.

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Acceptable Use Agreement for Internet and Digital Technologies
Strathmore Secondary College believes safe and responsible online behaviour is essential and is best
taught in partnership between home and school.
At Strathmore we use the internet and digital technologies as teaching and learning tools, but
acknowledge they must be used responsibly and with due care.
21st century students are spending increasing amounts of time online, learning and collaborating. To be
safe online and to gain the greatest benefit from the opportunities provided through an online
environment, students need to do the right thing by themselves and others.

The following points outline our requirements for the responsible use of Technology.

Student Agreement

When using digital technology I agree to:
   be a safe, responsible and ethical user
   support others by being respectful in how I communicate with them and never write or
      participate in online bullying (this includes forwarding messages and supporting others in
      harmful, inappropriate or hurtful online behaviour)
   talk to a teacher if I feel uncomfortable or unsafe online or see others participating in unsafe,
      inappropriate or hurtful online behaviour
   seek to understand the terms and conditions of websites and online communities and be aware
      that content I upload or post is my digital footprint
   protect my privacy rights and those of other students by not giving out personal details or
      forwarding private information about other people
   use the internet for educational purposes and use equipment appropriately
   abide by copyright procedures when using content on websites (ask permission to use images,
      text, audio and video and cite references where necessary)
   think critically about other users’ intellectual property and how I use content posted on the
      internet.
   only take photos and record sound or video when it is part of an approved lesson
   seek permission from individuals involved before taking photos, recording sound or videoing
      them (including teachers)
   seek appropriate (written) permission from individuals involved before publishing or sending
      photos, recorded sound or video to anyone else or to any online space
   be respectful in the photos I take or video I capture and never use these as a tool for bullying.
   not interfere with network security, the data of another user or attempt to log into the network
      with a user name or password of another student
   not reveal my password to anyone except the system administrator or the teacher
   not bring or download unauthorised programs, including games, to the school or run them on
      school computers

This Acceptable Use Agreement applies at all times to my use of the supplied netbook.

In addition, acknowledging that the Netbook is provided to assist in student learning both at home and
at school the following requirements apply to the netbook.

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Acceptable Use Agreement for NSSCF Netbook
1. Equipment
Ownership
 The student must bring netbook devices fully charged to school every day. Power cords should be
   left at home.
 The school retains ownership of the device.
 Parents/carers and students should be aware that files stored on the device or on the school’s
   server are not private.
 If the student leaves the school prior to completing Year 12 or moves to another Government or
   non-Government school, interstate or overseas, the device must be returned to the school
Damage or loss of equipment
 All devices and batteries are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty covers
   manufacturer’s defects and normal use of the device. It does not cover negligence, abuse or
   malicious damage.
 Any problems, vandalism, damage, loss or theft of the device must be reported immediately to the
   school. This includes any unauthorised “personalisation” of the device such as engraving
 In the case of suspected theft a police report must be made by the family and a copy of the report
   provided to the school.
 In the case of loss or accidental damage a statement should be signed by a parent/ carer and
   provided to the school.
 If a device is damaged or lost the principal will determine whether replacement is appropriate
   and/or whether or not the student retains access to a device.
 Students will be required to replace lost or damaged chargers.
 If a device is damaged and the damage is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty or any
   insurance arrangements, the Principal of the school may determine that the student must pay to
   the school the costs of repairing the damage or if necessary the costs of replacing the device.
Substitution of equipment
 When a device is replaced under warranty, its type of replacement will depend upon the respective
   manufacturer’s warranty.
 When a device is replaced by the school, its type of replacement will depend upon the replacement
   policy of the school.

2. Standards for device
The student is responsible for:
 Taking care of digital devices in accordance with school guidelines
 Adhering to the school’s Acceptable Use Agreement when using the machine at home or school
 Backing up data securely
 Maintaining settings for virus protection, spam and filtering that have been set as a departmental
    standard.

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If you would like your child to participate in the NSSCF Netbook
distribution please complete this form and return it to the College
General Office by Friday 30th March 2012.

I have read the Acceptable Use Agreement for both Internet and Digital Technologies and NSSCF
Netbook carefully and understand the significance of the conditions and agree to abide by these
conditions. I understand that any breach of these conditions will result in internet and mobile
technology access privileges being suspended or revoked. The use of the device may be withdrawn at
the discretion of the Principal at any time.

Student Name _________________________________________________

Form Group                   _________________________________________________

Student Signature            _________________________________________________

Parent Name                  _________________________________________________

Parent/Carer Signature ______________________________________________

Parent email address ________________________________________________

Date                         _________________________________________________

For further support with online issues students can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Parents/carers can call Parentline 132289 or visit http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/report.aspx

© State of Victoria 2010
This work has been created by employees of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Victoria and
copyright is owned by the Crown in right of the State of Victoria. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training
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