In 2022 WESS embarked on a BYOD Pilot for families who opted in for Year 5 students. There were 5 classes in the Pilot. After considering community feedback through surveys, emails and ongoing parent/carer-teacher conversations, as well the 1:1 pilot findings, we have continued BYOD in Year 5 and Year 6 for all classes in 2023 and 2024.
What is Bring Your Own Device?
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a term used to describe a digital device ownership model where students use their personally owned devices to access the departmental networks and information management systems in an educational setting. BYO iPad at WESS require students to have their own iPad for use at school and home.
Why BYOD?
BYOD provides a way for students
to have more control over how they learn
and engage, and for teachers to further
personalise learning.
Central to our WESS 2020-2023 Strategic Plan is a commitment to continue to provide our students with vibrant, diverse and inclusive education, with a focus on the whole child. BYOD seeks to incorporate digital technologies for learning to ensure students develop both the cognitive and social-emotional skills they need to succeed.
Apps we use in BYOD
At WESS, we use iPads across different curriculum areas and in different ways. Watch the video to the right to learn about some of the apps we love!
BYOD Minimum Device Specifications
Required
- Wi-Fi only. No cellular data (No SIM card installed).
- iPad 8th, 9th or 10th Gen (64GB minimum)
- Capable of running the latest iOS software (iOS 17)
- Protective case with keyboard
- Screen protector
- Headphones
- Stylus
- Families will need to keep their iPad iOS current by regularly updating to the latest iOS firmware (can set this to automatic)
- Device and accessories labelled/engraved with student name.
Recommended Additions
- 2 Year Apple Care
- Device Insurance (not covered by school insurance)
Equity
If you have difficulty meeting the costs involved in this program, please contact the school to discuss the matter admin@wessendss.eq.edu.au. As a public school we are committed to ensuring every child has access to a device regardless of the family's financial position.
The Big BYOD Toolkit for Parents
JB Hi-Fi Education__BYOD Toolkit for Parents__23-24 (1).pdf
Communication and Feedback
We encourage a learning partnership and open communication. All enquiries can be addressed to byod@westendss.eq.edu.au
1 to 1 Pilot Program Handbook (PDF, 767KB)