What is the Secondary Laptop Program?
The Secondary Laptop Program (SLP) is a school-owned and school-managed program that will provide each student with a personally issued Windows laptop for their exclusive use at school and home. This device is an integral and compulsory part of their education and will provide consistency in accessing online platforms, programs, and digital tools for every student.
The SLP will operate on a three-year cycle with students being issued a new device in Year 7 and Year 10. Under the three-year cycle program, students will return their device at the end of Year 9. Upon completion of the HSC, students will have the option to buy their device at market value. However, for Year 9 2024 and 2025, students will use their device for four years and own the device outright upon completion of the HSC.
Background
Our previous Secondary School Technology Program included a school-managed iPad for Years 7 and 8, and a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) requirement for students in Years 9 to 12.
Parent, student and staff feedback on the iPad program for Years 7 and 8 showed a strong preference for laptops to be available for these students. Whilst the iPad program has been beneficial in many ways, the use of laptops will provide significant advantages for teaching and learning. The BYOD program has allowed for students to choose their preferred device, however the lack of uniformity across devices has meant that teachers have not been able to tailor their teaching to the devices used by the students. Also, devices have not always been fit for purpose, with students experiencing issues with screens, connectivity, and storage.
Additionally, when a device is not connected to our secure school network, hot spotting limits digital safety mechanisms and oversight, which poses concerns for the wellbeing of our students.
During 2022-23, our Executive team and Information and Communication Technologies services partner researched and considered options to support the best use of devices in an educational setting. The result of this research was the introduction of our Secondary Laptop Program (SLP) which commenced in 2024. This will provide both educational benefits and enhance the level of online safety and security for all our Secondary students.
Aims of the SLP
The SLP aims to provide students with a reliable and efficient laptop to enhance their learning experience and prepare them for the digital demands of the modern educational environment. The SLP allows the devices to be under school management which ensures enhanced security for both the devices and the network. This approach enables the school to maintain greater control and safeguard the student, providing a protected and secure environment.
Primary objectives of the SLP
Ensure Device Safety, Security, and Protection
Device Management and Monitoring
Enhance Learning Opportunities
Foster Digital Skills Development
Promote Equity and Inclusion
Support Personalisation and Differentiated Instruction
Prepare Students for the Digital Future
Ensure Device Safety, Security, and Protection
By leveraging Microsoft's cloud device management solution, Azure, and incorporating trusted third-party applications, the program implements robust security measures, including secure network connectivity protocols and advanced user authentication features. These measures effectively safeguard data transmission, mitigate potential cyber threats, and minimize the risk of unauthorized usage or data breaches. This comprehensive approach ensures a secure digital learning environment and upholds the safety and integrity of the laptops utilised by students.
Device Management and Monitoring
Azure's device management capabilities provide centralised control and monitoring of the laptops. This allows TechServe to enforce security policies, perform remote updates, and track device usage, ensuring that the laptops remain secure and compliant with the school's standards.
Enhance Learning Opportunities
The program aims to provide students with access to laptops to enhance their learning opportunities. By having individually assigned school-owned laptops students can engage in interactive and collaborative learning activities, access digital resources, and develop digital literacy skills in a consistent and reliable way not afforded by the variance in a BYOD program.
Foster Digital Skills Development
The program intends to foster the development of digital skills among students. Through the use of a consistent platform and a consistent device, teachers will be able to explicitly teach digital literacy skills, including information literacy, digital communication, and critical thinking. These skills are crucial for their academic success and future career readiness.
Promote Equity and Inclusion
The program seeks to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable and consistent access to technology. By providing consistent laptops to all Secondary students, all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background will have equal opportunities for learning.
Support Personalisation and Differentiated Instruction
The program aims to support personalised learning and differentiated instruction. Laptops enable teachers to tailor their instructional approaches to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students. With access to digital resources, students can engage in self-paced learning and explore content that aligns with their interests and abilities.
Prepare Students for the Digital Future
The program aims to prepare students for the digital demands of the future. By providing 1-to-1 school managed laptops, the program equips students with the necessary tools and skills to thrive in a technology-driven world. The laptop program empowers students to adapt to evolving technologies, engage in online research, and develop digital creativity and innovation.
SLP rollout
The program commenced for all students in Year 7 and Year 9 2024. Students in Year 8 2024 continued with the iPad program for another year, and students in Years 10 to 12 2024 have either joined the SLP (strongly recommended) or continued to BYOD.
The table below outlines the plan for the SLP rollout.
| Yr 7 | Yr 8 | Yr 9 | Yr 10 | Yr 11 | Yr 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2024
|
SLP
|
iPad
|
SLP
|
BYOD or SLP
|
BYOD or SLP
|
BYOD or SLP
|
|
2025
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
BYOD or SLP
|
BYOD or SLP
|
|
2026
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
BYOD or SLP
|
|
2027
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
SLP
|
Length of renewal period
The SLP will typically operate on a 3-year cycle. Generally, a student will be issued a new device in Year 7 and in Year 10. This may vary depending on the entry year of the student into the SLP.
Year 9 in 2024 and 2025 will keep their device for 4 years.
Return of laptops
On the date Covenant specifies by notice to parents, or on the date the student ceases to be enrolled at Covenant, whichever is earlier, the laptop must be returned to TechServe in good working order and in good condition (fair wear and tear expected), complete with all accessories supplied with the device.