Today’s digital landscape has evolved to the point where IT and computing touches on nearly every industry. To prepare for the challenges that students will face in the future, Patterson River Secondary College provide students with the ability to connect their own device to the Colleges extensive wireless network and leverage Microsoft 365 platform for a majority of their classroom needs.

 

Benefits of a bring your own device (BYOD) program

• Families are not locked into the requirement of purchasing/leasing a new device upon starting secondary school
• No need to buy/update software for school
• Cloud based file storage for students (no lost work) via Office 365

 

Giving students the opportunity to learn on a device they feel familiar with and using best of breed technologies like Microsoft 365 which is used in most industries, preparing students for what they might experience in the workforce.

 

Device minimum specifications

Device specifications that must be met:

• Screen Size must be above 10 inches and no more than 17 inches (Please be mindful, generally larger screens are heavier for students to carry).
• Device must be able to hold charge for the entire school day (Chargers are discouraged from being used in classrooms as they create a trip hazard).
• Protective cover and carry case
• Warranty and Insurance (Please note Private property brought to school by students, staff or visitors is not covered by DE Insurance -https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/insurance/policy)
• Camera and microphone.
• Compatible with 5GHz wifi

PC

• Must have Windows 11 or above installed

Mac

• Must have MacOS version 13 or above installed

* Please note the college does not support Chromebooks, iPads and Linux based operating systems.

 

Purchasing

Patterson River Secondary College does not mandate a specific computer from a specific supplier and encourages parents/guardians to find the best device that suits their needs for their student at the best possible price.

If you need to purchase a device the Department of Education (DE) has a list of authorised suppliers for computers and hardware to schools, these are reputable companies that have been tested and approved by DET. The College has no formal relationship with these vendors and receives no financial benefit if families choose to purchase from these vendors. The DE approved vendors are:

• Learning with Technology – http://PRSC.orderportal.com.au
• Edunet – https://pattersonriversc.technologyportal.com.au

IT Support offered to BYOD devices is limited to assisting with access to the College’s wireless network and Microsoft 365. Support outside those areas may be offered but not guaranteed and any worked carried out will need to be approved by a parent/guardian/carer.

 

For more information, please check the College website BYOD tab or contact the College IT department by emailing ict@prsc.vic.edu.au