Notebook Program

Index

  1. Student Notebook Charter
  2. Notebook Computer Leasing Agreement
  3. Safe and Responsible use Agreement for Internet and Digital Technologies

 

Student Notebook Charter

Overview and Purpose

Tallangatta Secondary College (TSC) is committed in providing our students with rich and engaged learning experiences that harness the power of digital technologies. Advances in technology has provided new opportunities to connect and learn, by thinking creatively, work collaboratively and problem solving. Our belief is that the students accessing technology through a 1:1 computer program positively engages your child in these learning opportunities and supports learning outcomes.

Goals of our 1:1 Computer Program

The purpose of 1-to-1 learning as being to create confident, flexible, self-directed, lifelong learners. At the heart of good 1-to-1 learning, is equity to ensure that all students have equal access to technology/rich experiences, and simplicity to ensure that it is easy to manage and sustain. (Microsoft, 2013 & DET)

Computer 1:1 programs are also known as ‘anywhere, anytime’ programs. These programs provide students with personal portable devices to enhance opportunities for learning. The devices help nurture individual (or 1:1) learning experiences.

These programs mean that every child in all year levels has a parent funded (either via lease or purchase) laptop/netbook. The student will use the device daily at school as a tool to support their learning, regardless of age, academic ability and socio-economic status.

Support

Through technology we can enable personalised learning; the ability for students to personalised the way they make notes, summarise, store and retrieve information. Students will be supported with a robust and reliable network to enable them to maximise their learning.

The Parents Role

Within a strong Information Communications Technology (ICT) Infrastructure, your role as parents is central to the success of this program. Your son/daughter will receive the Netbook and it will be theirs to use whilst they are a student of Tallangatta Secondary College.

Students will need to look after this important tool for learning as if it is their own. With you, they will have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring it remains in perfect working order. This will ensure it is able to be used as required in class, at any time. This manual contains important practical advice about Netbook maintenance: we ask that parents assist their children in understanding these simple requirements.

The Student’s Role

Under the Netbook Program, students will be able to take their Netbook into all classes very much as they bring their books to their lessons. When the Netbooks are not required they must be safely stored in the student’s locker.

They should always be taken home at the end of the school day so that they can be used to complete school work. It is a requirement for the Netbook battery to be charged at home each night. The Netbook is not to be used in any manner in the playground, or for games and or Social Media.

Develop Responsible Behaviour

Our students will develop age-appropriate ICT skills and understandings, including the responsibilities of on-line and global citizenship. Students will accept responsibility for:

  • Their personal actions when using ICT
  • The care and functionality of their netbook
  • Their data and information on the netbook

Device Options (Leased Netbooks)

Tallangatta Secondary College leased netbook program works on a three-year cycle starting for students commencing Year 7, and again in Year 10. Our preferred devices are extensively tested for the student’s daily classroom use. These devices can be ordered via the College’s Student Netbook Store https://store.tallangatta-sc.vic.edu.au/ . The store is opened each year in mid-October. Please note, the College receives no financial gain or benefit from this arrangement.

During the three-year lease cycle, the student’s netbook is fully supported by the College, manufacturers on-site warranty (three years) and Accidental Damage Insurance (three years). This insurance provides for one qualified claim only within a twelve-month period free of an excess.

Other technology, referred to as Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD), can be secured and purchased directly by a parent or guardian. The College supplies information each year for parents/guardians who want to secure a BYOD. The criteria for the BYOD device reflects the technical resources required for a full school day operation of a BYOD.

In the case of genuine financial hardship, parents should contact the College and speak with the Business Manager.

Warranty and Insurance

Devices secured via the College’s Student Leased Netbook Store https://store.tallangatta-sc.vic.edu.au/ have a three (3) year on-site-warranty. This warranty has a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the manufacturer/supplier of 24-hour next business day resolution dependant on parts availability. Also, these devices have Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) coverage during the 3-year lease period. Only one qualified accident can be submitted to the insurer within a twelve-month period.

It is highly recommended that parents/guardian secure any BYOD device with simular protection as list above.

Software

The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) has supplied the eduSTAR image for all teaching staff and students.

What is eduSTAR?

The School Technology Architecture and Resources program, or eduSTAR, is designed to help schools develop a sustainable information and communication technology (ICT) platform. It allows students and teachers to access digital learning while connecting, collaborating and creating using digital resources.

The eduSTAR platform provides up-to-date news about technology in Victorian government schools, and has a catalogue of software, hardware and related resources.

Software is available to schools through the Department’s School Technology Architecture and Resources (eduSTAR) standard platform. The eduSTAR program provides schools with standardised models, patterns, management practice and tools in order to deliver an effective mix of educational software and tools.

There are currently over 80 software applications available on the eduSTAR software list. Every student netbook will be imaged with the eduSTAR platform consistent with the Teaching staff image.

Animation

Concept and Mind Mapping Digital Video and Image Creation Thinking Skills
Draw and Painting Interactive Curricular Resources Logic and Problem Solving

3D Modelling and Game Making

Presentation and Multimedia Tools Sound and Music Making Writing Tools and Typing Tutors

Web Authorising Tools

Technical Support

Any issue with a student’s device must be presented to the ICT helpdesk for preliminary assessment. Most repairs relating to software will be addressed immediately by our ICT team.

It is import for all students to continually manage their data by backing up the data to either an external storage device or Cloud storage i.e. Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive or other Cloud services. All students have 2GB of available storage on the College’s File Server. Students are encouraged to utilise this feature. Data management is the responsibility of the student, not the ICT Helpdesk staff, or the College.

Any school provided device with a manufacturers defect will be assessed by the ICT team and a warranty repair job will be logged with the supplier. The same applies for any ADP incidents to school provided devices.

BYOD devices with hardware faults, will not be supported by the College’s ICT staff. Any hardware intrusion by the ICT staff may impact the manufacturer’s warranty. Hence, all BYOD devices that require hardware support needs to be addressed directly by the parent/guardian.

Computer Responsibility

The following expectations are aimed at ensuring the safe keeping of Computers. Students will be responsible for ensuring that:

  1. They are ready to learn
    1. The Computer is fully charged at the start of the day and brought to each class.
    2. Adhering to the school’s Acceptable Use Agreement when using the device.
  2. They take care and responsibility for the device
    1. At School – Make sure that your Computer is either in your possession or locked away in a secure area (locker) at all times during recess and lunchtime. Your locker must be secured with a school provided lock. Do Not:
      1. Leave your Computer unattended for even a short period of time
      2. Share your password with anyone.
      3. Leave your Computer logged on when not in use.
      4. Place it near an external window. Exposure to view from outside may tempt would-be thieves
      5. Leave your Computer in a vehicle, even if the Computer is out of sight and the vehicle is locked.
      6. Connect your power cord to a power outlet in such a manner to cause a trip hazard.
    2. At Home – Find a safe place to store your Computer so that it is inaccessible by small children and difficult to locate in the event of a burglary. Ensure basic household security measures are followed at all times, such as locking doors and windows. Do Not:
      1. Leave your Computer in view of outsiders even while using it.
      2. Leave your Computer accessories lying around. They advertise the presence of a computer device.
    3. In Transit – When travelling in the car or on public transport; avoid being seen when storing your Computer into the car or taking it out. Lock your Computer in the boot and camouflage it. Ensure the Computer is placed inside a protective case. On public transport keep your Computer in its protective case, inside your school bag and keep the school bag with you at all times.
  3. They maintain their computer, data and provision for software:
    1. Taking care of digital devices in accordance with school guidelines
    2. Backing up data regularly and securely
    3. Maintaining settings for virus protection, spam and filtering that have been set as a departmental standard
    4. Content inappropriate for school is not accessed or shown to others while at school
    5. Have a standard operating system and suite of software. Additional software installations can be requested through IT support if required).

Please note that students will not have administrator access to their computers

When the computer is not on campus, parents and guardian will need to support their children in the device’s use and care.

Encourage your child to keep their Computer in a protective case. Don’t put heavy books on top of the Computer when it is in the schoolbag or on a desk.

  • You don’t need good computer skills to help your child learn to use their Computer.
  • Your interest and encouragement are more important than computer literacy.
  • Remind your child to recharge their Computer overnight to ensure it is ready for each school day.
  • Supervise use at home by ensuring Computers are used in family areas rather than bedrooms.
  • Supervise the use of the internet and consider setting screen time limits to avoid overuse.
  • Talk to your school if any issues arise.

Responsible and Ethical Use of Technology

Tallangatta Secondary College uses the Internet as a teaching and learning tool. We see the Internet and mobile technology as valuable resources but acknowledge they must be used responsibly. Your child has been asked to agree to use the Internet, their computer and mobile technologies responsibly at school. Parents should be aware that the nature of the Internet means that full protection from inappropriate content can never be guaranteed.

At Tallangatta Secondary College we:

  • Have a cyber-safe and responsible use program across the school. We reinforce the school code of conduct values and behaviors when using technology and the Internet. Have protocols that promote safe use of the Internet
  • Provide a filtered Internet service
  • Provide supervision and direction in Internet activities and when using mobile technologies for learning
  • Utilize mobile technologies for educational purpose. e.g. Podcasts, photos from excursions
  • Work towards setting tasks that ask your child open questions, so they can’t copy and paste all answers from the Internet
  • Provide support to parents / guardian to help them understand our agreements, policies and procedures. Provide support to parents / guardian through information evenings and other documentation for parents to refer to
  • Will work with students to outline and reinforce the expected behaviors whilst using the Internet

Advice for Parents

Please keep this as a resource to use at home.

At school the Internet is mostly used to support teaching and learning. At home, however, it is often used differently. Not only is it a study resource for students, but it is increasingly being used as a social space to meet, play and chat. The Internet can be lots of fun.

If you have the Internet at home, encourage your child to show you what they are doing online. If not, see if you can make a time to visit the school to see their work and how the school uses the Internet.

Bullying, stranger danger, gossip, telling the wrong people personal information about yourself have long been issues for young people growing up. These are all behaviors, which now present online. These are not “Virtual” Issues. They are real and can harm and hurt.

At home we recommend you

  • Make some time to sit with your child to find out how they are using the Internet and who else is involved in any online activities
  • Ask them to give you a tour of their online “space” if they are using a site which allows them to chat, publish photos, play games etc.
  • Always get them to set the space to “Private” if they use a social networking site like Facebook. They are then in control of who contacts them and who accesses their information. They can block out anyone at any time. Be aware of Terms and Conditions of many sites that require participants to be 13 years or over.
  • Have the computer with Internet access in a shared place in the house – not your child’s bedroom
  • Negotiate appropriate times for your child’s online activities and use of mobile phones.
    •  How does it work and how do you set it up? Can you block out people?
    • Who else is sharing this space or game
    • Did you know them before or “meet” them online? What do you know about them?
    • Why is this so enjoyable
    • What makes it fun?
    • Can you see any risks or dangers in the activity
    • What would you say to warn/inform a younger child who was going to start to use the space?
    • What are you doing to protect yourself or your friends from these potential dangers?
    • When would you inform an adult about an incident that has happened online that concerns you? Discuss why your child might keep it to themselves
    • Discuss and sign the Safe & Responsible Agreement form in your son/daughter school organizer, then return to the REAL mentor.

What is your child agreeing to?

Protecting personal privacy rights and those of other students. Students like to publish information about themselves and their friends in spaces like Facebook, blogs etc. but in doing so they can make themselves more vulnerable to being approached or bullied online.
To avoid this, we recommend they:

  • Don’t use their own name, but develop an online name and use avatars
  • Don’t share personal details including images of themselves or their friends online
  • Password protect any spaces or accounts they have
  • Don’t allow anyone they don’t know to join their chat or collaborative space
  • Are reminded that any image or comment they put on the Internet is now public (anyone can see, change or use it) so no full names should appear in reference to individuals in any image, movie or sound recording.

Device Lifecycle

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Year 07 Notebook 1 Notebook 1 Notebook 1
Year 08 Notebook 1 Notebook 1
Year 09 Notebook 1
Year 10 Notebook 2 Notebook 2 Notebook 2
Year 11 Notebook 2 Notebook 2
Year 12 Notebook 2

Notebook Computer Leasing Agreement

  1. Definitions
    1. Tallangatta Secondary College means Tallangatta Secondary College ABN 86 056 740 349,  135 Towong Street, Tallangatta 3700
    2. Renter means the person or persons named in the Schedule hereto.
    3. Student means the person named in the Schedule being a student enrolled at Tallangatta Secondary College.
    4. Rental Period means the period between the start and end dates as specified in the Schedule.
    5. Contract means the rental contract between Tallangatta Secondary College and the Renter which incorporates these terms and conditions.
    6. Notebook computer means the notebook computer specified in the Schedule together with any accessories, parts or software supplied with the notebook computer.
  2. Interpretation
    1. Unless otherwise stated a reference to a party includes that party’s executors, administrators, successors, assigns and personal representatives.
    2. If a party comprises of two or more persons they are each jointly liable for the performance of the terms of this contract.
  3. Rental payment
    1. Tallangatta Secondary College shall rent the notebook computer to the Renter during the rental period. The Renter shall pay the rental fees set out in the Schedule. The rental fees must be paid by the due date without any set off or deduction.
    2. The Renter shall pay by way of a bond the amount specified in the Schedule.
    3. Tallangatta Secondary College shall be entitled to draw down on the bond if:
      1. rental fees are not paid, or
      2. to pay for any repairs or to replace the notebook computer, if the notebook computer is damaged or lost and the cost of either repairing or replacing the notebook computer is not met by insurances held by either Tallangatta Secondary College or the Renter, are not the responsibility of Tallangatta Secondary College under clause 5 hereto.
      3. The bond, or any balance after allowing for payments made under sub-paragraph (ii) hereto shall be repaid to the Renter at the end of the rental period.
  4. The Notebook Computer
    1. The notebook computer remains the property of Tallangatta Secondary College at all times.
    2. At the end of the rental period, the Renter shall immediately deliver the notebook computer to Tallangatta Secondary College in a condition consistent with the performance of this contract.
    3. The Renter does not have the guaranteed right to purchase the notebook computer at the end of the rental period and as such the Rental is GST free.
    4. Tallangatta Secondary College and the Renter acknowledge that the notebook computers primary use will be by the Student in relation to his/her education at Tallangatta Secondary College and as such the Rental is GST free.
    5. The Renter and the Student will operate, maintain and store the notebook computer with due care and in compliance with the instructions and recommendations of the supplier and manufacturer of the notebook computer and pursuant to any directions given by Tallangatta Secondary College.
    6. The Renter or the Student must not alter or replace any parts in the notebook computer nor alter or load any software on the notebook computer unless that software has been approved by Tallangatta Secondary College.
    7. This agreement relates only to the notebook computer, in the event of its loss or damage, Tallangatta Secondary College is under no obligation to replace the computer, however all payments must be finalised as per agreement.
  5. Maintenance and Repairs
    1. Tallangatta Secondary College will provide routine maintenance to keep the notebook computer in working order during the rental period. Any maintenance work not considered to be routine will be at the expense of the Renter provided always that before any such work is completed Tallangatta Secondary College will notify the Renter of the work to be undertaken and advise the cost involved.
    2. If the notebook computer breaks down or is damaged, and in the opinion of Tallangatta Secondary College it is not economic to repair, then this agreement shall immediately come to an end, however all payments must be finalised as per agreement.
  6. Renter’s Obligations
    1. The Renter will notify Tallangatta Secondary College immediately of any change in the Renters contact details and address during the commitment period.
  7. Insurance
    1. The Renter will insure the notebook computer against loss or damage whether by fire, theft, accident, seizure, confiscation or otherwise.
  8. Termination
    1. This agreement comes to an end:
      1. At the end of the rental period.
      2. In the event of default as defined in subclause (b) hereof.
      3. If the notebook computer is lost or destroyed by either the Renter or the Student.
      4. If the notebook computer is damaged and is not economically repairable as per clause 5(b).
      5. If the Renter exits their child from Tallangatta Secondary College prior to the end of the rental period.
    2. Default occurs if:
      1. Rental fees are not paid by the due date.
      2. The Renter continues to breach any term of this contract after Tallangatta Secondary College gives the Renter notice in writing of its default.
      3. The Renter is subject to insolvency or other proceedings which place the notebook computer at risk for loss or seizure by others.
      4. In the event that the renter defaults, the notebook computer remains the property of Tallangatta Secondary College and Tallangatta Secondary College maintains the right to seek possession of the notebook computer.
      5. In the event of default this agreement shall immediately come to an end.

Safe and Responsible use Agreement for Internet and Digital Technologies

Tallangatta Secondary College believes the teaching of Cybersafe and responsible online behaviour is essential in the lives of students and is best taught in partnership between home and school.

21st century students spend 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 online, particularly when no one is watching.

Safe and responsible behaviour is explicitly taught at our school and parents/carers are requested to reinforce this behaviour at home.

Some online activities are illegal and as such will be reported to police.

Part A – School support for the safe and responsible use of digital technologies

Tallangatta Secondary College uses the internet and digital technologies as teaching and learning tools. We see the internet and digital technologies as valuable resources, but acknowledge they must be used responsibly.

Your child has been asked to agree to use the internet and mobile technologies responsibly at school. Parents/carers should be aware that the nature of the internet is such that full protection from inappropriate content can never be guaranteed.

At Tallangatta Secondary College we:

  • have policies in place that outline the values of the school and expected behaviours when students use digital technology and the internet
  • provide a filtered internet service
  • provide access to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s search engine Connect education.vic.gov.au/secondary which can be used to direct students to websites that have been teacher recommended and reviewed
  • provide supervision and direction in online activities and when using digital technologies for learning
  • support students in developing digital literacy skills
  • have a cybersafety program at the school which is reinforced across the school
  • use mobile and collaborative technologies for educational purposes (e.g. podcasts, netbooks, photos from excursions)
  • provide support to parents/carers to understand this agreement (e.g. language support)
  • provide support to parents/carers through information evenings and through the document attached to this agreement for parent to keep at home

Tallangatta Secondary College Safe and Responsible Use Agreement for internet and digital technologies (including the DER)

Part B – Student Agreement

When I use digital technology I agree to:

  • be a safe, responsible and ethical user whenever and wherever I use it
  • 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 including full names, telephone numbers, addresses and images
  • use the internet for educational purposes and use the equipment properly
  • use social networking sites for educational purposes and only as directed by teachers
  • 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.
  • not interfere with network security, use of other proxies, 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
  • be responsible for data backup

The College acknowledges that most students own mobile phones and ipods/mp3 players and bring them to school. Given this and our commitment to 21st Century Learning mobile phones/ipods/mp3 players may be used for educational purposes.

  • mobile phones should not interfere with the Teaching and Learning Program
  • mobile phones should be kept on silent at all times and used only in the case of emergencies.
  • protect the privacy of others and never post or forward private information about another person using Short Message Service (SMS)
  • 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.

This Safe and Responsible Use Agreement also applies during school excursions, camps and extra-curricula activities.

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

Please return the following form signed to the College to acknowledge our agreement to the Safe and Responsible Use of the internet and digital technologies at Tallangatta Secondary College. Keep the copy of the Safe and Responsible Use Agreement for your reference.

This form needs to be returned prior to your child being issued their Netbook at the beginning of the academic year.

Each year you will be required to acknowledge your ongoing agreement by signing the nominated section of the Student Organiser.

I acknowledge and agree to follow these rules. I understand that my access to the internet and mobile technology at school will be renegotiated if I do not act responsibly

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