eLearning and BYOD
Connect, collaborate, create
E-learning: using technology to enhance and enable learning
We recognise the potential for e-learning to extend and support learners and to open up new and different ways of learning. The New Zealand Curriculum states that e-learning has the potential to:
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assist the making of connections by enabling students to enter and explore new learning environments, overcoming barriers of distance and time
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facilitate shared learning by enabling students to join or create communities of learners that extend well beyond the classroom
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assist in the creation of supportive learning environments by offering resources that take account of individual, cultural, or developmental differences
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enhance opportunities to learn by offering students virtual experiences and tools that save them time, allowing them to take their learning further
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E-learning is integrated as just one of a number of ways students experience learning at Hobsonville Point Secondary School. Students can use their electronic device for a range of digital exploration, recording and sharing, such as producing videos, images or writing or working collaboratively online using platforms such as Google Docs. Technology allows students to access support and extension anytime anywhere. We also offer distance learning available through FarNet (an online and video conferencing secondary learning network). This ensures students can have access to specific learning needs (e.g. foreign language).
Future focused technology
Hobsonville Point Secondary School is fitted out with a modern, state of the art network infrastructure. The school will provide high-spec technology to meet specific needs of the curriculum, such as Digital Technology, Design, Technology Media and Music. HPSS operates a high trust model approach to e-learning and ICT use. All learners complete a course of study that develops positive Digital Citizenship in its broadest sense, teaching students how to capably, safely and responsibly use digital technology.
BYOD
We require all students to ‘Bring Your Own Device’ to school to integrate their learning both inside and outside of school. The device might be a Chrome book, netbook or a laptop – any Internet capable device that can assist learning.
A number of desktop computers will also be available to all learners in the learning commons and classrooms around the school.
RECOMMENDED DEVICES:
Main device: A compact laptop (approximately 11" screen) or Chrome book will most likely be the best fit for our learners. The screen is big enough support production of multi-media material, but compact enough to be mobile. The most important factors to consider when purchasing a device are: battery life (it should last the school day without charging), wireless, compact and durable.
RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS:
Here are some more specific specifications:
Battery Life: Should last 5-6 hours to be able to get through a school day without recharging.
Weight: Should be light enough for our son/daughter to carry around all day, anything more than 1.5kg including the case might be too heavy.
Wireless: Must be dual-band capable, and state that it has a/g/n or a/b/g/n
RAM: Should be 2GB or more, or else programmes may be much slower to run
CPU: Faster is usually better, but may also reduce batter life. Inetl Atom CPU's mean longer batter life, and Core i3 or i5 are mroe powerful but reduce battery life, so discuss your needs with the supplier.
Robustness: Your device should be strong enough to survive a fall onto a hard surface.
Insurance: While we take care to protect students property, we cannot accept responsibility for devices lost or stolen, so make sure it is covered for these possibilities. Accidental damage insure may also be available if desired.
Warranty: Minimum warranty is 1 year, but you may want to consider upgrading this to a 2 or 3 year warranty. Another factor is how long the device will be away for should it require repair under warranty, it could be a few days, or as long as a few weeks.
Some Laptop Recommendations
NETBOOK: HP11.5" Silver Touchscreen Netbook
NOTEBOOK: ACER 15.6 Notebook
ACER 11.6 CHROMEBOOK