Digital Learning

Student digital device provision

Schools can choose the digital device ratio and provision model that is most appropriate for their context. Schools are encouraged to consult with parents/carers and students when selecting their approach.

Student-device ratios

Schools may choose to implement an approach where each student has ongoing access to a digital device at school (a 1-to-1 model), or another type of provision model (for example, a model where digital devices are shared between classes). Schools with primary students are encouraged to consider the digital device time expectations outlined in this policy when considering their student-device ratios.

Types of digital device provision models

Digital device provision models can include:

1. school-purchased devices, where the school can:
   • purchase or lease devices for use by students
   • determine an appropriate ratio of students per device, which may differ between class groups or year levels
   • request voluntary contributions from parents/carers to support the purchase or maintenance of school-owned devices. Refer to the Parent Payments policy for more information
   • schools must not disadvantage students based on financial contributions not being made. For example, if a school is allowing a cohort of students to take home or keep school-owned devices, the same arrangements must apply for the entire cohort, not just for those who have contributed
2. a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, for secondary school students only, where the school invites parents/carers to supply or purchase a digital device to use and own, instead of using what is made available for free by the school. If selecting this provisioning model:
   • secondary schools are to ensure at least one BYOD device option costs no more than $980 (including GST)
   • schools can:
     • specify an exact device, a range of preferred devices, devices that meet specific requirements, or allow any device (provided at least one option costs less than the price threshold)
     • specify minimum or maximum technical specifications, or specialised features, such as required software or applications (provided the minimum specifications can be met by a device that costs less than the price threshold)
     • nominate a preferred supplier with whom the school has negotiated a better or more flexible deal for their school community, leveraging the ability to represent large cohorts of potential buyers
     • invite parents/carers to purchase additional software, peripherals or add-ons, for example, headphones, case, bundled apps or software and device insurance
   • schools must not:
     • require parents/carers to purchase a digital device
     • exclude a student from accessing the requirements of the curriculum if a device is not supplied by a parent/carer, including in any individual subject offered by the school
     • on-sell or on-lease a digital device directly to a parent/carer (where the parent/carer pays the school directly for an item)
3. a hybrid approach, where the school has all school-purchased devices for students in some year levels, while adopting a BYOD program in other year levels.

For more information on device procurement processes for schools please visit Department-managed panels.

Implementing a digital device provision model

Regardless of the provisioning model, schools must ensure all students have free access to the digital technologies they need to fulfil the requirements of the curriculum, in accordance with the Parent Payments policy. The extent and frequency of access that students require depends on the school’s teaching and learning program.

Schools are not required to provide students with digital devices to own, or keep, on a one-to-one basis. Schools must determine appropriate resourcing to ensure students have access to the relevant digital devices for the duration required to access the curriculum. This could include using a shared class set device, being loaned a device, or being given a device by the school.

Schools must communicate with students and families when introducing a digital device provision model. It is recommended that schools:

• provide a rationale for their chosen model, including its educational value
• provide ongoing communication and opportunities for engagement with and feedback from parents/carers.

Refer to the Parent Payments policy for further information.

Complaints

Parent/carer complaints about the implementation of a school digital device program can be resolved through the department's Complaint Resolution policy.