BYOD – All about using your laptop computer

John Paul II High School believes in preparing students to effectively use digital technologies. Our learning is designed to include student owned laptops in a variety of ways, so access to an appropriate laptop for learning is essential. Hybrid learning means that students have access to class learning anywhere and at anytime, at school and at home. We are a Google school, all students have access to Google applications for free. All lessons and resources will be updated regularly on class Google Websites or Hāpara Workspaces.

We have a small number of laptops to use during the school day to help out when student’s own devices are sent away for repairs.

For all students, the device used for learning should be a laptop (not a tablet or mobile phone).

Students coming from a Toki Pounamu school with a Chromebook can continue to use it. Fusion Technologies are our IT providers (Jim Brown and Archie Peake) so support for Chromebooks continues usual from primary schools.

Students who bring HP and Mac laptops will need to ensure they set these up at home and download and use the Chrome browser (not Safari or Edge), and make sure proxy and VPN settings are turned off. If the laptop hasn’t been set up at home, we can help at school but their will be delays depending on availability of technicians.

Student must use the Chrome browser on our school network. We use Hāpara to support students with their learning. We are investigating becoming a Toki Pounamu school to ensure a seamless digital transition from primary schools, and to move towards a managed network to improve digital accessibility and online safety.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the school – fusion@johnpaul.ac.nz

Helpful tips for keeping students safe when using their BYOD

For kids and parents alike, school holiday time is all about freedom. Freedom from rules and routines. Freedom the clock, school uniforms and packed school lunches.

But all that freedom can create new concerns – especially if digital distractions become kids’ default mode.

Check out Familyzone.com’s handy tips for help to manage screen time here.