Usage, when it can be used, by whom and purpose
Devices should not be used by any other student or family member except for the parent or caregiver when assisting with schoolwork.
Additions and deletions to software
Students do not have permissions to install or delete software on their device. If any additional software is required, students should contact TechServe.
Offensive images and audio
Students are prohibited from accessing or storing offensive images, video and audio on laptops or other digital storage devices.
Vinyls
A vinyl skin will be provided for each laptop. Students should not interfere with the vinyl skin or place additional stickers on the device. If a replacement skin is needed, parents may be charged.
Food and beverages
Students are not permitted to eat or drink whilst using their devices.
Charging the battery
It is the student's responsibility to ensure their device battery is fully charged each night.
Storage at home and school
When not in use, devices should be stored in a safe place within the protective laptop sleeve. The device should be stored in a safe place, out of reach of younger children and away from areas of excess heat.
During lunch and recess breaks or when devices are not being used, they should be stored in the student's locker. However, the device must not be stored in lockers overnight.
To care for the device please follow these procedures:
- Do not leave the device unsupervised outside of the classroom.
- Do not leave the device on the ground.
- If you lose the device, you must report this to your teacher and TechServe immediately, preferably in person. If the device cannot be located quickly after a search of the area an email will be sent to the relevant staff and parents are contacted.
- If you find a device unsupervised this must be returned immediately to TechServe.
Students who fail to follow these directives will be in breach of their Acceptable Use Agreement.
Organisation of files
Students are encouraged to create folders on their OneDrive to assist them in the organisation of their work. These folders will be backed up and synchronised with the school system constantly for the safe storage of schoolwork.
The following tips will help to keep schoolwork organised and safe:
- Students should have a structure to their file storage and name documents correctly. This will make it easier to find.
- Ensure that electronic textbooks are stored on the device.
- All material stored on the device must not breach copyright rules and regulations.
- The material stored on the device must be age appropriate and not of an offensive nature.
- Minimal storage of non-educational material is permitted on the devices provided that the content is consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.
Handling the device
Students should follow these guidelines to ensure their device is protected:
- When in use, the device should be placed in a secure and safe position.
- The device should not be carried around whilst the screen is open.
- Before switching on, the device should be gently placed on a stable surface.
- Moving the device whilst on should be avoided where possible.
- When moving, devices should be carried in the laptop sleeve at all times.
- Even when the device is in the laptop sleeve, care must be taken.
- Students are not permitted to eat or drink whilst using the device.
- Students should be careful not to store items on top of their device that can cause damage.
- Devices should be switched off before placing into the bag.
- Devices should be picked up by the base to avoid damaging the screen and casing.
Care of Device and peripherals
Devices should be carried in the laptop sleeve which should be fully zipped before being carried. The laptop sleeve will fit comfortably in school bags but should not be placed near a drink bottle or other potential spills. The laptop sleeve must be fully unzipped before removing the device. The laptop sleeve provided must be used at all times and no other sleeve or bag is to be used. The laptop sleeve must be free from graffiti.
Device screens are delicate - they don't like being poked, prodded, pushed or slammed. Devices should never be picked up by its screen. All obstructions should be removed from the keyboard before closing the screen. The screen should never be slammed closed. The screen should be cleaned regularly.
To clean the screen
- Switch off the device
- Lightly dampen a non-abrasive cloth with water and gently wipe screen in a circular motion
- Do not directly apply water when cleaning the screen
- Avoid applying pressure to the screen.
AC power cord
- The AC power cord should be stored in your school bag when not in use.
- Heavy objects should not be placed on top of the power cord. Power cords should not be stepped on.
- When unplugging the power cord, pull on the plug itself, rather than the cord.
- Do not wrap the cord tightly around the adaptor.
Keyboard
Gently brush the keyboard with a clean soft bristled paint brush or similar to remove dirt.
Ergonomics
It is essential for students to set up a good ergonomic environment when using a laptop device. This includes good posture with attention to the position of the chair, desk and laptop, as well as stretching and other exercises.
Additionally, we advise students to avoid looking at any screen (including televisions) for extended periods of time. It is for this reason that access limits to both the internet and any laptop use have been put in place at school, dependent on the age of the student.
In applying best practice, we are mindful of the fact that students differ in their usage from other laptop users, for example in the workplace. Generally, they are not seated in the same place for long periods of time whilst using their device and take frequent breaks from the keyboard and screen, even in the same class period.
Evidence from other schools with long experience of laptop use is that the combination of educating students about good ergonomic practice and young people's natural habit of changing posture frequently addresses the issue of physically safe use successfully.