Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

What is the BYOD Program?

University High School has a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) program. This means all students are
required to bring their own portable computer device to use as an essential item for their learning
during their time at University High School. Furthermore, in light of the impact of COVID-19, having a
device will minimise any future disruptions to students’ learning.

Benefits of BYOD
Students use devices for a variety of reasons at
University High School, including:
• Accessing their timetable, announcements and the
calendar on Compass
• Receiving learning material customised to their
individual classes via Google Classroom
To support and enhance the learning environment, our
experience shows that the following features will enable
students to use their devices most effectively. The school
strongly recommends:
• Full-sized screen
• At least 6 hours of battery life

• Having a wider choice of how to collaborate, create, • Webcam and microphone

submit and store their work
• Developing ICT capabilities and competencies to
become smart online citizens.
Which devices are suitable for BYOD?
To support and enhance the learning environment,
University High School strongly recommends a laptop
for the BYOD program. Due to increased reliance on
digital devices as an essential learning tool we no longer
recommend iPads and tablet devices.
University High School has in place arrangements to
help families who are in need of financial support. If
you are seeking support, require assistance or have any
questions in choosing a device that are not answered in
this document, please contact the school via
email at university.hs@education.vic.gov.au
While we do not prescribe specific devices that all
students must have, all devices must have the following
minimum specifications:
• Portable computer device with Wi-Fi access
• A durable carry case / lap top bag
• Attached keyboard
• Operating System:
- MacOS: At least MacOS 10.12
- PC: At least Windows 10
• Compatible Headphones
• USB and HDMI (or equivalent) compatibility an
advantage
Insurance and Warranty
The school does not have any student property insurance.
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to explore
insurance options for their child’s device. Existing
insurance policies may be able to include student devices
(e.g. home and contents insurance).
Warranty should be investigated when purchasing a new
device. Our school recommends a minimum of 3 years
warranty to cover machine faults.
Purchasing through JB HI-FI
To support students and families who do not yet have a
device or would like to upgrade, the school has partnered
with JB Hi-Fi’s Solutions for Education. The JB Hi-Fi sales
portal provides families with access to:
• Products carefully selected by University High
School and approved for use in the school’s learning
program
• Education specific products at discounted prices
and a range of accessories, extend warranties and
insurance
• Interest-free finance options
BYOD Program ...
Recommendations for selecting a BYOD
Please note that while the list of devices on the JB H-Fi portal have been specifically chosen to support the school’s
BYOD program, students are not required to only purchase from this list.

To access the University High School JB Hi-Fi portal visit

www.jbeducation.com.au/byod and enter the school code: TUHS2023

School Support
The School technicians will only provide assistance for school network connection issues and software installation
support. If purchasing a new portable computer device, ask the company about the technical after-sale support
services they offer.
School Provided Software
The School provides Adobe Creative Cloud and the Microsoft Office suite via the Department’s subscription to Office
365.

Adobe Creative Cloud: Office365 suite: Software students will need to provide/install:
• Animate • Word • Anti-virus software
• Dreamweaver • Excel • Software programs or applications for image editing
• Illustrator • PowerPoint (e.g. Gimp), video editing (e.g. MovieMaker, iMovie),
• InDesign • Outlook and audio editing (e.g. Audacity).
• Photoshop • One note
Students can access free software at www.education.vic.edu.au/catalogue with their DET eduPass credentials. The
school encourages the use of free, web-based applications and open source software that can be downloaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do students need a device at school?
• The use of digital and online curriculum resources
and various software programs are a part of daily
school life. E-books have replaced text books in most
subjects. It is therefore essential for all students to
have their own device to access online and digital
resources during the school day.
How do students access the internet?
• The device will be connected to the school’s Internet.
This will enable students to use a school account on
their device to access a large number of resources to
enhance their learning.
What software and digital resources will be
used?
• Adobe Creative Cloud and Office 365 programs.
These are provided through licensing from the
Department of Education.
• Students will be provided with a Google Suite
account that will give them access to a University
High School email, Google classrooms and cloud
storage.
• Students will use e-books which are part of the
essential student learning items. Other e-book and
digital resources are listed in the booklist.
What are the student expectations about
acceptable use of a computer device and when
online?
• The UHS Student Code of Conduct outlines the
student expectations for the acceptable and
appropriate use of a computer device and when
online. Students are also expected to read and sign
an ICT Acceptable Use Agreement. The Student Code
of Conduct and ICT Acceptable Use Agreement is
distributed to every new student in the enrolment
pack.
• Student Behavioural Expectations with devices
including the use of any non-school computers are
outlined in the Digital Learning Policy.
Who is responsible for ensuring devices are
stored securely, well maintained and used for
educational purposes only?
• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their
own device is stored securely in their locker when not
in use, is well-maintained, and is used for educational
purposes only.