“The way in which students learn is constantly changing. To continue to
provide the best education for our students we need to continually adapt
and change”.
Student access to a networked computer 24/7 has fundamentally changed the way our
students learn. There is little doubt that new and emerging technologies will shape the
future in which our students will live. To ensure that students are fully prepared for life
after school, the use of technology is integrated into all aspects of their learning.
Acceptable Use Agreement for Mobile, Internet and Digital Technologies
You can access the online ordering portal here.
Any device that is capable of running Windows 10 as the base operating system or Apple OSX 10.12 or higher and is no smaller than 11 inch (screen) and no larger than 15.6 inch, will be suitable. Hard Drive size must be more than 100GB. Hybrid or 2-in-1 touch screen devices are permitted, however the device must have a keyboard, tablet only devices are not suitable. The device must have sufficient battery life for the school day.
All student machines must be running Windows 10 or Apple OSX 10.12 or higher as the base operating system.
Foster Secondary College will be responsible for connecting your device to the network, Internet, school printers and storage areas. This can only be done if your machine is fully functioning and has Windows 10 as the base operating system or OSX 10.12 or higher.
Warranty – you should contact the retail outlet you purchased the machine from. Insurance – it is recommended that you contact your house / contents insurer to add it on or undertake a specialised insurance for the computer.
Software – Any software including the operating system is the responsibility of the owner and should be referred to a computer specialist outside of the school.
Yes, as long as the MAC is running OS X 10.12 or higher
No, there are no facilities to charge your device at school. This should be done prior to coming to school.
You are required to have Microsoft Office 2016. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development provides licensing that allows students to install it on their devices running Windows, used in our BYOD program for the duration of their school attendance. After this it will cease to work. Students may also be required to purchase some subject specific software dependent upon subject selection. Parents will be notified where this is the case.
Yes, Windows comes with Windows Defender which is an anti-virus and anti-malware program. You may choose to install a free or purchased anti-virus or anti-malware program, however these may interfere with the FSC connection. These programs must be kept up to date and regular scans of the device should
be carried out.
The connection process to the FSC network will not impact your home network connection.
It is the students / families responsibility to keep current backups of your device. This should be done at home. It is recommended that students set up automatic syncing with Google Drive to create an offsite backup
Only one device per student can be connected to the School. This device cannot be a smart phone or a tablet. Should you need to replace this device the new one can be connected however the old one will no longer function in the school. It is recommended that the old device is taken to the Communications Office to have the FSC files removed.
Students will be able to access the College intranet and internet via wireless on their device at school. The internet connection is filtered (at school only), logged and limited and it is for educational purposes only. Updates should be undertaken at home. Printing will be available from student devices in the same fashion as all other computers in the College. The same charges will apply as for printing from a College owned computer.
Technology use is covered by the College’s Digital Citizenship Policy, and it is expected that as good digital citizens the students will use the device appropriately not only while in class, but at other times as well. The College sees the importance of working with families to ensure students have appropriate skills and strategies for participating responsibly in the global digital world. The Responsible Usage of the College Network Agreement provides clear guidelines regarding appropriate computer usage within the school.
The device is owned by the child’s family, and they are thus able to use the device for any personal uses within the constraints of the College’s Digital Citizenship and Responsible Usage policies. These uses should not interfere with the use of the device at school. This would include ensuring adequate storage space was maintained, that no inappropriate material or software is put on the device, and the device is fully charged for daily use.
The arrangements for the connection of any new BYOD devices will be distributed to students early Term 1. Your device must be set to English Language for this connection and support to take place.
No, your device will remain connected to the network unless you change or reimage your device or leave the school.
Any families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the office to discuss the support available.
Please contact the office at 0356822066 or email foster.sc@education.vic.gov.au .
