Our school wishes to continue to provide a world class future focused curriculum which equips students for the rapidly changing world and workforce which awaits them. BYOD is an important aspect of encouraging our students to participate in a future focused curriculum.
This year, we have tried to ensure equitable outcomes for our learners by providing equity devices for those who need them the most, through a loan device scheme. We understand that this BYOD change to our school culture takes time, for both students and staff. However, this change is critical as NCEA moves towards a digital platform at a very fast pace. All level 1 examinations from 2024 will be delivered digitally, so ALL students will need access to a device AND be digitally adept. Our current system is designed to support this which is why we are instilling in our students, the importance of having access to a digital device for future learning at this kura.
We believe that reinvigorating our BYOD philosophy in 2023, as well as loaning and distributing school-based devices to those who need them the most, is a much more equitable and sustainable system.
Students do not need the most expensive devices in order to participate in the lessons where digital technology will be used. Most laptops with a keyboard and screen will be sufficient. Mobile phones are NOT considered a digital device and are NOT allowed to be used in the classroom. Some options where laptops are sold are listed below.
Purchasing BYOD Devices:
Noel Leeming Taupō
https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/c/computers-office-tech/computers/laptops?sr=laptop
Tech Central Taupō
http://www.tctaupo.co.nz/computers/
The Warehouse Taupō
https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/c/electronics-gaming/computers-tablets/laptops?sr=laptop
PC Media
https://www.pcmedia.co.nz/collections/all
A bit more history about our blending learning approach
In 2015, Taupo-nui-a-Tia College became a Google Apps For Education (GAFE) school - a student learning platform that enables teachers and students to collaborate and integrate learning.
We encourage all our learners in every year level to bring their own laptop device to school every day.
Our Blended Learning approach couples quality teaching with digital technologies in the classroom to open up new and different ways of learning.
Having one to one student access to devices (Bring Your Own Device - BYOD) means that learning is:
- Dynamic
- Authentic
- Collaborative
- Individualised
- Personalised
- Future focussed
- Within global learning communities
- Encouraging higher-order thinking by students
- Allowing for problem-solving and the understanding of local, national and global issues
Teachers have been involved in a wide range of professional learning over recent years assisting in their personal development or empowering them to become facilitators of learning inside and beyond the classroom.
The commitment to blended learning has seen the school take a careful and well informed approach to this new style of learning and teaching.
With our commitment to e-learning, teachers are engaging and evaluating their practices with learning opportunities tailored to students’ interests and individual needs as well as improving their engagement and achievement.