Technology in Learning.

Are there any subsidies available for the cost of the laptop?

There are no formal general Victorian Government subsidies that we are aware of to support parents in the purchasing of school materials (both texts, stationery, and technology). From time to time some local organisations support specific families with the purchase of school materials including a student Notebook. (Refer to the Student Services Team for information – Madeline.Gaitanis@education.vic.gov.au).

EHS has a limited bank of loan Surface Pro devices for students to use if they,

1. Forget their device.
2. Are in-between or have a broken device.
3. Require a shortfall gap to getting their own device.

In general, these loans are made on a period-to-period basis through the library at the start of a lesson.

There are also a very small number of longer-term (i.e. a term/year) loan devices to support parents as they work towards purchasing their child a device.

The device you purchase does not need to be new, it may be used or refurbished as long as it,

1. Meets the device criteria.
2. Is in sound, safe and serviceable condition.

If you are having difficulties in resourcing your student with the required materials for the new school year, we urge you to reach out to the Student Services or Junior School Team – Melissa.Hughes@education.vic.gov.au to discuss.

Are there laptop payment plans?

Most retailers who sell the recommended devices will also offer formal payment plans through a 3rd party instalment company (i.e. Afterpay etc.) or more traditional Layby.

Eltham High School is not involved in the purchasing or payment of school resources, nor do we receive anything from the recommended provider.

The company that we work with and suggest to parents each year is the one that can provide the most holistic and competitive offer.

Parents are welcome to purchase their device through any retailer, however, we recommend you carefully consider:

1. The overall package they are including (including machine specifications, insurance, and accessories)
2. That the retailer is based in Australia with reputable reviews.
3. The delivery time.
4. Hidden costs including taxes, delivery and handling.
5. Any insurance on offer and costs.

What’s the most recommended device to order?

We are a Microsoft School so Apple devices are not acceptable.

Of the devices we offer and support, the Surface Pro 9 range is the recommended device.

The position of EHS is that the specifications of a device such as the Surface Pro provides both the functionality of a tablet device (i.e. iPad) with the added bonus of having a full operating system.

At EHS, we both use technology to facilitate learning but also teach students how to engage and utilise technology to best prepare them for their lives in the 21st Century.

In order of preference:

For new Surfaces this would include:

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 / 13-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD /Type Cover (keyboard) / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 / 13.5-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro

Higher specification Machine:

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 / 13-inch Touch / Intel i7 / 16GB / 256GB SSD /Type Cover (keyboard) / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 ProHigher specification machines are more advantageous for students who might take extensive courses in digital media or technology classes from Year 9.

For used devices this could include:

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 / 13-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD /Type Cover (keyboard) / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 / 13-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD / Type Cover (keyboard) / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ / 13-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD / Type Cover (keyboard) / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 / 13.5-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 / 13.5-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 / 13.5-inch Touch / Intel i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD / Pen (stylus) / Windows 11 Pro

When deciding what device specifications you should purchase you should consider the intersect between:

1. Cost
2. Longevity
3. Useage over the next 3-4 years.

Used and refurbished machines

EHS runs a sBYOD program (specified bring your own device) where we recognise a series of device specifications that allows us to fulfill the required student learning for 3-4 years of their secondary school journey.

You can provide any laptop (new or used) that meets the specifications of the BYOD. (Refer to Specifications Sheet attached)

If this is not a supported machine (list above), then it is important that you liaise with the IT Department before purchasing or bringing it to school to ensure that it is suitable.

When purchasing a used or refurbished device you should consider the following things:

1. Is the retailer reputable, a business inside Australia (so you are protected by Consumer Law) and has significant positive reviews from multiple sites?
2. Does the retailer provide a significant (12 month) warranty on the device?
3. How long will the device be supported for versus its cost?
4. Is the battery life of the device still suitable for a school environment?
5. Will the device be delivered in a reasonable timeframe for school?
6. Does the cost include all of the relevant accessories required (i.e. stylus, keyboard and charger) and if not, does the purchasing of these additions still represent good value?

If we ordered the device through school (JB Hi-Fi), when do they arrive?

Please contact the retailer regarding your specific order with your invoice details. JBHiFi Education (i.e. the school recommended provider) generally deliver the machines within 10 business days. This timeline may differ with the pressures on delivery services over the Christmas period. You may choose to pick up your device from the retailer.

NOTE: If on the JB Hi-Fi Website you are presented with “Awaiting Stock”, this does not mean that they do not have the devices but rather awaiting their delivery from their warehouse. Delivery estimates are provided on the website as you submit your order.

We bought the laptop at JB Hi-Fi during the sales and paid for a warranty but they didn’t ask about insurance. Do you know if we can still get insurance?

The insurance recommended through the school can only be purchased through JB Hi-Fi Education at the point of sale (not JB Hi-Fi retail).

You may also consider taking out a policy with another provider or as a part of an existing contents policy

Device conversations with your child.

We strongly recommend that parents have a detailed conversation with their young learners regarding:

1. Protecting their machine from breakage (including the consequences and actions if it does break).
2. Protocols for managing accessories.
   1. Keeping labels on all styluses, chargers, mouse etc.
   2. Labelling accessories in a permanent fashion to make them identifiable.
   3. Where and how to store and look after them:
      – Keep the charger at home or in their bag
      – Ensure the stylus is housed in/on the keyboard
      – Do not share accessories
3. Acceptable use and modifications at home.
   1. For example,
      – Are students allowed to add stickers to their device or case.
      – Are they allowed to personalise their keyboard with pen/paint etc.
      – When and where are they allowed to use their device, what are they allowed to access and do on it.
4. Damage most commonly occurs to machines when students just aren’t thinking of the consequences of simple actions such as:
   1. Taking the protective cover off.
   2. Balancing the machine precariously off things.
   3. Putting it in their school bag, forgetting it is there and then throwing the bag down on the bus/ in the car/ at home etc.
   4. Forcing their locker closed rather than rearranging their belongings.
   5. Walking across campus with the machine open.
   6. Water bottles and devices stored In the same area which may result in water damage not covered by general warranty.

The school has deliberately chosen a device that functions as both a laptop, for traditional computer work, and as a tablet. The inclusion of a stylus is the crucial element; research indicates that the thought processes involved with hand-writing generate greater understanding and recall. Furthermore, it is easier to engage in learning in areas that require non-standard characters such as Languages, Mathematics and Science, as examples.

The computer will be used in class, across all year levels. Families are encouraged to purchase a new laptop when their child begins year 10. The two devices will cover a child’s entire high school education. If there are any questions or if you require clarification, please contact Nadine Fenn (7805-helpdesk@schools.vic.edu.au)