What evidence are you relying on that suggests device usage improves learning outcomes?
Contemporary, evidence-based teaching, following the Western Australian Curriculum, improves outcomes. Technology is simply a tool with a huge amount of potential that, when used effectively, can improve student engagement, outcomes and enhance learning. This is why we have focused on pedagogy first, then introduced technology when our teachers are ready. When considering research, wide-level studies and meta-analyses are more reliable that individual analyses.
How does this align with education policy?
ICT and Digital Technologies are mandated learning areas in the Western Australian Curriculum from Pre-Primary onwards. The Department of Education ICT Strategy states that: “To participate in a knowledge-based economy and to be empowered within a technologically sophisticated society now and into the future, students need the knowledge, skills and confidence to make ICT work for them at school, at home, at work and in their communities.”
It is every student’s entitlement to learn to use ICT to support their learning.
Why can’t the school pay for the devices?
Unfortunately, government schools are not in a financial position to be able to fund such schemes. Until now, Leeming Primary School has been able to provide a limited number of iPads per classroom. Replacing these devices and increasing the number of devices across the school to support student enrolment growth is not a viable option for the school.
From what year do students participate in the BYOD iPad Technology Program?
The BYOD iPad Technology Program is for students in Years 4 to 6. The suggested life of an iPad is two years; however iPads can last significantly longer than this. It is possible that an iPad purchased in Year 4 should last until at least the end of primary school.
What happens to the device when my child leaves the school?
As the device is family owned, the school management software is removed, and the device can continue to be used at home as you wish.
Why an iPad as opposed to other devices?
Leeming Primary School has already developed an iPad culture within the school. With this in mind, the iPad is deemed the most suitable learning device to enhance student learning and all for access to the full curriculum. The iPad as our BYOD device is endorsed by the School Board.
Can my child bring a different device?
No. In establishing the BYOD program, Leeming Primary School consulted with many other primary schools and the overwhelming consensus was that a single operating system was far easier for teachers to manage in a 1:1 environment, allowing them to focus on the teaching and learning program rather than trouble shooting.
Where do I buy the iPad and what specifications, or accessories does my child need?
We have created a parent purchasing portal through Winthrop Australia. Throughout Term 4 2025, access to this portal will be via the Leeming Primary School website.
What is the benefit from buying a new device through the parent portal?
Buying a new device ensures that it is the same specification as other students and is set up specifically as a learning device for Leeming’s needs. It will arrive with the correct profiles loaded so that school and home can manage it effectively. This helps take the responsibility of buying school apps off families. The portal also offers education discount and the correct accessories / insurances. If there is a warranty problem with the device, the compact will collect and repair it in line with their terms and conditions. You may also be able to trade in the device when your child leaves primary school.
We already have an iPad at home. Can my child bring it?
Potentially yes as long as it has the correct features and longevity. To ensure the device is suitable for the BYOD iPad Technology teaching and learning program, and to ensure it remains functional while your child takes part in it, the device should be 9th Generation or newer. The iPad would need to be factory reset so that the school can enrol it into our school based management system. This allows us to ‘push’ school apps out to the device, ensuring it is ready for learning. You still own the apps on it and can install these on another device. Once your child leaves Leeming Primary School, the device is factory reset again and you can reinstall your own apps.
How is the device kept secure?
Protection against damage, theft and / or loss requires a combination of human and physical environment factors to mitigate potential risks. We highly recommend buying the suggested case on the purchase portal. We also recommend the AppleCare+ option which covers up to two repairs / replacements per year resulting from damage. At school, the device is kept in the classroom and students are taught to handle it safely, with two hands, when transporting it.
How is my child being supported with cyber safety?
Learning the social and ethical protocols of using ICT is embedded in the Western Australian Curriculum and teachers regularly teach students about how to stay safe and be kind online and offline. Students are expected to agree to and sign the Acceptable Use Agreement – ICT internet & iPad agreement and will be regularly reminded of the Acceptable Use Agreement and the rules and expectations for using ICT.
Families will be supported through seminars by industry experts who share advice on how to manage technology use at home and set boundaries and expectations.
How much time will my child spend using the iPad at school each day?
One of the aims of the BYOD iPad Technology Program is for technology to be accessible in a ‘frictionless’ manner. This means that if a student needs it, it is available. As a result, this makes putting time limits on the use of a device challenging. Additionally, it is difficult to measure ‘screen time’ when sometimes students are solely using a device for an activity and sometimes using it alongside traditional methods, glancing at it from time-to-time. The debate around screen time has certainly shifted over the past few years to focus more on the type of screen time. For example, an hour spent developing creative, critical and abstract thinking or problem solving may be far more beneficial than an hour spent gaming or watching videos. We refer to our approach as ‘hands on brain on’, rather than ‘hands on brain off’. That said, the iPad is not intended to become the only tool students use at school. We envisage that on average less than half of the school day will involve using technology in some form.
Which other primary schools have a 1:1 / BYOD iPad Technology Program and have you consulted with them?
Many schools in Western Australia have a 1:1 program and the majority of primary schools use iPads in 1:1 or shared scenarios. In planning this program, we liaised with many local schools with a 1:1 program and learnt from their experiences in order to refine our planning and processes. We believe the introduction of a 1:1 program significantly supports our senior students by further developing their technology skills in preparation for 1:1 technology in high school.
