For the next 4 years every Year 9 student is a NSW government school will be given access to a new laptop for use as a learning tool while they are working towards achieving their Higher School Certificate. The laptop has been designed to be a tool to help each student with their learning. Tonight’s presentation is aimed at informing parents and students about the rollout of the Digital Education Revolution Laptops and allow questions to be answered.

Software: Latest Microsoft Office 2007 Adobe Software for graphic and multimedia design Specific subject software Antivirus and Backup software Hardware: 2GB RAM,160GB Hard drive space Intel Atom N450 CPU Wi Fi Bluetooth

South Grafton High School has developed an ICT policy that will address specific issues related to the introduction of laptops and the use of other technologies within the school. This policy will be regularly updated as the challenges of technology in education continue to evolve. Along with this policy, each classroom teacher will have their own set of expectations regarding the laptops. It is up to the students and their teachers to work together to ensure that these new learning tools are utilised as best as possible.

In order to receive a laptop, students must have a Parent or Carer complete the Laptop User Charter. It is important for the Parent/Carer to discuss the content of the charter with their child to ensure that they are aware of their responsibility when receiving this hardware. Failure to follow this agreement can result in the recall of the laptop or the inability for the students to take the laptop home after school hours.

The school retains ownership of the laptop until each student completes Year 12. As the school retains ownership of the laptop until this time, ALL material on the laptop is subject to review by school staff. If a student leaves school prior to completing Year 12,moves to a non-government school, interstate or overseas, the laptop must be returned to the school.

The warranty of the laptop does not cover damage, negligence, abuse or malicious damage. Damage, vandalism, loss or theft must be reported to the school. In the case of theft, a police report must be made and an event number reported to the school. In the case of damage or loss, a witnessed statutory declaration should be provided to the school. It is at the Principal’s discretion whether or not a replacement laptop will be issued or if the student is responsible for repair or replacement costs. Lost or damaged chargers will not be replaced by the school or DET. A replaced laptop will always be replaced with one of its own age and similar quality.

Students are required to follow the Acceptable Usage for School Students policy. Extracts of this policy are found within the Laptop User Charter – Section 4.1 Students who fail to comply with these requirements may find that their laptop is recalled and/or their ability to take the laptop home is removed.

Students and parents should be aware that all use of the internet and online communication services can be audited and traced to the e-learning accounts of specific users. It is recommended that parents/carers discuss the laptops conditions of use at home with their children, particularly if accessing the internet while unsupervised.

Students will receive training regarding use of the laptop within each of their classrooms. To support each school with the technical requirements of the laptops, a Technical Support Officer has been employed to work in our school. Technical issues with the laptop such as faults should be reported to the TSO.

The laptop is installed with an automatic updating anti-virus software. All internet browsing operates through the DET portal. This means that students browsing history can be tracked. It also means that students will not be able to access sites such as facebook and MySpace. Services such as MSN messenger are also not accessible. The laptop does not allow for the installation of software other than its original image. This means that students are not able to install applications or games onto the machine. To support each school with the technical requirements of the laptops, a Technical Support Officer has been employed to work in our school. Technical issues with the laptop such as faults should be reported to the TSO.

The TSO and staff regularly collect the devices to check functionality and content. The laptops are fitted with tracking devices and can be remotely accessed and shut down in the case of theft. Attempts to bypass these systems are not only futile, but will result in the withdrawal of your computer and may see you paying for damages you have caused.

The DET has made available a collection of resources that can assist parents and students with their new laptop; Click – a DET magazine included in the package presented tonight detailing information about the laptop and current technologies issues. DET Website - South Grafton High School – phone and ask to talk to your child’s Teachers or Year Advisor regarding your concerns.

Ask questions Discuss the Laptop User Charter with your child. If you have further questions, contact the school; Pam Ferris– Year 9 Advisor Brian Heath–Principal Sue Hilliard - TSO Return the signed Laptop User Charter to the TSO. Upon the schools receipt of the laptops, the TSO will start to issue students who have returned the charter with their laptop.