INFORMATION Laptop

Laptop

Laptop hand out session presentation

DC Laptop Programme

All students enrolling in Year 6 or above at Discovery College are required to purchase an Apple laptop together with Microsoft Office (this is a curriculum requirement). The details and order forms can be found by clicking on the laptop purchase link below.

Key Understandings

Discovery College seeks to use digital technologies, including laptops and other devices, in powerful ways to enhance learning and teaching. Discovery College sees digital technology as a natural tool in the learning process that supports and enhances the curriculum. We seek to allow students to use digital technologies as a creative tool to investigate, design, manipulate, programme, control, develop, create, publish, present, evaluate and reflect on learning to a variety of audiences both face-to-face and online.

Laptop and Computer Access

students in Year 1-5 will access laptop and desktop computers provided by the College when required
students in Year 6 and above will use one to one computing and are required to buy a laptop computer and associated software in line with the current model being supported in the College. Current laptop model information can be found on the College website.
all teaching staff are provided with a laptop computer and are required to use this for investigation, reflection, evaluation, lesson planning, developing resources, presenting and organising ideas, administration, reporting, communication with other staff, parents and students
students may be asked to help develop and sign essential agreements about when and how laptops are used that are year level specific

Year 6 Laptop Programme Introduction – Clickeratti Kids

In order to develop a strong understanding of the key expectations in the Acceptable Use Agreement, students in Year 6 participate in a year long inquiry class led by the Digital Literacy Coordinator. The aim of this inquiry is to help the Year 6 students transition into Year 7 and MYP with a sound understanding of appropriate, independent use of their new laptops and also to develop a digital portfolio format they can continue to use in subsequent years.

Clickeratti Kids specifically inquires into what it looks like to be a digital citizen in today's learning environment, utilising their new laptops and other mobile technologies in a positive manner. Elements that are explored in depth are; online safety and security, communication methods, the DC Acceptable Use Agreement, design and layout features for good digital portfolios, skills needed to create their own digital portfolio based on inquiry findings.

Digital Citizenship Education

DC provides infused learning opportunities related to online safety and security when using digital technologies. Key resources that are used to highlight elements of digital citizenship include use of "Hector's World" www.hectorsworld.com with students Yrs 3 - 6, which is an online learning environment that aims to educate through use of child orientated interests and tools. At MYP level developing positive digital citizenship involves 'just in time' education; for example, a project requiring music for a presentation can also involve a session of investigating issues surrounding pirating music, video etc.

The school is committed to strengthen the partnership between home and school by offering presentations and workshops related to online safety and security. The aim is to form positive digital citizenship expectations that are consistent between home and school, with parents and school keeping each other informed about current positive and negative online trends to be aware of.

Laptop Compliance

To ensure smooth and productive user experience, all student laptops used within the college will be checked at the start of each year for compliance with the acceptable use policy in terms of content and applications loaded.

Responsible use agreement

Compliant computers will be issued a special sticker for verification purpose. Random checks will also be carried out over the year.
Only compliant computers are allowed within the college.

Start of Year Check

We collect student laptops for a compliance check, system software upgrade, application installation, password administration, and general maintenance during the first two weeks of school. Please clearly label your name, network user name, and password on your laptop before you hand it over. The laptops will be collected and returned on the same day where possible. If your laptop is compliant, a compliant sticker will be adhered to your laptop.

Discovery College Apple Service Centre

The Apple Service Centre is located next to the Nurse's room on the ground floor. Our Apple Technician can be contacted directly by phone 3969 1080 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Laptop Insurance

We also recommend that parents of students in Year 6 and above ensure that insurance coverage is provided for their student's laptops. Details of one option are available in the new students purchase section below.

Zurich DC MacBook Insurance Enrolment Form