2015 One-to-one computer program for Year 7, 8 and new students
The school commenced a 1:1 parent funded computer program in 2014, which required parents of year 8 and 9 students to provide a notebook computer for their child. Year 10 - 12 students were already supplied with a notebook funded by the Federal Government’s National Secondary Schools Computer Fund (NSSCF), which ended in 2012.
The integration of I.T. into learning programs has seen the education landscape change markedly at the school over the past few years. Many teachers now rely on students’ access to a notebook computer as part of the learning program, and this reliance will continue to grow. Students now consider their own notebook computer to be indispensable in the classroom.
Parents of Year 7 and 8 students in 2015 are requested to provide a notebook computer for their child. In 2014, the school recommended the Apple MacBook, and we will be recommending it again for 2015. The MacBook has the advantages of being light and portable, it has a long battery life, a durable aluminium case and has good hardware specifications for the needs of our students.
Outright purchase of the base model 11” MacBook Air is $1099, but we are strongly recommending this be purchased as part of a $1174 bundle. The bundle will include an extended 3 year warranty, and case. Insurance is optional for $299, but it may be much cheaper through your home insurance (See Q & A below). Details of the offers available through Winthrop Australia can be accessed by copying and pasting this link: https://portal.winaust.com.au/forms/view/239
You can order at any time, and it will be delivered to your home within 7-10 working days. Any missed deliveries will be held at Australia Post.
FAQs
What model do you recommend?
This is really up to you. Most parents in 2014 purchased the base 11” model. If you can spend a little extra, you might want to consider the 13” for an extra $163, which has a larger screen and longer battery life.
How much is it used in school?
The 1:1 notebook program for students has seen a new phase in education at our school since it began in 2010. It offers the potential to have a deep impact on our students' education, and the learning process. Experience since the program began shows that students are quick to adopt new technology, and most are competent users of their computers and eager to use them for learning. It is difficult to answer just how much your child will use their notebook in the classroom, as it will vary. School staff need training and support in developing ways to integrate the notebooks effectively into their learning programs. This change has taken place at a steady pace over the last few years, and many teachers love the opportunities the student notebooks have opened up in the classroom, but it is occurring at an uneven pace within a large staff. We are committed to making this a positive experience, and getting the best possible benefit from the 1:1 program.
Is it worth spending the extra money for the extended warranty or insurance?
Our records reveal that we have had twice as many warranty claims as insurance claims, and that it is likely you will make a warranty claim over a 3 year period. Given that warranty claims are more likely in years 2 or 3 than the first year, and considering the high cost of repairs, extending the warranty to three years for effectively $25 (the bag is worth about $50) is remarkably good value. The school will also be able to handle warranty and insurance claims if the bundle is purchased through Winthrop, saving parents the trouble of having to visit an Apple store. Insurance is $350 for three years with a $150 excess. You are advised to check your existing contents insurance policy which may already cover a notebook computer at school, or which may do so for a small increase in your premium.
Should we buy the base model or one of the others being offered?
Most students buy the base model, but your child may be using this until the end of high school, so it will depend on what you can afford and what you think is most suitable. You may want to look at them in a store before you make a commitment (such as the Apple Store in Garden City or at Dick Smith). You might find a larger 13” screen and/or a larger drive is worth the extra expense.
If we already have a notebook computer at home, can my child use this?
Yes, however we can offer only limited support. Your device will need to meet the following minimum specifications:
At least 5 hours battery life (very important - it needs to last until the end of the day), 10” or larger screen, wireless networking, keyboard, and not too large or heavy. You child is welcome to bring it to school and try it out.
Can we purchase an alternative to a MacBook?
Yes, but again, we can offer only limited support, and it must meet the specifications listed above. Be very careful if you decide to purchase something else, as it must be light and robust enough to survive several years being carried around in a school bag.
Do we have to order the MacBook from the school?
No, you can simply buy from a store. The advantage for you in buying from Winthrop Australia is if there is a fault or damage the MacBook can be left at the school for pickup (and return) by Winthrop.
What happens if there is a warranty issue or a repair is needed on the MacBook?
You can leave it at the school where it will be picked up and handled by Winthrop. If there is a charge for repairs not covered under warranty, you will need to arrange this with Winthrop Computers. If you did not buy it from Winthrop, you will need to make your own arrangements (usually through an Apple Store).
May my child use a tablet device (e.g. iPad)?
Many tablet devices may meet these specifications, but unless you have a separate keyboard, the touch screen keyboard will probably be too impractical in the classroom. Ultimately the decision is up to you, but it needs to be a device which is suitable for the needs of the classroom.
What if I cannot afford to purchase a notebook computer for my child?
We understand that this is a large outlay of money. For those who cannot at present afford to purchase their child a computer, we will have older MacBooks available for loan from the school, so that your child will not be disadvantaged in the classroom. These will be older MacBooks returned by students who have left school, and will have to be booked out of the library.
What exactly do you mean when you say you “don’t offer support” for non-MacBooks?
We have had a lot of experience with MacBook computers on the school network, but we can only offer limited support for anything else. Nearly all devices we have tried have successfully connected wirelessly on our network, meaning they have internet access, including Windows 7 and 8 notebooks, Microsoft Surface tablets and Chromebooks. Non-MacBooks may not have access to printers or shared drives, although students can always print from the library. Our help in arranging warranty and insurance work is restricted to computers purchased as part of the MacBook bundle.
Will I need to pay for extra software?
There are no requirements to pay for software, but you will need an office suite (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, etc.). Apple iWork is included for free with the MacBooks and there are a lot of free suites, including LibreOffice and Google Docs. Microsoft Office is not necessary, but some students are familiar with this and prefer to pay extra for it.
Any questions should be directed to the school ICT Manager:
Mark Southon
ph 92592121
mark.southon@education.wa.edu.au