BYOD Program

Being an ACT Government Public School, Gungahlin College is based on the idea that technology is compact and mobile and an integral part of learning in the 21st Century.

Chromebooks

In line with the Education Directorate's ‘Digital Access & Equity’ program, all students in Canberra secondary public schools are eligible to participate in the program by receiving a Chromebook. Students coming from another public school will bring their device with them. Those coming from interstate or a non-government school may apply for a device. In order to be allocated a device students need to download, complete and submit a Chromebook Acceptance Form to Gungahlin College. Further information is available through the Technology Enabled Learning policy weblink.

BYOD

Gungahlin College recognises the requirement for a Bring Your Own Device (or BYOD) program for students who prefer to use their own brand of device or need a more powerful device for specialised subjects within the curriculum. In areas such as Information Technology, Physics, Media and Graphic Design a Chromebook will perhaps not provide the required full functionality or capability. If your child is studying one of these courses, we recommend that you talk to the teachers involved to understand what is required prior to choosing a device to purchase.

Computer requirements for Information Technology

Please note that the Chrome Operating System used on Chromebooks is not compatible with the specialist software used in Information Technology. It is expected that students studying Information Technology have a computer that meets the following specifications:

*This cannot be an on-chip GPU (or Integrated Graphics) for Windows PCs, as the Game Development programs are graphic intensive. Current M1/M2/M3 MacBook Pros can work, but would require that minimum of 16 GB of Unified Memory (RAM).

Mobile Phone Policy

A new policy is now in place for the way that mobile phones are managed in all ACT public schools. For students in years 11 and 12:

• Mobile phones and other personal communications devices must be silenced and put away during class time and any teaching event or instruction delivered by a teacher or school staff member.
• A device is ‘put away’ when it is secured out of sight in a safe place. The device must not be on a student’s person, on the student’s desk or in the student’s work area.
• Students may not access their device or use technology connected to the device via physical wires, wireless tethering, Bluetooth or hotspot during these times. This includes but is not limited to headphones, speakers and Chromebooks.
• Students may use their devices during class time if the teacher leading the class/activity has explicitly permitted students to do so for educational purposes.
• Students may use their devices at other times while at school, such as at lunch or other break times.
• Students must not film, photograph or share images or footage of other students, teachers, school staff or visitors to the school unless permitted to do so by the individual being recorded.

Special considerations and exemptions

Exemptions can be requested if a student needs their device/assistive technology:

• to manage or monitor a medical condition
• to help meet caring or family responsibilities
• to support adjustments for students with disability
• as part of an agreed individual learning plan.

To request an exemption, please complete the Personal Use of Communication Devices Exemption Request Form (.docx  34KB) and email it to us at gungahlincollege@ed.act.edu.au or submit it in hard copy to the Front Office.

Please visit the ACT Education Website for further information on the Mobile Phone Policy.