What are the laptop programs available for my student at MCSHS?
Years 7-12
BYOD program – This means all students will need to provide their own laptop to have in class each and every day. All faculties are modifying content delivery with the expectation each student will have their own device.
FAQ
Q -
Which laptop should I buy for my student?
A - Choice of laptop will vary depending on the student’s year level and which classes they choose. For more information view:
Q -
Can students access their emails without Microsoft Outlook?
A - Students can access their school emails anywhere at anytime on any device that has a web browser. Students have an Office 365 account which can
accessed using their school login and password. Note also that students are able to download a free copy of Microsoft Office for use on their BYOD laptop, which will include Outlook for accessing emails.
Q -
Can students print on the school printers?
A - Yes, students can print to any of the school printers through a web based print manager. Please follow these instructions
when connected to the school network:
Q -
Can students get support from school?
A - Students will only get support connecting to the network and the network related functions. This is done during break times (morning tea and lunch) at the the Resource Centre (Mooloolaba Room). This room is specific to on-boarding BYOD devices. All warranty or repairs need to be handled by the student/ parent through the vendor directly.
Q -
Can I download a free copy of Microsoft Office?
A - Yes, all staff and students of Education Queensland have access to downloading a copy of MS Office on a number of their devices. View all further details at:
Q -
Who is responsible for putting the software onto the BYOD machines?
A - It is the responsibility of the students/ parents to have all necessary software installed to the machines before bringing them into school. Students are not to install software from school as this will affect the network for everyone.
Q -
What software will students need for school?
A - This depends on the classes that the student has elected to be a part of. As standard they will need MS Office (available on the BYOD page as a link) and an up-to-date Anti-Virus. If you are unsure about a class and if they need a certain software, please speak with the class teacher.
Q -
What version of Windows can connect?
A - Any version of Windows that is currently in commercial support for Windows is acceptable in the BYOD environment except Windows 10S. To remove the laptop from "Windows S Mode" follow this guide:
Q -
What version of Apple OSX and IOS can connect?
A -
At this point all that are 10.13 (High Sierra) and above are working fine. All new OSX releases do require testing, so it is recommended that students do not update immediately. Please allow time for testing of new environments and for communication to come out in case it doesn't immediately work within the BYOD environment.
Q - My Apple Mac laptop is connected to EQNET WiFi but I still have no internet?
A - After successful connection to EQNET, check the network settings and make sure the following box is ticked:
Q -
Will internet be filtered from school?
A - An internet filter will apply when students are connected to the schools network. As is the case currently, this will restrict access to certain sites, such as YouTube and Facebook. At home, this filtering system will not apply to BYOD laptops.
Q -
Will my child be expected to bring his/her laptop to school every day?
A - Yes. Mountain Creek State High School teachers are transforming the way they teach to take advantage of all students having their BYOD laptops in every lesson. The new lesson delivery will ensure that laptops will be essential tools in each classroom.
Q -
Is there a secure area where my child can leave his/her laptop during sport?
A - It is anticipated that students will have their laptops with them at all times except under special circumstances. If participating in sporting activities, a secure lockable area will be sourced by the teachers for the students’ bags/devices.
Q -
Will a replacement laptop be available for students if theirs is taken for repair?
A - Students may be issued with a loan laptop if their personal device requires repair. Students will need to ensure all their files (from the laptops hard drive) are backed up so they can continue to access them. All files saved on the schools network or the students OneDrive will be available for access via the loan laptop.
In order to access these loan devices, students will need to provide evidence that their BYOD laptop is in for repairs to IT Support:
Students will then be given/sent an External Request for Equipment form to sign and return to IT Support. A loan device may then be made available to the student for a short period of time until their own laptop is repaired.
Q -
How does the student get support for their BYOD device?
A - This is the responsibility of the student and the supplier of the laptop. We recommend families ensure an adequate
device protection plan (warranty/accidental damage) is provided with the laptop at purchase.
Q - Does my student need a laptop case and what if their laptop is damaged at school?
A - MCSHS strongly recommends students keep their laptops in their cases at all times to provide maximum protection to the device.
It should be noted that the laptops remain the property of the student and their family and the school will bear no liability for any damage to the laptop, deliberate or otherwise, that may occur.
With this in mind, we also
strongly recommend that families confirm that their child’s BYOD laptop is covered under their Contents insurance and/or Accidental Damage insurance. Should damage occur, the school is not able to require any party to make good on damage regardless of the circumstances, nor are we able to provide the contact details of the families of the students involved.