Each student at Templestowe College has a Netbook computer for their personal use. One-to-one computing programs are one element in an international move towards personalising learning, which can increase independence and self-initiated learning in students, and extend their learning beyond the classroom. Our one-to-one Netbook program extends formal learning communities to include parents, siblings and other people important in our students' lives.
Why Netbooks?
The use of personal Netbooks will ensure that our College offers the best possible e-learning program available using the most up-to-date resources at our disposal. This will enable our students to not only receive the best possible preparation for their senior educational years, but to also be presented with the opportunity to develop ICT skills which are essential for success in the modern world.
Using personal Netbooks includes not only the ability to use the devices in class times, but also the ability to adapt to changes in society, driven by advances in technology. This includes developing confidence in their personal educational use of technology by providing individual access twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Technical Support Services
Templestowe College offers a Netbook Service Centre. This facility is provided through the on-site IT Services Team and will act as the central point for all enquiries and service requests in regards to the College Netbook Program. The desk will be manned during school hours by IT professionals who are specially trained to deal with the one-to-one Netbook Program and have expert skills in the relevant software and hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child access the Internet in every class?
Yes, we have made upgrades in our wireless infrastructure to cater for the increase in wireless devices and the Education Department is making further upgrades later this year.
How will I access internet for home?
Parents will need to purchase or use their current internet plans for home use.
How long will the battery life be?
The battery life in the Netbooks offered ranges from 4 – 6 hours. Students will be required to bring their Netbooks to school fully charged every day.
Can my child retain the Netbook if they leave the school?
Netbooks belong to the school for the duration of the lease period. If a student leaves the school before the end of the lease period, the Netbook will need to be paid for in full, reimaged and will then be retained by the student.
Can my child bring another Netbook to school?
No, Templestowe College will only provide support and access to Netbooks leased though this Program.
Can my child take the Netbook home?
Students whose parents are taking part in the leasing home-use program may take their Netbooks home.
Is my child's Netbook covered at home for insurance purposes under the lease agreement
No. Parents are strongly advised to specify the unit in their House and Contents insurance details.
What happens if the Netbook is stolen?
If a Netbook is stolen, efforts to retrieve it will be made. Students will be issued with an Exchange Unit during this process if they have exercised appropriate use of Netbook. If the unit is retrieved it will be checked for content and use before return to student. If not retrieved, a replacement Netbook will be organised with parents.
Who is responsible for home configurations?
The Netbook will be configured so it can be used at home. Parents are ultimately responsible to check content downloaded at home and to ensure appropriate use. Care should be taken not to overload the system so the Netbook remains a useful and effective learning tool.
Do I need to keep the original packaging and contents?
Yes. While it is expected that at end of lease the buyout option will be exercised, if for any reason the student exits the College before the period noted in the lease then the Netbook will have to be returned with all packaging and accessories. Any exceptions to this would be negotiated at the time.
Will my child's Netbook have virus protection on it?
Anti-virus software is pre-installed as part of the imaging process. Updates are automatic without any extra cost to the parent. Updates will only download when the student has an internet connection. Generally this will mean during school time.
Will my child's Netbook have an internet filter on it?
Yes. The internet filter is provided as two layers, firstly through the Templestowe College network and also via the Internet Service Provider (Netspace) which is controlled by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Parents should be aware that these filtering controls only apply during school hours or while the Netbook is used on the college network, and therefore we advise that Internet usage at home is fully supervised by a parent or guardian. Alternatively you can use a filtering product provided by your own ISP if required.
Will the Netbook break?
Obviously the Netbook computer is much like any other technology device in that it needs to be cared for otherwise damage can easily occur. If the Netbook computer is well looked after and the Templestowe College skin remains on the unit, we believe the computer will remain in good working order. Please refer to the Netbook Replacement Parts Pricing Schedule with this information pack for more details on Warranty and Parts Prices.