Digital LearningSECONDARY
Contents
Overview
Secondary device strategy
Teaching and learning
Device specifications
Digital safeguarding
Purchasing options
Device management
Frequently asked questions
Secondary device strategy
The secondary device strategy is in place to support Teaching and Learning, examination arrangements, and Digital Safeguarding whilst your child is in the secondary school (Year 7-13).
Teaching & Learning
Students use digital exercise books in the secondary school from Year 713. All students, in all subjects use Microsoft OneNote as a platform for their digital exercise books. To maximise the opportunities OneNote provides it is essential for students to have a stylus. Digital inking is particularly important in Maths and Science, where typing becomes more of a challenge for the work students do. Students also require a front and back facing camera to keep a record of their learning that is completed on paper
Our classroom screens allow students the opportunity to develop their presentation skills. Our classroom screens support Windows devices.
Students need a Windows device to access software needed for learning in DT and Computing at all Key Stages (Year 7-13).
Examinations
Students in all year groups sit online national assessments Students use their device to sit these examinations. In the last two years we are also starting to see GCSE examinations move online. Over the coming years more subjects are scheduled to move online. Students require a stylus for some of these examinations.
Safeguarding
Our device strategy and infrastructure is built to keep students safe online. Windows devices are managed by the school to allow us to use digital safeguarding software on student devices. This allows teachers to monitor in class activity.
Teaching and learning
Digital learning is an important aspect of life at JESS. We pride ourselves on harnessing the power of technology to support the learning journey of all students. We strongly believe that a device is an important tool for learning. It can facilitate collaboration, increase engagement, and personalise learning. It should, however, be seen as a tool, and one that is not necessarily needed for every task.
We pride ourselves on using PedTech (pedagogical technology) to advance student learning.
Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Teams are used every lesson to create virtual classrooms and digital exercise books Our device strategy has been developed to ensure students can work effectively with these applications.
OneNote – Students use OneNote as their digital book to capture all learning. Students can embed photos of written work, insert multimedia files and demonstrate their learning through a diverse range of activities.
Teams – Teachers and students use Teams as a communication platform. All home learning and assignments are posted in Teams to enable students to manage their workload.
Two other applications that are sued regularly in lessons are:
Reading progress – allows teachers to set reading activities within subjects to foster a deeper understanding whilst reviewing fluency.
Reflect - allows teachers to monitor the wellbeing of students on a lesson-bylesson basis
Technology will be ever present in the lives of our students. We want to equip them with the skills to thrive.
Device specifications
Device minimum specifications:
• Run on a minimum version of Windows Pro or Enterprise (Windows Home is not suitable for learning at JESS)
• Have at least an Intel Core i5 processor
• 256GB Storage as a minimum
• 16GB RAM
• Function as a laptop and as a tablet (i.e., it must have a keyboard and have touchscreen)
• Have a stylus
• Have both front and rear-facing cameras
• Have headphones or earphones.
Please be aware that students require Windows Pro or Enterprise to allow JESS to manage students' devices and facilitate sending applications and updates to support teaching and learning. Our recommended supplier, Jackys, offer this at no additional cost.
Digital safeguarding
Our device strategy and infrastructure is built to keep students safe online.
We have three safeguarding measures in place to protect students online whilst on our campus.
1. Firewall - Our Firewall allows us to monitor student access to the internet and block any sites that are inappropriate.
2. Microsoft Endpoint Manager - All Windows devices are managed by Endpoint Manager. This allows us to ensure updates and patches provided by Microsoft and other software vendors are applied to the device. Endpoint Manager also allows us to set a level of device compliance that all devices connecting to our network adhere to; this includes ensuring all devices have up-to-date antivirus definitions, firewall settings and configuration files that remain active throughout the school day.
3.Classroom Cloud - Our teachers use Classroom Cloud during lessons. This allows the teacher to view what each student is up to on their device, ensuring they are on task and not distracted by other websites or games. Classroom cloud is also used by our safeguarding team as it allows them to monitor any concerning activity, identifies any students at risk and spots online safety trends This helps inform our online safety curriculum
Purchasing options
There are two options for purchasing the device:
1. Purchase any device that meets the criteria via your chosen website/store. Please check carefully when buying a device from outside of the UAE. Devices bought from outside of the UAE are not always serviceable within the country Please also check the Windows version that comes with the device
2. Purchase a Surface Pro 8 or higher from our partner, Jacky’s Retail. These are offered at a special discounted rate for JESS families All devices purchased through Jacky’s include Windows Pro at no additional cost (currently priced at 620aed on the Microsoft Store). Jacky’s also offer a 12month financing option as well as a 1-year warranty. They are the official service provider for Microsoft in the MENA region.
Please note, that JESS have worked with Jacky’s to secure a package that meets the core device requirements at a competitive price Purchasing from Jacky’s is favourable because you will get Windows Pro included at no cost; one-year free warranty; a 12-month payment plan (optional); and the device is remotely configured with all school settings and safety protocols (no requirement to hand the device in to school).
For any devices not purchased via Jacky’s, they will need to be handed over to the JESS IT Tech Team for configuration This will involve a 1-month turnaround time before the device is available for use
If you have any questions about device choices, please contact us.
Parent offers – Jacky’s Retail LLC
We have partnered with Jacky's Retail as a supplier for devices. Jacky’s have negotiated with Microsoft on our behalf to bring you excellent offers on the latest Surface model devices. Jacky’s Retail are an authorised Microsoft partner and will only sell devices which are UAE region-specific products Jacky's are also offering a 12-month financing option https://www.jackysbrandshop.com/jess
This portal will provide you with the opportunity to choose the specifications and peripherals you wish. All of these models meet or exceed the core device criteria outlined on the previous page. The keyboard type cover and Surface pen are also essential. The ARC mouse is optional.
PLEASE USE YOUR HOME ADDRESS AT THE ONLINE CHECKOUT FOR DELIVERY
Please note: Jacky’s Retail is not the same as the Jacky’s stores in the malls. These offers are not available in any Jacky’s stores.
Warranties
As with many companies, products not bought within the UAE may not be serviceable within the UAE, therefore it is important to understand your rights as a consumer when purchasing a device outside of the UAE.
Devices purchased with Jacky’s: Redington are the official warranty and service provider for Microsoft in the MENA region. Devices bought through Jacky’s Retail come with a standard 1-year warranty and the option to add additional Redington warranties.
Devices not purchased with Jacky’s: Check carefully that your device is under warranty for the UAE and that there is an option for service and repairs locally.
If your device is in warranty and in need of support/repairs, the process with Redington will be:
• Call Redington toll free on 800 367873
• Redington will carry out remote diagnostics and support
• If this is not successful, they will pick up your device and take it to a service centre
• They guarantee you a replacement device within 48 hours.
Device management
Student devices are set up by the school to ensure we uphold the highest standards for safeguarding your child.
Student devices at JESS are managed by our IT Tech Team This has many advantages. It enables the Tech team to ensure your child’s device is kept up to date with the latest versions of apps. It also allows teachers to protect your child’s online activity and keep children safe while working in school; monitoring and managing what they are accessing, including games and social media.
For those students who have already been at JESS, this is a similar device management strategy that is used in our primary schools to manage iPads.
When devices are NOT managed by the school
• Students manage application installations and software updates
• Parents pay for educational apps
• Delays when using apps
• Safety protocols left to family discretion
• Students unsupervised on games and social media during the school day
When devices are managed by the school
• Remote management of the application installation and software updates
• School pays for educational apps
• No delays - apps can be used as required
• School-wide safety protocols
• Student use of devices is monitored throughout the school day
Working together, our Microsoft security systems and our secure Wi-Fi keep the students safe while connected to our network and online. For this reason, all students are expected to use their JESS provided Microsoft details to login to their device. Any devices found on the system that do not meet the above device and account requirements will be blocked from accessing systems until the issues are rectified.
Any device found to have VPNs, download software such as BitTorrent, or any other software that could be classed as a risk to the students' device or education will also be blocked
Frequently asked questions
Why not Apple MacBook?
Students in all year groups use Microsoft OneNote as a platform for their digital exercise books. Students at JESS do not have paper exercise books. For OneNote to be used effectively students require a stylus and a front and back facing camera. MacBooks do not meet these requirements.
Students also need a Windows device to access software needed for learning in DT and Computing at all key stages. Apple devices do not meet this requirement.
Apple Macbooks do not allow our IT Tech Team to manage student devices. Apple MacBooks allow students to have administrator rights on their device. Our Windows devices are managed by our IT Tech Team and are automatically enrolled into Classroom Cloud classes so that teachers can see all of the student devices on one screen. Students using Apple MacBooks have the opportunity to turn Classroom Cloud on and off, which in turn means they can access games, VPN’s and inappropriate content, making digital safeguarding a challenge for us.
Why not an iPad for Secondary students?
iPads do not support our DT, Music or Computing software
Students in all year groups sit online national assessments. The requirements for external assessments have become an important part of our device strategy. Students in all year groups sit national testing (GL, PT, PASS, NGRT and Arabic IBT testing) at several times during the year. An iPad does not support the national testing device requirements.
In the last two years, we are also starting to see GCSE examinations move online. This year History, Business Studies and Economics are being sat on devices. Over the next four years, more subjects are scheduled to move online. Apple devices do not meet the device requirements of the examination boards to sit these examinations.
iPADS present the same digital safeguarding challenges that Apple Macbooks present us with, because students have the administration rights on their device.
Can I purchase the device overseas?
Whilst this is a viable option, please note that it may mean that local service is not supported, and repairs may be more expensive. In our experience, devices bought from outside the UAE have had to be sent overseas for repair. This can become a lengthy process
Does the device need a cover?
It is essential that the device is protected by a rugged cover. Various options are available both in stores and online via sites such as Amazon.ae. The UAG (Urban Armor Gear) brand covers are particularly durable and have proven popular but there are many different types available.
Will there be facilities to charge devices at school?
Students will have the opportunity to charge devices in school during the day in some classrooms. The onus will be on the students to charge their device every night, so it is ready for use in lessons the following day However, the new Surface Pro allows for charging via a USB-C connected power bank. There are also charging stations available for students to use at break and lunchtime.
Will there be spare peripherals available at school – e.g., stylus/batteries?
A limited number of spare styluses for the Surface Pro are available from the cashier. We do not keep stocks of batteries or pen nibs.
Should devices and peripherals be named?
It is important that students label their equipment for easy recognition and security. Please do not have devices engraved as this invalidates any warranty
How will students ensure that their devices are secure and safe when they are not using them?
All students are provided with a personal locker in or near their tutor base It is the responsibility of each student to lock their device in their locker securely. Devices should not be stored in a locker overnight; they will need to be taken home to charge for the following school day.
Do we need to purchase Microsoft Office as well?
No. When you purchase a PC, you will often be prompted to bundle Microsoft Office with the device JESS students receive 5 free copies of Office 365 as a part of the school’s Office 365 Education subscription. They can download this software from the Office 365 portal (www.office.com)
Do students work on their device all day long?
Students will always learn in a variety of ways. Student will sometimes use their device and sometimes use paper. OneNote works as a digital exercise book allowing students to capture their learning in one place. The digital books are rich in content, allowing students to create an organised digital portfolio ready to learn from The nature of each lesson and each subject will vary and incorporate a diverse range of activities.
Will students receive any training in how best to use their device in school?
In September, all new students will receive digital induction which will focus on using their device effectively. All members of staff are familiar with using the Microsoft digital ecosystem and we have a team of student digital leaders who will be available to support new students.
Does the device need to have been setup before the first day of term?
Yes, and any pending updates should have been installed All devices must be configured and setup with the Secondary protocols and platforms for learning. Please see the information on device set up.
What if I am missing some applications for home use?
While JESS manages the device, as long as the student logs into the device using their School account, they will also have the permissions to install other applications for use at home.
Can I purchase a second-hand Surface?
Purchasing a second-hand Surface is acceptable. but we recommend at least Surface Pro 5 that matches the minimum device requirements above Please be mindful that older devices may not have the same performance as a new device.
When
can I expect to replace my Surface?
As with all digital devices, the life cycle will depend on student usage and how well it is cared for In our experience, student devices normally need replacing after four or five years of ownership, for example, teachers’ Surfaces are replaced on a five-year cycle. As students progress through the school, they may choose to replace their device depending on GCSE/IB subjects chosen Some subjects, such as music and DT will require more storage as they begin to engage with more complex work
