DET has asked schools to ensure families who were loaned ICT devices during lock down have them permanently available. With this in mind I would ask any families who received school i-pads/macbooks to please pop in and fill out a quick acceptance agreement so that the device is permanently yours.
Bridging the Digital Divide – Loaned School Owned Computers Support Initiative
Parents to School related FAQs
- Why is my child getting a laptop/tablet? Is it for free?
The Department of Education and Training seeks to provide students with equal access to technology and help students thrive and prosper.
This means that students can permanently retain all computers loaned to them, either by the School or the Department of Education and Training, during remote and flexible learning periods at home over the 2020 school year. This is a once-off initiative.
- I don't want the laptop/tablet.
The parent/carer does not need to accept the computer and can formally register this with their school. If the parent/carer declines the computer, they must return the computer to the School as soon as possible.
- I have heard other parents are getting a laptop/tablet, can I get one too?
To be eligible to retain a computer, your child must have been loaned a computer during remote learning from home. If your child continued onsite learning you will not be eligible for a computer under this initiative.
- Does the computer come with insurance?
No, once computers are retained by the student they are no longer covered by school or Department insurance policies.
Schools and the Department will not provide a replacement computer for any that are lost, damaged, stolen or develop defects that the School technical support team cannot address.
Parents are advised to consider insurance requirements and seek possible options for that computer