Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines

Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines

The School of Information Technology's Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) guidelines aim to facilitate and promote innovative teaching methods like active learning. Ensuring that students have devices they can use within the classroom and between classes, to ensure they can progress and succeed in their studies.

On-campus activities in timetabled events marked as 'BYOD' are scheduled in classrooms designed to encourage and support student interactions. You will be required to bring your own device so that you engage directly in hands-on activities.

What if I don't have my own device?

• We encourage you to attend BYOD sessions to interact with others, discuss concepts and engage in the learning activity. You may be paired with a student who has a device so you can contribute to the practical components.
• A limited number of loan laptops may also be available to help support students in the BYOD spaces. If you believe you have a need for a loan laptop, please contact your Unit Chair to discuss this opportunity.

Recommended system

In general, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past two years should be capable of meeting most of your learning needs at Deakin. Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones may also enable access to many common communication platforms and learning experiences however, there are likely to be aspects of most courses where the computing capability of mobile devices alone is insufficient.

Hardware

We recommend you have access to a computer with the following minimum specifications:

Additional hardware requirements

Learning experiences and assessment activities in some units also require you to have access to specific computer equipment, including a microphone/headset, webcam, Raspberry PI, electronic sensors, etc. To view these requirements, and the expected cost, please refer to the respective unit descriptions in the Handbook.

Minimum Standard Device

• Use a system such as Windows 11 or later, macOS 15 or above (refer to Deakin's Standard Operating Environment).
• Run a modern browser (i.e. current versions of Firefox, Safari or Chrome).
• Run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
• Connect to Deakin's wireless network (if used on campus, at on-campus student residences or at a learning centre – see 'Connectivity' below).
• A web camera and headset.

There are a few ways to access Deakin computers on campus including computer labs, the library and other general access areas. These facilities are available to you during teaching hours and after hours. Instructions for locating these facilities can be found on the IT Help page.

Government services such as neighbourhood houses, learning centres, and municipal and state libraries also provide access to computers.

Make sure you visit the software library for access to various software to assist you with your studies, including course-specific software.

This information provides general guidance on what is required of all Deakin students. You should check individual course and unit requirements carefully prior to enrolment and prior to purchasing or connecting devices as there may be additional requirements for some courses.

Support services

Deakin also offers a range of services for students experiencing difficulties in meeting these requirements.

• Financial assistance
• Scholarships
• Disability support
• Student access programs