Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines

The School of Information Technology's Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) guidelines will help facilitate and promote innovative teaching methods like active learning.

BYOD:

• enables the utilisation of dedicated spaces for student collaboration and active learning
• provides opportunities for you to utilise your personal devices
• fosters self-reliance, independence, and caters to individual learning preferences
• reduces the risk of sharing equipment.

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

What if I don't have my own device?

• If you have no devices we encourage you to attend BYOD sessions to interact with others, discuss concepts and engage in the learning activity. You will be paired with a student who has a device so you can contribute to the practical components.
• You may also consider attending online versions of these events as they offer equitable learning experiences. Please refer to the timetable for information about online classes.
• A limited number of loan laptops are also available to help support students in the BYOD spaces.

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.

Software

You will use free and open source software where possible, and will also have access to desktop software via IT Help.

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 10 (1809) or later, Mac OS X 10.13 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