Bring Your Own Device Program
At Murtoa College, our secondary students (Years 7-12) participate in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. As part of this program, all students in Years 7-12 are required to bring a recommended device to every class, from the beginning of the school year or when they start their enrolment.
To simplify the process of deciding which device is best for your child(dren), we have partnered with Learning with Technologies (LWT) to deliver an online portal that have the school’s recommended devices and accessories.
This portal will also give you the ability to layby a device from this point forward. Families can pay off the device over a period of time until it is fully paid. Once fully paid, the device will be shipped to the address provided.
SPACE
Below is the link to Murtoa College’s BYOD Portal:
https://mc.orderportal.com.au/
*prices reviewed 29/07/26 to meet Department Digial Learning Policy
If parents would like to purchase their device elsewhere, the device will need to meet the school’s minimum requirements to ensure it meets the technical requirements of our curriculum delivery. Please see attached FAQ sheet for the recommended requirements for a BYOD device.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to reach out to us.
Battery Life
Device Battery must last a minimum of 6-8 hours to last throughout the school day students are expected to charge their device at home overnight in preparation for the school day. If this is not possible please contact the school to organise arrangements.
Carrying Notebooks
Use protective cases and bags, which are available from most computer retailers. A padded, reinforced bag is recommended for better protection.
Backup and External Storage
Students are highly recommended to back up their work using an external storage device, such as a USB thumb drive, an external USB hard drive, or their school account's Google Drive. Regular backups should be made and checked frequently.
Software Support
Murtoa College supplies all required software for students on both Windows and macOS.
Refurbished Notebooks
If you have an older notebook running Windows 11 or a MacBook that you would like to use at school, please contact our IT department. We will be happy to assess whether your device meets the necessary security, performance and educational requirements.
These specifications are suitable for using the standard applications used at Murtoa College. More complex applications may require higher performance; please consider your personal circumstances and usage needs.
Minimum Windows Requirements
Operating System: Windows 11
Processor: Intel or AMD (Not Snapdragon)
Graphics: Intel integrated graphics
Memory (RAM): 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB
Recommended Windows Requirements
Operating System: Windows 11
Processor: Intel or AMD (Not Snapdragon)
Graphics: Intel integrated graphics
Memory (RAM): 16 GB
Storage: 512GB
What type of device can my child bring?
The only device you can bring is a laptop.
Can I bring a Google Chromebooks, eBook readers and Tablets (iPad, Samsung Galaxy)?
No these devices will not be suitable to meet our curriculum delivery requirements.
Do I need to purchase a new laptop?
No the laptop does not need to be new. However, it must meet or exceed the minimum requirements. See recommended requirements below.
What accessories are recommended to be purchased?
- Protective laptop bag
- Headphones
- Wireless Mouse
- USB storage stick
What is the process bringing your own laptop?
- Purchase a new laptop or bring one you already own that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements.
- Read the BYOD Policy. The student must sign the Acceptable Use Agreement. The signed agreement is to be returned to reception.
- Give your laptop to the IT staff member to assist in connecting your device to the school’s wireless network and install any other applications required.
What rules do students need to follow when they are using their own laptops at school?
Each student that brings their own device must follow the BYOD Policy. Each student must sign an Acceptable Use Form before they are allowed to use their own device at school.
Will there be a permission form that needs to be signed before a student brings their own device to school?
Yes, students will need to sign the Acceptable Use Agreement before they can use the device within the school.
Do I need to purchase any software for the laptop?
No Murtoa College will provide licencing for all required software. This includes licences for Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote) and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier Pro etc.).
Guides will be sent out to parents and students to help them download, install and setup the software. If you need assistance, you can bring your laptop to the IT office.
Can students install their own software on their laptop?
Yes you own your laptop and you have full administration rights to it. However, if you have software or files on the device that breach the Acceptable User Agreement then we may restrict your internet access at school.
Will the school repair my laptop if it is damaged?
We are not equipped to repair hardware issues with BYOD devices. It is recommended that you contact the company you purchased the laptop from to seek further assistance with hardware repairs.
There are local computer repair shops in Horsham such as TCT that can also assist.
If you have purchased a new laptop from Murtoa College BYOD portal, you will be able to contact LWT to assist you through the repair and warranty process.
Where should students store their laptops at school during recess, lunch or other breaks?
Every student is provided with a locker where their laptops can be stored. It is the responsibility of the student to purchase a suitable lock and ensure it is used on their locker.
Can students charge their laptops at school?
There are limited power points available for charging laptops in each classroom. It is expected that students fully charge their laptop at home before bringing it to school.
How can I connect my laptop to the school wireless?
You will need to bring your laptop to the IT office to get connected to the school wireless.
How will theft, loss, or damage of a personally owned device be handled in a school?
The guidelines for the BYOD program specifically address the risk of students bringing their own devices to school. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. Students are strongly recommended to have an appropriate protective bag/case and are expected to treat their device with care.
Can students print at school with their laptop?
Yes. Several school printers can be added if the laptop is brought to the IT office.
Is the use of Personal Hotspot via mobile phone allowed within the school day?
No. Students are not allowed to use their own personal hotspot with their laptop. Students are not allowed to use their mobile phones whilst at school.
What do I do if I can’t afford a laptop for my child(dren)?
The school will have laptops that students can borrow for the school day. These laptops must be returned at the end of the day.
