Digital technology
In the Australian Curriculum, students develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability as they learn to use ICT effectively and appropriately to access, create and communicate information and ideas, solve problems and work collaboratively in all learning areas at school and in their lives beyond school. ICT capability involves students learning to make the most of the digital technologies available to them, adapting to new ways of doing things as technologies evolve and limiting the risks to themselves and others in a digital environment. [ACARA - 2016].
BYOx Program
All students are required to have a device for learning and are expected to bring their device charged and ready for use to school every day. A student device is an integral tool for learning and assessment.
- BYOx recognises that technology and choices about technology are very much personal.
- BYOx acknowledges technology in education enhances opportunities to meet specific curriculum requirements.
- BYOx is designed to give you, as students and families, freedom to make technology choices that suit you and all your circumstances.
Recommendations as to the model of device which students choose to bring are based on technical specifications rather than brand or model of device. Students and parents/carers are required to sign a byox-user-charter-agreement-2027.pdf that sets out how the device can be used at school. A member of the school staff, the BYOx Technical Support Officer, is available to answer questions and to give assistance. However, the school does not manage, support, own or warranty the device - it's your device.
The school provides students with a secure log in to the school’s network enabling access to in-school digital resources and the internet, at all times protected by Education Queensland’s filtering and reporting systems.
Password Changes; Students can change thier EQ password from a link on the Smithfield State High School Student Portal.
SSHS Student Portal
Minimum specifications
see link
Required software
Students must have an EQ login/email address to download software.
Microsoft Office – ‘Microsoft Office Student Advantage’ allows students to install the Office suite of software at no cost to families. Install Office
Adobe Creative Cloud collection – is available, to all students studying arts/multimedia/photography at the school. Smithfield State High subscribes to the Adobe Software Agreement which offers students this access. This is a requirement for any student studying a multimedia subject. Adobe Creative Cloud can be downloaded from: Adobe Creative
Antivirus - Windows 11 devices have Microsoft Defender pre-installed as anti-virus software. This is more than adequate for BYOx devices. Please ensure Defender is up to date and turned on prior to students bringing their laptops to school.
Other items the school recommends parents/carers purchase
- Protective case
- Pointing device (mouse or stylus)
- Warranty (Next Business Day (NDB) Warranty is STRONGLY recommended)
- Accidental Damage Protection insurance (ADP) preferably from the manufacturer
Where do I purchase a BYOx device?
The school does not prescribe a brand or model of computer but rather recommends a device that meets Device Specifications. Computers/tablets can be purchased locally. As mentioned above, the school highly recommends that Onsite Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection Insurance are purchased with the device as the cost of repairs can be extremely expensive. Smithfield State High School has BYOx portals with the following vendors:
I'm concerned about device security
The school does not own BYOx devices, support the device or warranty the device. Experience from the previous Commonwealth-funded Digital Education Revolution scheme indicates that students who took good care of their device and considered themselves the device's owner rarely had device security issues.
If you are concerned the device is going to be broken, lost or stolen, you may wish to consider specific accidental damage insurance for the device. You can specifically list the item on your home contents insurance, or you can purchase an Accidental Damage Protection Insurance plan for your student’s device. Accidental Damage Protection is available as an option for all devices with the Acer and Dell portals.
Details and feedback
If you are facing financial hardship and can not afford to purchase a device, please contact one of our Guidance Officers.
If you have questions or feedback on the Smithfield State High School BYOD Program, you can contact the Bring Your Own Device Delivery Team:
byod@smithfieldshs.eq.edu.au