Windaroo State School operates a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) iPad program for students in Years 4–6.
Digital technologies are an important part of contemporary teaching and learning. The Australian Curriculum identifies Digital Literacy as one of seven general capabilities students develop across learning areas. Digital literacy involves much more than simply being able to use a device. Students learn to select and use appropriate digital tools, investigate information and ideas, create and communicate, collaborate, solve problems, manage digital systems, and practise digital safety and wellbeing.
At Windaroo State School, our BYOD program provides students with regular access to a familiar, personal device that can be used purposefully across the curriculum.
Our approach is based on the principle that technology is one tool within a broad range of effective teaching and learning approaches.
Having access to an iPad does not mean that every learning experience is digital. Students continue to read books, write by hand, use concrete materials, participate in discussion and collaborative learning, engage in practical activities and learn directly with their teachers and peers.
Teachers make professional decisions about when, how and why digital technology is used. An iPad is used when it adds value to the learning — not simply because it is available. This reflects the intent of the Australian Curriculum's Digital Literacy capability, which emphasises students becoming thoughtful and discerning users of technology who can select the right digital tool for a particular purpose.
Why a 1:1 device program?
Queensland state schools may implement 1:1 student device programs to provide students with dedicated access to technology that enhances learning experiences. The Department of Education recognises digital learning as an important part of contemporary schooling and notes that digital learning is embedded throughout the Australian Curriculum.
Having consistent access to an individual device can support students to:
Importantly, these skills are developed within authentic curriculum learning, rather than as isolated technology lessons.
Developing digital literacy
Digital Literacy is embedded across the Australian Curriculum and includes four broad areas:
- Practising digital safety and wellbeing
Students learn to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully, protect personal information and understand their responsibilities in digital environments.
The Australian Curriculum emphasises that digital literacy is best developed within learning areas and real learning contexts.
Safe, balanced and purposeful use
Learning to use technology well also means learning when not to use it.
Our BYOD program supports students to develop healthy, responsible and increasingly independent digital habits. Teachers explicitly teach expectations around safe and respectful online behaviour, privacy, security, appropriate communication and digital wellbeing.
Students are also supported to understand that digital tools have possibilities and limitations. Learning experiences continue to include a balance of digital and non-digital approaches appropriate to students' age, curriculum needs and the learning being undertaken.
Online safety is embedded within the Australian Curriculum and is closely connected to Digital Literacy, Personal and Social capability, and Critical and Creative Thinking.
Research and evidence supporting digital learning
Windaroo State School’s approach to digital learning is informed by contemporary Australian research and evidence. The research consistently highlights that technology is most effective when it is used purposefully, alongside strong teaching practices, and to support clearly identified learning goals.
Families may wish to explore the following Australian research and resources
This 2025 Australian literature review examines how educational technology can improve teaching and learning when its use is aligned with pedagogical goals. It reinforces the importance of choosing technology for a clear educational purpose rather than using technology simply because it is available.
Australian primary-school research has found that the purposeful use of iPads can positively influence students’ engagement and attitudes towards mathematics, while also reinforcing the important role of teacher pedagogy in how effectively technology is used.