Here's what you need to know about our digital learning environment and how to make sure your young person has the right tools.
Our Digital Infrastructure
Over the last 25 years, we've invested heavily in computing technology. Our system includes:
- A comprehensive school-wide wireless network
- Daymap, our Learning Management System, where students access curriculum, submit work, and receive teacher feedback and grades
- Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace for online learning
- High-end computers in specialist areas like Visual Arts, Design, Music, Photography and Electronics
- Interactive whiteboards and projectors in every classroom
Three Information Technology School Support Officers work across the school, helping both staff and students sort out any device issues that come up.
Laptop Requirements and LWT Order Portal
Learning with Technologies order portal can be found here. This portal shows a number of laptops selected by Blackwood High School’s ICT Department that fit the requirements of the school.
Requirements of laptops on the Blackwood High School wireless network
- For full functionality on the Blackwood High School ICT network, Microsoft Windows operating system must be installed. This can be either the 32 bit or the 64 bit version.
- The school highly recommends parents/caregivers chose a device from the portal below. These computers are classified as business grade for their durability and come with a 3 Year Onsite Warranty. For specification details and purchasing visit Order Portal
- Requires at least 8 hours battery life.
- Requires at least Wireless Protocol 802.11G, 802.11N or 802.11AC (Wi-Fi 5).
- Requires at least 128GB Hard Disk.
- Microsoft Office is provided by the Department for Education – you are not required to purchase this separately. This will include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more. The school will provide students with support in accessing Office 365, removing the need for parents/caregivers to purchase Microsoft Office for their child’s device. Further information is available from the ICT team on 8278 0920.
- Battery charging stations are limited at the school, hence the requirement for a long-life battery. We understand that sometimes the laptop may not have been charged overnight. When this is the case the student can use their cable, provided it has been electrically tagged and tested and is compliant.
- Please note: The School does not recommend Apple computers, iPads, Chrome Books or laptops with Linux operating systems. These may work on the school network, but are not supported by the IT Staff and not all subject specific software will be available for these devices.
For further information please contact the schools ICT department on (08) 8278 0900.
What We Expect from Students
Using a laptop for learning means taking responsibility for the device and how you use it. Here's what we expect:
- Charge your laptop at home so it lasts the full school day
- Make sure it's safely stored in your bag, bottom down with the screen facing away from the front
- Bring your laptop to class unless your teacher advises otherwise
- Use it for taking notes and preparing assignments
- Keep files organised with folders for each subject
- Submit work by the due date unless you've negotiated an extension beforehand
- Save all work in at least two places (your H drive and a USB or external hard drive)
- Keep your password private and secure. Don't share it with anyone
- Submit individual work for assessment using Daymap. Don't give your work to someone else
Laptops are expensive tools. Looking after them well means they last longer and work better. Here's how:
- Avoid moving your laptop around while it's on
- LCD screens are delicate. Don't poke, prod, push or slam them
- Don't place objects on top of your laptop. The screen can get damaged
- Always store your laptop bottom down with the screen facing away from the front of your bag
- Clean your laptop regularly with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid applying pressure to the screen
If something goes wrong with the device, our IT School Support Officers can help work out what's fixable and what needs professional repair.
Daymap Information for Parents and Caregivers
Daymap is where you can see what's happening with your young person's learning. You can view their timetable, check assignment due dates, see teacher feedback, and track their progress across different subjects.
Parents and caregivers can use Daymap to see student timetables, attendance records and reports. Daymap also supports teaching and learning by providing information about lessons, linking students to resources and communicating assessment tasks and requirements.
Parents and caregivers can log into Daymap and see content relating to their child(ren). Please follow the instructions below to access Daymap.
Existing users
Parents who already have access to Daymap please sign in with your username and password. If you have forgotten your username and/or password please click on Forgot your password and follow the new user instructions.
New Users
Parents who haven’t used Daymap before will need to click on the New user link and then follow the instructions on the screen. The email address you enter needs to be the one you have registered with the school and the student code is your child’s student ID number (found on their student ID card).
You will then receive an email with your username and a link to set your password.
If you encounter any problems, please contact Kerrie Leong at Kerrie.Leong723@schools.sa.edu.au or 8278 0966. We would also welcome any feedback you wish to provide about Daymap and how it is working for you and your child(ren).
Getting Help
If your young person is having trouble with their device or accessing our online systems, they should speak with their teacher first. For technical issues, our IT School Support Officers are available during school hours.
Parents and caregivers who need help accessing Daymap or understanding our digital systems can contact the school on (08) 8278 0900. We're here to make sure you can stay connected to your young person's learning journey.
Digital learning is part of everyday school life now. We're committed to making sure every student has the tools and support they need to learn effectively in this environment.