Bring Your Own
Device Guidelines

Learning with Technology

All pupils from Year 6 through to Year 13 at Brighton College Vietnam are expected to bring their own electronic device to every lesson to access learning resources and complete work.

Brighton College Vietnam operates a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) Guidelines, giving parents and pupils some freedom when purchasing a device whilst ensuring that the device allows pupils to access all appropriate software.

Device Guidelines

  • The school requires pupils to have either a folding or 2 in 1 device with a touch screen and stylus.
  • The device should be able to lie flat on the desk and allow pupils to hand write. Technology is part of the day-to-day classroom experience and pupils are routinely asked to take notes in a Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook. The device lies flat on the desk so teachers can observe work easily when standing in front of their desk.
  • Devices should also have a web camera and a microphone so pupils can join Microsoft Teams meetings.
  • Battery life should last the school day without needing a charge.
  • The device must incorporate a physical keyboard.
  • There must be wifi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • The device should be compatible with Microsoft 365.
  • The screen should ideally not exceed 13 inches, which allows for space on desks for other equipment.

Recommended Devices

The following Microsoft Surface devices are those currently recommended by BCVN, all of which are currently available through the Microsoft Store or the vendor Surfaceviet.vn. Should you opt for one of these devices, they should by purchased with the associated detachable keyboard and stylus. We also strongly recommend that a Windows Pro license be purchased along with the following devices for the pupils’ personal e-safety.

  • Surface PRO 8 or Surface PRO 9 with at least i5 processor; 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD
  • Surface GO 3; 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD

Although parents are free to purchase any device, it is strongly recommended that they purchase one of these three devices to ensure their child can seamlessly access the entire curriculum.
Some alternative devices which are available for purchase in Vietnam include:

  • Lenovo Thinkpad X12 Detachable
  • Dell XPS 13 9315 2-in-1

FAQs

Must the device allow pupils to handwrite their notes?

Yes: all BYOD devices used by pupils must support handwriting. Research has demonstrated that handwriting notes helps with pupils’ memory and recall and enables stronger conceptual understanding when compared to typing. Additionally, most higher-level exams which pupils will sit at BCVN still require handwriting. As such, BCVN places a strong emphasis on the development and continuation of handwriting for pupils in all year groups.