This policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities associated with our BYOD programme, which supports learner agency, collaboration, and responsible digital citizenship. As an IB Continuum School, ISL Qatar is committed to empowering students with the skills, mindsets, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving future. As part of this future-focused vision, students from Grade 3 to Grade 12 are required to bring their own personal learning devices to school each day.

The integration of personal devices enables students to:

  • Engage actively with digital learning resources.
  • Collaborate with peers and teachers in innovative ways.
  • Develop essential Transformative competencies in line with the ISL Qatar Digital Age Curriculum.
  • Become responsible digital citizens and confident, self-directed learners.

 

2. Philosophy of Digital Learning

At ISL Qatar, we envision a future where students imagine and design a better world together by collaborating with technology, adapting to innovation, and developing the social-emotional skills needed to thrive. Our mission is to empower learners to lead through compassion, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in a dynamic, technology-rich environment.

We foster digital citizenship, personalised learning, and develop responsible, innovative users of technology. Guided by the ISL Qatar Digital Age Curriculum, technology is used intentionally and in age-appropriate ways, ensuring a balanced approach that prioritises active engagement, hands-on learning, and meaningful interaction alongside digital tools.

 

3. Device Requirements

From Grade 3 onwards, students are expected to bring a laptop with the Windows Operating System to school to use for lessons, research, assignments, and digital learning activities both in class and at home.

  • Why Consistency is important for Teaching and Learning

From the 2025–26 academic year, ISL Qatar is moving to a recommended device model approach that ensures each student has equitable access to a laptop that supports the school’s teaching methods, curriculum platforms, and learning tools without interruption.

Now, with a growing reliance on digital tools across subjects, the school has adopted a more structured approach by recommending specific devices that:

  • Are fully compatible with the school’s learning platforms and software applications
  • Allows students to use the school network credentials without the need for a personal Microsoft account
  • Have a localised keyboard layout used across the school
  • Are available with local warranty and technical support in Qatar
  • Meet performance standards required for today’s educational environment
  • Are aligned with the ISL Qatar Digital Curriculum

This ensures that every student benefits from the same dependable access to the tools their teachers use daily and that all school and IT staff are trained to fully support them.

  • Unsupported Devices

To maintain consistent teaching and learning, the following devices are not supported for academic use:

  • Apple Mac Operating System
  • iPads or Android tablets
  • Chromebooks
  • Smartphones or Smartwatches

All educational software and systems at ISL Qatar are rigorously tested and optimised in partnership with Tech4Students for the school’s recommended Windows laptops.

  • Supporting the Transition

Devices purchased under the earlier BYOD policy (2023/24 or earlier) will continue to be accepted until the start of the 2027–28 academic year. After that, only the school’s recommended devices will be supported in the classroom.

This device approach is not just about technology, it’s about learning.
By aligning student laptops with the tools and platforms used in teaching and partnering with a dedicated partner, ISL Qatar ensures that every classroom runs smoothly, every lesson is accessible, and every student is equipped for success.

 

4. Accessories and Additional Equipment

All students must use a protective case (included with Tech4Students devices) and bring earphones/headphones and a mouse for individual, self-paced learning activities.

Middle and High School students are expected to use a digital stylus, especially in subjects requiring handwriting input, drawing, or technical diagrams. Styluses are included with Tech4Students laptops.

 

5. Use of Devices and Digital Workspaces

Students in Grades 3–5 receive structured digital literacy guidance to help them use devices confidently and responsibly.

Technology is also used to support evidencing learning across the curriculum. Students use digital tools to document, reflect on, and present their learning through various formats such as written work, visuals, audio recordings, and videos. These artefacts are collected in platforms such as Toddle and OneDrive, allowing both teachers and students to track progress over time and celebrate growth.

Device use is directly aligned with the ISL Qatar Digital Learning Curriculum. Students will engage with technology to enhance their understanding of all subjects and develop critical thinking, creativity, and digital fluency.

Devices will not be used continuously through the school day. Teachers will guide appropriate and purposeful integration. During social times, such as breaks and lunch, students are expected to refrain from device use to encourage interpersonal engagement and balanced screen time.

This policy also supports student readiness for online assessments, including the IB Diploma Programme digital exams, ensuring learners are prepared for future academic and career demands.

All students are encouraged to store documents and work in the school's designated platforms:

  • Microsoft OneDrive (cloud storage)
  • Toddle (for assignment submission and project work)

Use of external storage platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud is not recommended. Using school-managed platforms ensures data protection, centralised access for teachers, and safeguards against data loss if a device is damaged or misplaced.

 

6. Network Access, Configuration, and Safeguards

Students can register one device using their official ISL Qatar email to access the school’s managed Wi-Fi network, which provides secure, filtered, monitored and reliable access to all necessary digital platforms.

Devices must meet school security requirements. Windows 11, which includes Microsoft Defender as a school-accepted antivirus programme, provides sufficient protection when kept up to date. Minor personalisation is allowed, as long as it does not interfere with performance or learning. Students may be asked to remove or disable any disruptive software or settings.

ISL Qatar enforces strict web filtering, VPN blocking, and Safe Search policies to minimise inappropriate content exposure. Digital safety is a shared responsibility between school and home, and students are expected to act responsibly online.

All digital platforms, including Microsoft OneDrive and Toddle, are integrated with enterprise-grade encryption and school-based access management to ensure data protection and centralised oversight.

 

7. Screen Time and Learning Balance

Device use is guided by the ISL Qatar Digital Curriculum and integrated only when it enhances the educational experience. A balanced mix of digital and non-digital activities is encouraged throughout the day.

 

8. Expectations, Readiness, and Conduct

Issues related to online behaviour, including cyberbullying, are addressed in accordance with ISL Qatar’s Behaviour and Safeguarding Policies. The school also recognises the importance of digital well-being and mental health. Families are encouraged to promote balance, monitor digital habits, and contact the school’s counselling team if they notice signs of stress, screen fatigue, or social withdrawal.

Students are expected to:

  • Bring their devices fully charged to school each day.
  • Ensure devices are present for lessons as advised by their teacher.
  • Exit all home-based applications, games, or media before arriving to ensure readiness.
  • Use devices in line with the ISL Qatar Behaviour Policy and demonstrate respectful, safe, and purposeful behaviour at all times.

Violations of this policy or related digital conduct expectations may result in:

  • Temporary or permanent loss of BYOD privileges
  • Restricted network access
  • Disciplinary action in accordance with the ISL Qatar Behaviour Policy

 

9. Personal and High-Performance Learning Needs

Students may configure their devices for personal use, provided it does not interfere with learning. Teachers may provide guidance to help maintain optimal performance.

Subjects requiring specialist software or high-performance hardware (e.g., Visual Arts, Design Technology) are supported through:

  • Dedicated school equipment
  • Browser-based, platform-independent tools that ensure full functionality on student devices

 

10. Home and Family Involvement

Devices are intended to be used both at school and at home to support independent learning, assignments, and research. Parents and Care Givers are expected to:

  • Oversee home internet use and support healthy screen time habits.
  • Encourage tech-free routines, such as during meals or before bedtime.
  • Familiarise themselves with school platforms, policies, and digital tools.
  • Promote respectful and safe online behaviour.
  • Ensure the device is charged, functioning, and school-ready each day.
  • Retain access to their child’s accounts to help monitor safe usage.

Parents play a vital role in reinforcing ISL Qatar’s values around digital citizenship, creativity, and responsibility at home. Families are welcome to install preferred monitoring or safety tools, such as Bark, Qustodio or Norton, provided these do not interfere with school-required platforms, access, or digital resources.