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 to use for lessons, research, assignments, and digital learning activities both in class and at home.

Students with a complaint laptop can register one device onto the school's wireless network. Laptops that are not compliant will not be accepted on the school network.

  • Why Consistency is important for Teaching and Learning

From the 2025–26 academic year, ISL Qatar is adopting a clear minimum device specifications approach to ensure that every student has equitable access to a laptop that reliably supports the school’s teaching methods, curriculum platforms, and digital learning tools.

Now, with a growing reliance on digital tools across subjects and focus on personalised learning, the school has adopted a more structured approach by recommending specifications that:

  • Are fully compatible with the school’s learning platforms and software applications
  • Have a Qatari localised keyboard layout
  • Supports touch with the option of a pen for creative work
  • Meet performance standards required for today’s educational environment
  • Are aligned with the ISL Qatar Digital Curriculum

 

  • Technical Specifications
  • Device type: Full-featured laptop or convertible laptop with a permanently attached physical Qatar-localised keyboard. 
  • Memory: Minimum 16 GB RAM.
  • Storage: Minimum 512 GB SSD storage.
  • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
  • Camera and microphone: Integrated 1080p HD camera and microphone suitable for educational use.
  • Processor: Modern 64-bit processor capable of supporting simultaneous use of the school's learning platforms, Microsoft 365 applications, assessment tools, creative applications, security requirements and future AI-enhanced learning tools throughout the expected lifecycle of the device.
  • Battery: Must provide sufficient battery life to complete a full school day without requiring charging during lessons.
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit), fully activated, supported by Microsoft, and capable of receiving current security and feature updates. The school's learning, safeguarding, assessment and support environment is designed around the Windows platform.
  • Touch/stylus capability: Touchscreen support with the option to use a digital pen for creative and curriculum-based activities.
  • Device age: Devices must be expected to remain within the manufacturer's supported lifecycle and continue receiving operating system and security updates for a minimum of three years from the student's date of enrolment.

 

  • Supporting the Transition

Devices purchased under the 2023/24 or earlier BYOD policy will continue to be accepted until the end of the 2026–27 academic year. After that, only the school’s recommended specification will be supported in the classroom.

A MacBook may continue to be used only if it was accepted under the 2022/2023 BYOD policy. 

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 and bring overhead earphones and a mouse (wired is recommended) 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. 

 

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 with a complaint laptop can register one device onto the school's wireless network. Laptops that are not compliant will not be accepted on the school network.

ISL Qatar enforces strict web filtering, VPN and Hot Spot blocking, and Safe Search policies to minimise inappropriate content exposure. As part of the onboarding process, the school will install a digital certificate that allows the tracking of all traffic when connected to the school network. Digital safety is a shared responsibility between school and home, and students are expected to act responsibly online.

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.

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.

 

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.