Technology in ACT public schools
Learn how our schools give students the technology they need to learn and succeed, including protected access to essential tools, equipment and software.
Our ACT public schools give students the technology they need to learn and succeed.
Your child will get protected access to essential tools, equipment and software, for use at school and home.
For information on keeping your child safe online, visit online safety and security.
Chromebooks
We provide a Chromebook (laptop) to all year 7 students in ACT public schools.
Chromebooks help your child:
- learn more effectively
- work and share ideas with classmates
- become responsible and skilled users of technology.
Read more in our parent information on Chromebooks [PDF 809 KB].
In primary school, we fund our public schools to make sure there is at least one device for every 3 students.
Contact your school to find out more.
Digital Backpack
The Digital Backpack is an online portal that gives your child access to learning tools and resources.
Your child can access it at school, home or anywhere with public wi-fi.
The Digital Backpack is simple to use. Your child logs in with one account (SchoolsNET) to access everything they need for learning in one place.
For more details, email DSST@act.gov.au.
SchoolsNET network
All ACT public schools are connected to SchoolsNET, a fast and secure network.
SchoolsNET provides:
- high-speed internet for students
- a safe online space for your child to learn and explore.
Your child can log in to any computer at school with their SchoolsNET login. They can also connect their own devices to the SchoolsNET wireless network at school.
Online platforms and services
Our ACT public schools offer different learning platforms and tools to support your child’s learning.
Google Workspace for Education
Google Workspace for Education is a set of online tools that help your child and teachers work and learn together.
With Google Workspace, students and teachers get free cloud storage in Google Drive. They can access a growing number of educational applications, including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Google Classroom. Students also have a school email account through Google.
The platform is hosted by Google, but it is specially set up for ACT public schools. Only people from our schools can use this system. The ACT Government manages student accounts to make sure everything is safe and secure.
Download these guides for Google Apps tools:
- Student Email: Guide for Students [PDF 8 MB]
- Google Classroom: Guide for Students [PDF 7 MB]
- Google Drive: Guide for Students and Teachers [PDF 10 MB]
For details on how Google manages student data and information, read the Google Workspace for Education privacy notice.
Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based version of the full Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.
Your child can also get OneDrive for Business for cloud storage. You can download the latest version of Microsoft Office on up to 5 personal devices through the Digital Backpack.
Download these guides to install the latest version of Windows on your device and make the most of OneDrive for Business:
- Installing Office Pro Plus: for Windows [PDF 8 MB]
- Installing Office Pro Plus: for Mac OS X [PDF 7 MB]
- OneDrive for Business: Guide for Students and Teachers [PDF 8 MB]
For details on how Office 365 protects student privacy, visit the Microsoft Trust Center website.
Digital libraries
Students and teachers now have access to Britannica Online, World Book Online, and the Oliver Library through the Digital Backpack.
The Oliver Library offers over 2,000 eBooks and audiobooks.
Your child can borrow eBooks from school or home on any device with an internet connection and a modern web browser. Students use their school's online library catalogue to borrow books.
To learn more about how our schools are using Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks, visit:
Bring your own device to school
Your child can bring their own device to school for learning. This means they can use tools they are familiar with, making learning easier and more personal.
They can also connect their own device to the SchoolsNET wireless network at school.
Device requirements
Each school works with parents to choose the best devices for students.
The device must be:
- fully charged at the start of each school day.
- able to connect to the SchoolsNET wireless network.
Check with your child’s school to make sure your device meets these needs.
Use of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools include, but are not limited to, those that:
- process and generate text (large language models), such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini
- process different types of data to generate images, music or videos (multimodal models), such as Midjourney or Dall-E.
In our ACT schools:
- we recognise the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance teaching and learning
- we are taking a cautious approach, to ensure staff and students use these tools in a responsible and ethical way
- we restrict access to AI tools on students' Chromebooks, to avoid exposing them to harmful content
- staff can access AI tools on their work computers and other devices
- teachers are encouraged to educate students on generative AI in line with the Australian Curriculum.
Our position statement on the use of AI is guided by the Australian Government’s AI Ethics Framework and Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools.