I READ with interest columnist Sonya Fladun’s article on “bring your own device” (BYOD) programs in education (“The rising cost of ‘free’ education”, CN, February 25). Some of what she said resonated. Technology is a powerful influence across all areas of society. Education is no exception. We must leverage the power of technology to enhance the learning experience, but not to replace good teaching.

Whenever we change the way education is delivered and, importantly, the way learning is experienced, we need to make sure school communities are partners in that change. BYOD programs in schools are no exception.

Utilising new and emerging technologies in classrooms can raise concerns for parents. There are questions that parents need answered. Importantly, in developing any new school program or utilising any new learning resources, public schools ensure equity of access for all students. This is no different for introducing the use of personal ICT devices in the curriculum.

The focus for information technologies in Canberra public schools is to ensure it is fast, simple to use and supports quality teaching and learning.

As schools elect to implement BYOD programs, it is done in close consultation with school communities so any concerns or issues can be addressed along the way. Families, in particular, must be partners in the journey.

Public schools have access to the fastest education network in Australia with gigabit fibre to every ACT school. High schools and colleges have recently received upgrades to their wireless networks. All public primary schools will be upgraded by July, 2017.

This high-speed network, combined with the popular Google Apps for Education platform, means any internet-connected device can be used as a powerful learning tool.

There are multiple ways for students to participate in engaging with device-based learning without having to purchase their own devices.  Every Canberra public school is provided with annual funding for devices. The current average ratio is one device for every three students.

Where schools implement BYOD programs, public schools ensure all students have access to a device. This can mean a student can access a device in the classroom and, in many cases, take it home.

Principals are committed to ensuring the best opportunities for all students irrespective of their circumstances or their backgrounds.

Our schools are able to provide support and advice to families including financial supports available at the school level and information on government assistance for eligible families.

Learning with and through technology is a challenge for educators and parents alike in finding out what is possible, how to exploit the advantages of technology for learning, while at the same time not compromising on achieving the best for every student.

I’ve seen first-hand some of the amazing work being done in our classrooms in using the Google Apps for Education platform, which provides a suite of tools for classroom collaboration.

As always, a balanced approach is required. Quality teaching remains the core to anything that happens in a classroom.

I encourage parents and members of the wider community to visit our schools and see ICT in action in learning. The learning, and the way it is delivered in our public schools, is second to none.

Diane Joseph is director-general of the ACT Education Directorate.