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The Personal Learning Device (PLD) Initiative

Briefing for Parents

A PRESENTATION BY�MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SINGAPORE

A PRESENTATION BY�MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SINGAPORE

A PRESENTATION BY�MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SINGAPORE

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THE NATIONAL DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAMME AND PLD INITIATIVE

The National Digital Literacy Programme (NDLP)

  1. The NDLP was launched in March 2020 to help students strengthen their digital literacy and acquire digital skills needed to navigate an increasingly digitalised world.

  • Under the NDLP, every secondary school student will own a school-prescribed Personal Learning Device (PLD). Students may use funds from their Edusave Account to pay for the PLD.

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THE NATIONAL DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAMME AND PLD INITIATIVE

Intended Outcomes of the PLD Initiative

The use of the PLD for teaching and learning aims to:

Support the Development of Digital Literacy

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Support Self-Directed and Collaborative Learning

Enhance Teaching and Learning

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LEARNING WITH A PLD

How will your child/ward use the PLD?

At Juying Secondary School, your child/ward will be using the PLD for…

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  • The devices will be used both in and out of class for learning purpose.

  • In class, the devices will be used to support learning of the curriculum subjects independently or collaboratively.

  • Beyond the classroom, student will be able to use the device for home-based learning.

  • Student can also make use of digital tools such as calendaring and note-taking applications to enhance your personal productivity

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

Cyber Wellness Concerns Identified by Local Studies/Surveys

Harmful Online Content

Gaming and associated risks

Excessive social media use

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Cyberbullying

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

Supporting Students in the Safe and Effective Use of the Devices

The school has measures in place to enable a safer digital environment for learning with the use of PLDs, e.g.

  • School rules on digital device use
  • Classroom management and routines
  • Cyber Wellness Education in CCE
  • Partnering parents/guardians to support students in their use of technology for learning
  • Device Management Application (DMA) to support a safer digital environment for learning

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

School Rules on Digital Device Use

    • Use of communication devices is allowed in the canteen during recess time and after school only
    • Any use during lesson time is dependent on subject teacher's instructions
    • Any use along the school corridors/school grounds is dependent on teacher's approval
    • Teachers will confiscate your communication device if you are caught misusing it and you can only collect from your Level Discipline Manager at the end of the school day
    • The PLD must be fully charged at home and brought to school daily
    • Students are not allowed to keep the PLD in the lockers overnight
    • Students are not allowed to remove the DMA installed in PLD
    • Students may be selected at random for inspection on PLD
    • Students caught violating the rules will face disciplinary consequences

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

Classroom Management and Routines

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Before Lesson

  1. I need to charge their PLD fully before going to school.

a. The charging point in class is meant for laptop experiencing faulty battery.

2. I need to protect my password.

    • Remember the password and keep it safe.
    • Unhide the password to check that it is typed correctly.

3. When I faced with technical issues, I need to follow the following steps.

    • Seek help from ICT Champion.
    • Ask teachers if assistance is needed.
    • Inform ICT Associate via email or go to Technical Support Office for support.

During Lesson

1. I will retrieve my PLD before the lesson starts, and log in only when the teacher has given instructions.

2. I have to manage wifi and online learning independently

    • Check the wifi is turned on and log in to the school network. If there is a connectivity issue, restart the PLD.
    • Learn actively and be self-directed
    • Keep track of tasks assigned.
    • Access online lessons and complete assignments promptly.

3. Screen down and listen to instructions first before using the PLD during the lesson.

After Lesson

1. I should take the following steps to safeguard my PLD and school materials.

    • Always keep the PLD in sight.
    • Protect the PLD from possible scenarios that may cause damage to PLD.

2. Once the lesson ends and if the PLD is not required for the next lesson, I will close all apps and websites accessed, log out and shut down my PLD completely.

3. Before leaving the classroom, I will keep my PLD in the metal lockable cabinet.

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

Cyber Wellness Education in CCE

Educating students on Cyber Wellness

MOE has made significant changes to the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum. Cyber Wellness lessons will feature significantly in these lessons.

The broad topics covered in Cyber Wellness are:

  • Cyber Use
  • Cyber Identity
  • Cyber Relationships
  • Cyber Citizenship
  • Cyber Ethics

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

Cyber Wellness Education in CCE

Throughout their Secondary School education, students will learn about:

  • Balanced use and self control
  • Cyber bullying and Upstanding
  • How to be a positive influence online
  • How to handle online falsehoods
  • How to manage social media (peer influence, emotions, echo chambers)
  • Online relationship and Online safety (grooming, self disclosure)
  • To respect intellectual property rights

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In addition to these lessons, through various programmes in school, students will continue to learn to be respectful, safe, and responsible users of technology.

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Cyber Wellness Education

To support you in keeping your child/ward safe online, you may refer to these additional resources:

SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE DEVICES

Parents’/Guardians’ Role

  • We would like to partner parents/guardians so that students are well supported in their use of technology for learning.

  • As parents/guardians, you can help in the following ways:
    • Model good digital habits for your child/ward well and parents/guardians not using devices during family meals.
    • Know your child/ward well and have conversations with your child/ward about safe and responsible use of technology.
    • Discuss and come up with ground rules for internet/device usage that both your child/ward and you can agree with.
    • Encourage your child/ward to use productivity tools using his/her PLD, to organise information and simplify tasks for efficiency.

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

DMA Installation

  • The Windows Device Management Application (DMA) solution, Blocksi, will be installed on all students’ devices to provide a safe learning experience for students. The DMA will be funded by MOE.

  • DMA will be installed after the collection of the device. Students will be guided on the installation.

  • The installation of DMA applies to both devices purchased through the school and any student-owned devices that parents/guardians opt for the student to use in lieu of the school-prescribed PLD.

  • The DMA will be uninstalled from the device when students graduate or leave the school.

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Role of the DMA in Providing a Safer Digital Environment for Learning

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

In-School DMA Settings (Default)

Schools will determine DMA settings for in-school use. As a default, these settings will continue to be in place after school as well:

  • MOE and the school will set the level of web content filtering, including filtering objectionable content or content that may not be conducive to teaching and learning (e.g. social media, pornography, gambling, or websites containing extremist content).
  • School hours is defined to be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after school hours would be from 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. The device will shut down at 11 p.m. by default.
  • The school will determine the applications and programs to be installed to support teaching and learning.

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After-School DMA Parent Options

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

  1. After-School DMA Parent Options provide parents with the flexibility in managing your child’s/ward’s use of PLD after school hours.
  2. The following tables outline the different levels of restrictions, controls, and monitoring for each After-School DMA Parent Option.

Default

Option A

Option B

In-school DMA settings will continue after school

hours

DMA settings can be modified by Parents/Guardians after school hours

DMA will be inactive* after school hours

For parents/guardians who want their child’s/ward’s use of the device to be restricted only to teaching and learning, and prefer to leave it to the school to decide on DMA settings after school hours.

For parents/guardians who prefer to take charge of the level of restrictions for their child’s/ward’s use of the device after school hours regulated by the DMA.

For parents/guardians who do not want their child’s/ward’s use of the device after school hours to be regulated by the DMA at all.

*No data will be collected after school hours when the DMA is inactive.

  • Having default school settings continue after school hours is the best option for parents/guardians who prefer not to, or do not feel ready to manage their child’s/ward’s device use on their own.
  • Parents/guardians can request to change their choice of DMA settings, which is the existing practice.

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After-School DMA Parent Options

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ROLE OF DMA IN PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

Default Setting

(This will apply if no Alternative Setting is chosen)

Alternative Setting: Option A

(DMA settings can be modified from the Default settings in place)

Alternative Setting: Option B

(DMA will be inactive only after school hours)

Protecting students from objectionable content

MOE/school sets level of web content filtering

Parents/Guardians can apply additional content filtering

No content filtering

Reduce distractions from learning through control of applications

Parents/Guardians and students are unable to install additional applications

Parents/Guardians and/or students can install additional applications after school hours, but these applications are disabled during school hours

Limit screen time

School sets hours during which students are able to use the device online

Parents/Guardians can modify the amount of screen time*

No control over screen time

*Screen time limits set by the school will override parents’/guardians’ settings during school hours.

Windows

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After-School DMA Parent Options

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ROLE OF DMA IN PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

Default Setting

(This will apply if no Alternative Setting is chosen)

Alternative Setting: Option A

(DMA settings can be modified from the Default settings in place)

Alternative Setting: Option B

(DMA will be inactive only after school hours)

Parent/guardian account

Provided to allow monitoring of PLD activities after school hours

Not provided

Monitor students’ cyber activities

Parents/Guardians can track their child’s/ward’s browser history after school hours

Parents/Guardians will not be able to monitor or control their child’s/ward’s use of the device through the DMA after school hours

No data* will be collected during use of PLD after school hours

*Parents/Guardians and students on Option B will need to use non-Chrome browsers to avoid web browsing history tracking and web content filtering.

Windows

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Support for Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians may wish to consider the following questions to decide the After-School DMA Parent Option that best suits your child/ward.

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

A. Child’s/ward’s current device usage habits

  • How much time does my child/ward spend on their device?
  • How well is my child/ward able to regulate their device usage on their own?
  • Does my child/ward get easily distracted while doing online learning?

B. Parents’/Guardians’ involvement

  • How confident and familiar am I with managing my child’s/ward’s cyber wellness?
  • Are there existing routines and open conversations on the use of the Internet at home?
  • Am I aware of how to prevent different types of cyber threats that my child/ward might face?

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Supporting Resources

Parents/guardians play a crucial role in guiding your child/ward to use devices responsibly and safely. DMA complements your efforts in supporting your child/ward as they navigate the digital space. Here are some resources that you can refer to:

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

C. Resources from MOE and other agencies (available on resources repository in Parents Gateway)

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Supporting Resources

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

The following extracted quick tips and strategies have been shared to you via Parents Gateway. Click on the pink header to download the full suite of resources of the Toolbox.

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Supporting Resources

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

F. Parent Handbooks (I) and (II) on Learning with a Personal Learning Device

These Handbooks provide tips on supporting your child in the use of PLDs for learning and are shared via the PG notification together with the letter to purchase PLDs.

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

Data Collected by the DMA

  1. The DMA does NOT collect any of the following data:
    • Login IDs and passwords entered into websites or into any applications
    • Actions performed (e.g. posts, online comments, items added to a shopping cart, etc.) when visiting websites and using apps
    • Documents and photos stored in the PLDs
    • PLD location
    • Webcam videos and microphone recordings

  • Parents may request corrections to their personal data (e.g. email addresses, names) by contacting the school, in accordance with the Personal Data and Protection Act (PDPA).

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

Data Security

  • All user data collected through the DMA will be stored in secure servers managed by appointed DMA Vendors with stringent access controls and audit trials implemented. The DMA solutions used are cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and are trusted solutions that have been operating for many years. They have also been subject to regular security review and assessment by independent reviewers.

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PROVIDING A SAFER DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

Data Security

  • DMA solutions have sufficient security robustness to ensure data collected are properly stored and protected. MOE will also subject the DMA Vendors to regular audit on the security of the system based on tender requirements.

  • To prevent unauthorised access, DMA Administrators and DMA Vendors will be required to access their accounts using 2-factor authentication or the equivalent to ensure proper accountability for information access and other activities performed. There will be regular account reviews and audits for DMA Administrators’ and DMA Vendors’ accounts.

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Device and Funding Information

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Juying Secondary School’s PLD

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Acer TravelMate TMP214-56

Total cost with GST: $776

Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage,

14” Screen Size

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Juying Secondary School’s PLD

Acer TravelMate TMP214-56

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The school chose the device because of:

  • Portability - Sturdy matte black chassis weighing just 1.6kg and less than 20mm thin.

  • Durability - Military Standard tested and impact-resistant chassis stands up to daily wear and tear, ensuring it can survive shocks, drops and rain. The battery life can last for 7 hours as per advised by vendor.

  • T&L Affordances – The PLD is selected as it is the most compatible with our school T&L software and the specifications is able to support multimedia editing.

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

PLD Bundle

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Device Bundle includes

Acer TravelMate TMP214-56

Power Adaptor, Mouse, Carrier Bag

3-year warranty and 3-year insurance

Your child’s/ward’s PLD will come with the Base/Enhanced Device Bundle which includes:

  • 3-year warranty and
  • 3-year insurance (which includes 2 repairs or 1 replacement claim)

Please note that the price of the PLD Bundle may appear to be higher than similar models on the retail market as the price of those devices usually does not include extended warranty and insurance coverage.

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Insurance Coverage

The package includes a 3-year warranty, and 3-year insurance which includes:

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Insurance Coverage

Claimable

  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Power Surges
  • Accidental e.g water spillage, drop etc
  • Theft due to forcible entry
  • Robbery

* Accidental loss will not be covered by insurance.

*2 repairs or 1 replacement claim

(3-year insurance)

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Technical Support for Students’ Devices

Technical support will be provided to students through:

  • Service Desk set up in school during breaks and after school on a weekly basis
    • Troubleshooting of device issues
    • Solve connectivity issues
    • Collection of devices to be sent for repairs
  • Acer Service Centre for repair of devices (hardware issues)
  • Address: 29 International Business Park Road #01-07, Acer Building, Tower A Service Centre, Singapore 609923

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Funding Support for Singapore Citizen (SC) Students

  • The cost of the device bundle can be paid using your child’s/ward’s Edusave account, after setting aside provision for payment of miscellaneous fees.

  • To ensure the affordability of devices, MOE has provided additional Edusave top-ups of $200 in 2020 to 2022, and $300 in 2023, to all eligible Singaporean students in primary and secondary schools.

  • This is on top of the annual $290 credited into the Edusave account for Secondary School students and $230 for Primary School students.

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Funding Support for Singapore Citizen (SC) Students

  • For SC students who are on MOE Financial Assistance Scheme or whose family’s monthly income meets the following criteria:

Gross Household Income (GHI) ≤ $3,000, or

Per Capita Income (PCI) ≤ $750

MOE will subsidise 50% of device bundle cost or $350, whichever is lower.

  • The remaining amount will be payable from the students’ Edusave account. If there is insufficient balance in the students’ Edusave account for the remaining amount, MOE will provide additional subsidy so that the cash out-of-pocket (OOP) is $0.

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Funding Scenario: Student A (SC)

Acer TravelMate TMP214-56

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Student A (SC on MOE FAS)

GHI ≤ $3,000 or PCI ≤ $750

Device Bundle Cost

$776

Student Subsidy (50%)

$350

Available Edusave Balance

(After setting aside for misc fees)

$200.00 before deduction

$200.00 will be deducted

Additional Subsidy

$226

Cash Out-of-pocket

$0.00

For more details on financial assistance, please approach the school.

Each student would receive a personalised bill subsequently.

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Funding Support for Singapore Citizen (SC) Students

  • For SC students whose family’s monthly income is:

$3,000 < Gross Household Income (GHI) ≤ $4,400, or

$750 < Per Capita Income (PCI) ≤ $1,100

MOE will subsidise 30% of device bundle cost or $200, whichever is lower.

  • The remaining amount will be payable from the students’ Edusave account. If there is insufficient balance in the students’ Edusave account for the remaining amount, MOE will provide additional subsidy so that the cash out-of-pocket (OOP) is not more than $50.

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Funding Scenario: Student B (SC)

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Student B (Non MOE-FAS SC from lower income family)

$3,000 < GHI ≤ $4,400 or $750 < PCI ≤ $1,100

Device Bundle Cost

$776

Student Subsidy (30%)

$200

Available Edusave Balance

(After setting aside for misc fees)

$200.00 before deduction

$200.00 will be deducted

Additional Subsidy

$326

Cash Out-of-pocket

$50.00

For more details on financial assistance, please approach the school.

Each student would receive a personalised bill subsequently.

Acer TravelMate TMP214-56

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Funding Support for Singapore Citizen (SC) Students

  • SC students whose family’s monthly Gross Household Income (GHI) > $4,400 or monthly Per Capita Income (PCI) > $1,100, no subsidy will be provided. Parents/Guardians can use their child’s/ward’s Edusave or cash to defray the device bundle cost.

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DEVICE FUNDING AND INFORMATION

Funding Scenario: Student C (SC)

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Student C (Not Eligible for Subsidy)

GHI > $4,400 or PCI > $1,100

Device Bundle Cost

$776

Available Edusave Balance

(After setting aside for misc fees)

$200.00 before deduction

$200.00 will be deducted

Cash Out-of-pocket

$576

For more details on financial assistance, please approach the school.

Each student would receive a personalised bill subsequently.

Acer TravelMate TMP214-56

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What’s Next?

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PG Consent Form Questions

Response (by 10th Jan 2025 – Friday)

Intent to Purchase PLD

Yes/No

Collection Method

  1. Child/ward will be collecting the device from school. (Recommend)
  2. I will be collecting the device on my child’s/ward’s behalf from the vendor’s service/collection centre after 7th of March 2025

*Parents/Guardians (or adult proxy) will not be able to collect the PLD from the school.

For Singaporean students

Parents who want to use Edusave funds for the PLD (for Singapore Citizens students only), please submit the online Standing Order Form via this link: https://go.gov.sg/edusaveformsgso by 10/01/2025 (Friday) if you have not done so previously.

*Parents without access to PG can submit their consent via hardcopy.

For Permanent Residents/ International Students

Parent/Guardian to make payment via GIRO/SAM SingPost when you receive the school’s bill

Parental Consent for Procurement (Important)

Parents can access the Parental Consent for the Purchase of Personal Learning Device (PLD) via a Parents Gateway (PG) notification that will be sent to you on 3rd Jan 2025

Your child/ward will be collecting his/her device in school from beginning of March 2025 tentatively

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WHAT’S NEXT?

Important Contacts / Helplines

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To access / find out more about…

Contact / Helpline

This deck of slides

https://www.juyingsec.moe.edu.sg/pdlp/

Edusave balance

6260 0777

Financial assistance

6308 9898 or juying_ss@moe.edu.sg

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