If you are considering using your own laptop, the recommendations below are provided as a guide to help you in deciding whether you need a general use laptop or high-performance laptop.
If your course requires the use of specialist software (such as software used in Graphic Design, Information Technology, or Advanced Design and Building), ), it is strongly recommended that you review the specific requirements of the software you will be using, as they may require more powerful system to operate.
| General use laptop |
High performance laptop |
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Recommended for almost all areas
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Recommended for use in the following teaching areas:
• Graphic Design
• Information Technology
• Advanced Design and Building
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PC: Intel i5 or similar processor
Mac: Intel i5 or Intel Dual Core M processor
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PC or Mac: Intel i5 or better processor
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4GB RAM (minimum)
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8GB RAM (minimum)
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250GB (or more) Hard disk drive
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250GB (or more) SSD drive
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Wireless network adaptor
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Wireless network adaptor
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Integrated graphics
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Dedicated graphics
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Integrated webcam
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Integrated webcam
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PC: Windows 7 or later
Mac: OS X 10.6 or later
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PC: Windows 7 or later
Mac: OS X 10.7 or later
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The use of mobile devices whilst at The Gordon must abide by the student code of conduct and must not violate laws, including (but not limited) laws and regulations related to
- intellectual property rights or copyright (for example, taking photos of licenced material without the owners permission)
- invasion of privacy
- sexual harassment
- academic dishonesty (for example, accessing notes or receiving outside assistance to cheat during a test or examination. As per the Student Code of Conduct, Academic dishonesty may result in students having to resit an assessment or re-enrol in their course.
Teachers may restrict the use of mobile devices to specific purposes and may prohibit other uses during class time. Use may be restricted or banned in certain situations for OHS or privacy reasons. Mobile devices must not be used to transfer files to the Gordon network that could contain viruses.
It is a student’s responsibility to use mobile devices in a classroom situation for learning purposes. Phones should be turned to silent / vibrate when in a teaching environment to avoid distracting others.
Examples of possible allowed activities
- accessing course relevant material or websites
- using a device camera/microphone to record instructions or prepare and store assessment material.
- in case of an emergency
- in extenuating work or personal circumstances. If you are expecting a call in this instance, you should notify their teacher prior to the commencement of the class. Mobile phones must be on silent (or vibrate); and students should leave the classroom immediately to accept or make such calls.
Examples of typical restricted activities
- playing games or texting when not directly related to the learning activities.
Students may use their mobile devices for personal use during break periods only.