Frequently Asked Questions - Bring You Own iPad Program
What are the benefits of using iPads:
The iPad inspires hands-on learning and can be used to promote creativity in the classroom. There are thousands of powerful apps that allow students to engage in interactive ways and instantly find information. This innovative tool has the capability to provide personalised learning and education in a number of different subject areas. The iPad allows students to gain access to a continually growing bank of educational content.
The use of iPads has allowed our teachers to expand their programs to fit the needs of today’s students and to better equip them with the skills they’ll need in the modern world. Use of tablets can also encourage students, boost confidence and provide a valuable feedback loop outside of a traditional classroom setting. Students will be able to better develop their 21st learning skills including opportunities for authentic collaboration and team work, innovation, creating and publishing in ways never possible before, personalising learning for all students and providing them with problem solving opportunities.
How will a 1:1 program add real value to teaching and learning?
We want the best learning opportunities for our students.Cheltenham Primary School classrooms consistently use technology and all students to have access whenever they need it. Digital literacy skills are essential for our children to be successful in the 21st century. It also provides a strong connection and communication outlet between home and school. 1:1 is about the learning and not the technology.
Is the curriculum ready for a 1:1 environment?
The teachers have aligned their curriculum to new Victorian Curriculum (VCAA). They have reviewed the curriculum with device integration and how using the devices will enable them to accomplish learning objectives previously not possible. They have also planned specific tasks that will engage their students like never before, with even greater task differentiation and consideration. A complete curriculum package also takes into consideration digital citizenship and cyber-safety training, class management and expectations, boundaries and consequences outlined through the Cheltenham Primary School Acceptable Use Agreement.
Is the program compulsory?
The iPad program commenced for Years 5 and 6 at the beginning of the school year in 2015. For those students without iPads the school has accommodated the use of iPads within its resources on a shared basis as per our current practice. We hope families follow our professional recommendations and participate. We have done our research and the decisions we make are deeply engrained in proven educational research. However, ultimately each family will make a decision based on their individual circumstances.
Why iPads and not Android devices?
We have chosen iPads as our required device for all students for several reasons:
- iPads are the current clear tablet market leader in education
- The iPad has a standard operating system
- There are more educations apps available than any other mobile operating system enabling greater fluidity
- iPads have already proven to be very successful in school settings
- Teachers, children and parents are very familiar with the iPad, which will help in supporting learning
Where do I purchase an iPad?
Families are free to purchase an iPad from the retailer of your choice. If you elect to purchase an iPad via an online vendor, please be aware that the item may be coming from overseas. As a result it may not ship with an Australian electrical adapter and you may need to purchase another adapter to charge your iPad. You may also need to pay for shipping costs.
Do I have to get the latest version of iPad? What type of iPad do I need to bring?
It is recommended when purchasing that the latest iPad version be purchased. We expect a new iPad will last students for at least three years. If an earlier model iPad is already owned then this is fine to use. Please note that earlier model iPads would not be expected to last students for as many years. Due to the life cycle of technology, students are expected to bring an iPad to school that is no more than three years old. It is important that you do some research into the type of device required for your child’s secondary placement before purchasing a new device. We highly recommend an iPad that has storage of 32GB or higher. An iPad mini is also acceptable.
Does my child set up an iTunes account if they are under the age of 13?
As your child is under the age of 13, you will be required to set up your child’s iTunes account for them. Parents need to use their own date of birth during the set up process. Using an iTunes gift card is recommended, not a credit card. It is also important that parents actively monitor the apps (and other media) that students are putting on their iPad.
What do I do if my iPad (or other device) breaks?
iPads have no moving parts and as a result they are very durable devices. That said, they can break and the most common issue is a broken screen. All iPads are covered by a one year warranty. If your iPad experiences a genuine hardware fault, please visit your local Apple store. Southland and Chadstone are recommended and it is very likely that they will replace your iPad free of charge. If the iPad screen breaks due to being dropped or mistreated you will need to organise to have it repaired. Again please visit your local Apple store to explore repair options. Insurance is highly recommended.
Can I insure my iPad?
Like any piece of technology, it is wise to include your child’s iPad as a nominated item on your house and contents insurance policy. Please discuss this with your insurance provider.
Will my child be using the iPad in all lessons throughout the day?
iPads will be used by students as and when required in each subject area. It is not expected that the iPads will be in use all the time, but rather students will use them when needed to support their learning.
How will the iPads be used in class?
The iPad is a ‘companion’ device, providing a range of support to students: skill-based apps for understanding and applying new concepts, access to online, interactive resources and electronic texts, as well as communication with teachers and other students.
What are the ‘rules’ for my child’s to use of the iPad at school?
All students are required to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement relating to the use of iPads, computers and the Internet at Cheltenham Primary School. Breaches of the agreement will be addressed on an individual basis.
Can my child use their iPad at recess and lunchtime at school?
Students are not permitted to take their iPads into the school yard at recess or lunchtime for any reason.
How can my child protect the iPad from accidental damage?
All iPads should be kept in a protective case. In addition, a compact tablet bag is very worthwhile to help students carry the iPad between classes. Students are also instructed not to leave iPads on the floor or near food.
Should my child be spending a lot of time completing homework on their iPad?
Homework and iPad activities will vary depending on the tasks set across each term. The iPad is a tool to support learning and should be used in an open and transparent manner. Ask your child to show you how they are using the iPad to support their learning. If the iPad is not required for a task, it is best that it is put away or shut down for that period of time. As a general rule the school recommends no more than one hour of iPad time for homework.
How are students supported in cybersafety practices?
Cybersafety programs are taught at school on a regular basis in the classroom. We need to teach our children how to handle technology in an appropriate manner and draw clear boundaries for its acceptable use. Clear expectations will be set for students with regard to iPad etiquette during lessons and consequences reinforced. Our teachers are prepared for these challenges and have begun delineating such expectations and etiquette in their classes. Importantly, parents also need to be aware of their child’s activities online at home and how they are using the Internet and iPads apps. Our school has recently become accredited as an eSmart school, which provides a guiding framework for schools to manage cybersafety and wellbeing.
For more information please see the following links:
www.esafety.gov.au – This website is being used across classrooms at Cheltenham Primary School and is a highly informative, interactive learning tool for students, teachers and parents. We highly recommend this website for classroom and home use.
Can my child access social media apps and sites at school?
The Department of Early Childhood and Education (DET) and Cheltenham Primary School have filtering tools in place. Filtering tools restrict access to sites and apps that are not of educational value or that may be misused by students.
My child has downloaded apps that I do not think he/she should be using. What should I do?
Parents are responsible for how the iPad is used at home and what apps are downloaded from the App Store. Parents are strongly encouraged to develop ‘household rules’ and to discuss the apps that their child has asked to use. Remember, parents own the iTunes account and children will not necessarily make the best decisions when using social media. If necessary, delete any unwanted apps from the iPad and change the password on the iTunes account.
I am concerned that my child is using their iPad inappropriately?
All use of technology by students at Cheltenham Primary School is bound by the ‘Acceptable Use Agreements’ and ‘Student Declaration’. The use of iPads in class will be actively monitored by teachers. Misuse of an iPad will be treated the same as any other distracting activity and normal classroom discipline rules will apply. The Internet at Cheltenham Primary School is also filtered to block any inappropriate content.
At home if you would like to limit your child’s iPad use to a single app you can enable ‘Guided Access’ – this temporarily restricts an iPad to one particular app and may assist students to stay focused on a task.
Parents are encouraged to restrict the use of technology at home to shared rooms, for example the living room or dining room (not bedrooms). Another option for concerned parents is to enable restrictions on their child’s iPad. You can enable and adjust restrictions on the device to prevent access to specific features or content. Locate these settings by tapping Settings > General > Restrictions.
With regard to filtering content that your child can access, one solution is to filter your home Internet (the school’s Internet is filtered). This can be achieved by purchasing a NetGenie wireless router. This ensures access to age-appropriate Internet content for your child with NetGenie’s age-wise parental controls. These controls can block harmful Internet content for children and allows access to websites and applications that are suitable to their age level.
Who is responsible for Internet safety at home?
Parents. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure they have a protected network and good Internet protocols and environment at home.
How will students know which iPad belongs to them?
Parents are encouraged to affix a label or write their child’s name with a permanent marker on the iPad cover or on the back of the iPad itself. Students are also encouraged to set a passcode lock to their iPad so that only they can access it. Please note that if the passcode lock is forgotten then the iPad needs to be reimaged. Students will be required to tell their teacher their passcode at the start of the year.
Will my child’s iPad be safe at school?
It is important that students learn to manage their own technology. Students will store their iPads in a locked filing cabinet in their classroom during school hours or when not in use.
Can my child put their own apps/songs/media on their iPad?
Yes, as long as space remains to ensure the educational needs of the iPad can still be met. Please note that all of the required Cheltenham Primary School apps must be installed on student devices to ensure learning activities can proceed.
How do I backup my data on my iPad?
You can back up your iPad to iCloud (the first 5GB of online storage is free) or by plugging your iPad into a computer running iTunes. Apple’s Support site is very useful in this regard.
Should I update the software on my iPad?
It is recommended that you keep the Apple iPad operating system software (iOS) up to date. It is also recommended that you keep any apps installed on your iPad up to date.
Should I get a 3G/4G enabled iPad?
We do not recommend purchasing a 3G enabled iPad. Students will have access to the Internet at school (which is filtered to block any inappropriate content). A 3G contract with a telecommunications company will add at least an extra $30 per month to the cost of the unit. We feel this money would be more wisely spent on a wireless network at home to support the student’s use of an iPad. If you child brings a 3G iPad to school, we will require them to take the sim card out and only use the school’s WiFi network.
How often should an iPad be charged?
It is expected that students will bring an iPad to school with enough charge to see them through the day. As such it is recommended that iPads are charged overnight prior to each school day.
Can I find out more?
To learn more about iPad features go to www.apple.com/au/ipad/.
For more online iPad support, head over to the Apple iPad support site. For further information regarding setting up an Apple ID to enable you to purchase Apps from the iTunes App Store see this Apple support page.
For the iPad User Guide and important information, visit support.apple.com/manuals/iPad to review and download.