The following information is current as of January 3, 2013 and is subject to change as Connected Learning is fully implemented on Providence Hall’s campus.
What are you looking for?
- General Questions
- Digital Citizenship and Online Safety
- iPad Use
- Privileges and Responsibilities
- iPad Apps
- Communication
- Problems
- School-Issued iPad Use
- iTunes Account
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How has the school prepared for this initiative?
Providence Hall has always been committed to offering its students access to cutting-edge technology to improve the classroom experience. In 2007, Providence Hall introduced a 2:1 tablet computer initiative. In 2011, the school began to invest in interactive white boards in each classroom. In the summer of 2012, the Providence Hall faculty and administration worked with educators from around the country to learn best practices of 1:1 iPad programs. In the summer of 2012, iPads were given to every faculty member and some administrators in order to determine how the devices would be best used in their curricula, as well as what obstacles might emerge. As part of this initial rollout, the school outfitted every classroom with an interactive display. In January of 2013, the school completely rebuilt its wireless network to accommodate the large number of new devices, and has created a Technology Advisory Committee to assist with the successful launch of this initiative.
Why iPads, as opposed to laptops?
As our culture evolves technologically, we need tools that are mobile, compatible with many different environments, and able to be technologically upgraded at minimal cost. The iPad fits all of these requirements. Perhaps most importantly, there are numerous applications available for the iPad to aid and enrich learning. On a basic level, iPads can act as e-readers, which could dramatically reduce paper textbook use at Providence Hall.
Since its introduction in the spring of 2010, the iPad has emerged as one of the leading new tools in education. After thoughtful consideration and investigation, we believe that the iPad is the best instrument to give each of our students access to the technology they will need in their 21st-century educations.
When will students receive their iPads?
Providence Hall will issue students their iPads during Student Orientation in August each year. Evening orientation and training events for parents and students will be made available as part of the back-to-school process. More information will be made available to current and prospective families throughout the 2012-13 school year.
My student already has an iPad. Will s/he be able to use that one?
We do not have a definitive answer at this time, but we are leaning towards allowing students to use their personal iPads. Potentially, if you already own an iPad, you can use it in place of purchasing one through the school’s program. However, we will require that personal iPads be turned in to Providence Hall to be configured to work with our network. This means the device will be subject to the school’s policies, security, and app management. We will have more information on this later.
Which version of the iPad will students and teachers receive?
Students and teachers will be issued the 32GB version of the third generation Apple iPad.
Does the school plan to use digital books next year?
Providence Hall faculty and administration are currently reviewing available digital textbooks during the 2012-13 school year. While many textbook publishers are developing textbooks for use with the iPad, not all of our course materials are currently available in digital format. We expect to use both digital and printed textbooks for the 2013-14 school year. We hope to move to digital formats as soon as the best materials are available, specifically in mathematics, science, humanities, and foreign language. Nonetheless, Providence Hall wants to always maintain a balance of traditional and digital books.
Will there be an additional fee for the iPad program?
The infrastructure for the 1:1 iPad program (and Connected Learning) was initially funded by a private foundation. Ongoing iPad costs and technology infrastructure will be provided through the annual books and technology fee and budgetary expenses. Any additional accessories, such as a personal keyboard or stylus, will be the responsibility of the family.
Will my student still need a computer at home?
The iPad is not a complete replacement for the traditional computer, but rather it is a mobile device that offer students a completely new learning experience. Students may feel more comfortable completing some assignments, particularly those involving extensive use of a keyboard, on a computer, but a home computer will not be necessary to complete assigned work.
Do I need to have wireless Internet service at home for this device to work?
No. One of the advantages of the iPad is that it has sufficient memory to store textbooks and other materials required for homework, making it unnecessary to have Internet access at home. Naturally, an available connection at home will enable a student to use his/her iPad for Internet research, accessing files stored in the Cloud, and to complete some assignments. The school provides secured and filtered Internet access on campus. The iPads will not have cellular connection capability.
Who owns these iPads—the students or the school? What happens if my child breaks or loses his or her iPad?
The question of ownership is an important one, and school administrators gave it considerable thought. We have determined (for now) that these iPads are school property and, just like with any piece of school property, if a student loses or damages his or her iPad, his or her family will be responsible. There is a $50-$150 (still negotiating rates and terms) deductible that families will be responsible for in the case of damage to the device.
Will students keep the iPads when they graduate?
At this time, we do not have a definitive answer on ownership following graduation.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AND ONLINE SAFETY
What about digital literacy and citizenship?
We are currently creating a curriculum for this component of Connected Learning. More information will be forthcoming.
How will a student’s safety online be ensured?
We use Meraki’s cloud networking and mobile device management software (MDM) to manage and control all devices in our system as well as our wireless network. We also provide CIPA-compliant web filtering. Additionally, our students’ online behavior will be governed by Providence Hall’s Technology Authorized Use Policy, which is communicated to all students and parents during re-enrollment and again at orientation in August.
Internet safety and application management
Through our Meraki MDM, we have created various levels of security. Every iPad is set up with a Providence Hall global security and safety settings. Middle school students have stricter restrictions with apps and Internet access than do high school students. Parents may be able to request additional security settings and application restrictions. (For example, parents can opt to block all gaming applications and the iPad’s camera). For additional iPad management, the parent can use Apple’s built in parent control settings.
Can I, as a parent, control what apps my child installs?
Yes, there is a way to set up parental control for loading apps and making any changes to the iPad. This will be discussed during parent education events. We will also have resources online that will help you set this up.
IPAD USE
What are the expectations for student use of the iPads?
Providence Hall owns the iPads and will loan them to the students as a tool to support their learning experience. (We are researching if students will be given an iPad after graduation or will be offered a lease buyout option.) Students are expected to bring the devices to school each day, fully charged, and to have them ready for use in class just as they would any other required material. As a technology device, the iPads fall under the Acceptable Use Policy articulated in the Student/Parent Handbook. A Connected Learning program agreement and Technology Use Policy will be provided during the enrollment process each year.
Will students be able to take the iPad home?
Absolutely. Not only can students take the iPad home, they are expected to take it home each night. The iPad will be used not only for in-class work, but also for homework assignments. Many assignments may be unique to the iPad experience and cannot be replicated on any other device.
Can I use my iPad in any class?
Yes, you may use your iPad in any class, as directed by or with permission from the teacher. Teachers have discretion about when iPads can be used in class and students must adhere to their direction.
It is up to each member of the Providence Hall faculty to determine how to incorporate the iPads into his or her curriculum. All faculty have participated in an initial iPad orientation and will receive additional training on the countless roles that the iPad might play in their classrooms, but each instructor has discretion over the ways in which they will implement the iPad.
Can I use my iPad at other times at school?
In accordance with the handbook, your iPad is treated like any other electronic device, so it can be used prior to the first period, during lunch, and after school. This school policy will be reviewed over the next nine months.
Will my iPad be able to connect to the wireless network at school?
Yes, the network configurations will be pre-loaded with the wireless password, so you cannot give it to your friends or put it on your other wireless devices.
Will I get training on the use of the iPad?
Students will get training at the mandatory iPad orientation and will be instructed further in its use by the teachers.
Will Providence Hall supply my child with any iPad accessories, such as a protective case or an external keyboard?
The school will provide protective cases for all students, but will not provide additional accessories, such as external keyboards. Though we will have a limited number of external keyboards available for students to borrow during school hours, we discovered during our iPad research that most students opted to discontinue using an external keyboard after three to four weeks.
What training and/or support will my child receive?
During orientation, students will receive training on appropriate use and technical capabilities, along with their iPads. Students will be supported by our administration, faculty, and our three student vice-presidents of technology–newly -minted student government positions.
Where can I learn more about my iPad?
The school is currently developing an iPad training section on our website. More information is to come in the near future.
PRIVILEGES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Am I responsible for what’s on the iPad?
Yes. Not only do you have to have the applications that have been requested that you install, but the nature of any media on your iPad is subject to the regular school policies. Profanity, indecency, or malicious media, for example, will not be tolerated. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook and the school’s technology use policy with questions.
May a staff or faculty member check my iPad at any time, without warning?
All student iPads, regardless of ownership, are subject to inspection at any time while on campus.
Can I have music on my iPad?
Yes, you certainly may! However, during class time, unless specified otherwise by your teacher, your iPad is to be on mute.
What about wallpaper?
You may have any appropriate wallpaper, both on the lock screen and the home screen. However, you will be required to have your name (easily seen) on the lock screen so that if someone finds your iPad it can easily be identified as yours.
Can I watch videos on my iPad?
Not on school grounds. Wireless access is a privilege shared among all members of the Providence Hall community; please do not abuse it by downloading non-school apps or streaming video on school property.
When am I allowed to play games?
No games are to be played during school hours (on school grounds) unless specifically allowed by your teacher.
What happens if I am caught playing a game when I am not supposed to be playing games?
Using your iPad in an inappropriate manner will be handled according to the disciplinary procedures outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.
When am I allowed to use social media and email?
Social media is to be treated the same as gaming—never during class time unless specifically instructed to do by the teacher. However, checking your Providence Hall email may be essential for instructional purposes. The teacher will monitor email use for appropriateness.
What happens if I am caught using social media or email when I am not permitted to do so?
Using your iPad in an inappropriate manner will be handled according to the disciplinary procedures outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.
Do these same rules and expectations apply to school-sponsored trips?
Yes. Providence Hall is a community and electronic devices can limit community-building opportunities on school trips, travel to athletic competitions, etc. The iPad is to be primarily used for educational purposes at school-sponsored functions.
iPAD APPS
Do we pay for apps for the iPad?
There are certain apps which are required, the cost for which is covered by the annual books and technology fee. Those apps will be purchased through Providence Hall in order to take advantage of the volume discount program. Once students pay their fee, they will be issued vouchers to allow them to download the required apps or the school’s MDM will push the app directly to the student’s iPad.
How do I get other apps?
You will download all apps from your own iTunes account. If you do not have an iTunes account, you will be required to create one at the iPad orientation.
What about updates?
All students will be responsible to update all apps that they have downloaded.
Can I download any app at any time?
You can download any app, just not at any time. Wireless access is a privilege shared among all members of the Providence Hall community; please do not abuse it by downloading non-school apps or streaming video on school property. However, you may download apps at home. If you have an inappropriate app on your iPad, you will be required to remove it.
Parents, please see the iTunes section to learn more on how to limit application purchases.
COMMUNICATION
Will the school assign me a Providence Hall email address to use for the iPad?
Yes, every student is assigned an official @providencehallsb.org email address to be used for accessing collaborative documents and digital curriculum and for communicating with your teacher. We require that a student’s school email address is set as the user name when creating their Apple ID. Please see the iTunes account information for more details.
Do I have to use my school-assigned email?
Yes, but you are not limited to your school-assigned email. Your iPad can have multiple email accounts.
PROBLEMS
What happens if I’ve forgotten my iPad at home?
You will need to share with someone for the day. A forgotten iPad is not an excuse for not turning in assignments. It is your responsibility to bring your iPad to school every day, fully charged. Teachers may reduce your participation/preparedness grade for not having your iPad.
What happens if my battery is low, or dead?
You will need to share with someone for the day. An uncharged iPad is not an excuse for turning in an assignment late. It is your responsibility to keep your iPad charged. Teachers may reduce your participation/preparedness grade for not having charged your iPad.
What happens if I use up all my memory?
You should not use the iPad for permanent storage, but rather as a temporary storage space for whatever projects you’re working on at the time. Finished projects should be stored somewhere else, such as your home computer. The iPad is an educational tool first. If a device runs short of memory, the student must remove personal data that may be stored on the device (e.g., music, pictures, and movies).
What if my home computer doesn’t have Keynote and Pages? How can I work on my assignments?
Keynote allows exports and imports of PowerPoint, and Pages allows exports and imports of Word. So if you have a PC with PowerPoint and Word, you’ll still be able to work on the same assignment from different machines. You will need to email the files to your PC and back to your iPad. Keynote and Pages also allow export and import in PDF formats. Therefore, formatting problems will not be an acceptable excuse for incomplete homework assignments. Currently, we are working on creating an easy project workflow utilizing various iPad apps for content creation.
What if my iPad gets stolen, lost, or damaged?
If it is student-owned, you are responsible for replacing it. If it is school-owned, please see the section about school-issued iPads.
SCHOOL-ISSUED IPAD USE
Can I sync my school issued iPad to my computer?
Yes.
Can I put my own media on my school issued iPad?
Yes.
Do I have to use the case? Can I purchase my own case?
Yes, you have to use the case. It has been purchased to minimize the chance of damage to the iPad. Do not use the iPad without the case. Students may buy their own cases as long as they are approved cases with all four corners of the iPad protected.
What do I do if my school-issued iPad gets damaged?
If you damage your school-leased iPad, report it immediately to the front office. The student will have to pay an insurance fee, and the iPad will be replaced.
What if my school-issued iPad gets lost or stolen?
You will need to pay an insurance fee to replace the iPad.
What do I do if my school-issued iPad isn’t working correctly?
Contact the front desk. The iPads are under warranty and can be quickly replaced (in three days) with another properly-functioning iPad.
Can I change the name (as seen in settings) of my school-issued iPad?
No. If you accidentally change the name of your iPad, bring your iPad to the IT Department to have it reset.
Can I turn off Location Services (in Settings) on my school-issued iPad?
No. Never! This is to protect YOU from losses. If your iPad is lost, we can find it using the Find My Device service, but Location Services must be turned on for this to work!
Can I change settings on my school-issued iPad?
You may customize your iPad, with two exceptions: (1) You cannot change the name of the iPad; (2) You cannot turn off Location Services.
Am I responsible for the maintenance of the school-issued cover/case, iPad, and charger?
Yes. You must keep the device and accessories clean and free of damage or you will be charged for damages when you return these items to the school.
Can I jailbreak my school issued iPad?
NO. NEVER. If you do so, you are liable to replace the iPad or return it to its original condition.
ITUNES ACCOUNT
Will I need to create a new iTunes account for my child to use with the iPad?
While an iTunes account will be required with the iPad, it does not have to be a new account. Any existing iTunes account can be configured on the iPad. It is even possible to have more than one iPad attached to the same iTunes account and still be able to have different configurations on each iPad. If you are creating a new iTunes account for your child, please use their Providence Hall-issued email as the user id.
I understand that students will need access to an iTunes account to use with the iPad. Don’t iTunes accounts require a credit card? How will I keep my student from charging iTunes purchases without my permission?
There are actually a few ways to deal with this issue. First, it is entirely possible to set up an iTunes account that does not have a credit card attached to it. In order to make any purchases, you would need to first purchase and add an iTunes gift card to the account. Once the gift card amount has been used, no further purchases can be made until another gift card is added.
Another way to control this is to not give your student the password to their iTunes account. When purchasing from iTunes, a password is almost always required. If the student does not have the password, they will need your input to make a purchase.
