Why do students need a mobile computing device of their own?
This semester we implemented an iPad Pilot Program with four freshman teachers and
approximately 100 students. Participants in the program are exploring best practices in
teaching the 21st century learner and how the iPad will enrich teaching and learning.
These experiences, along with additional research and surveys we have already completed,
have led us to the conclusion that this device meets a number of specific curricular needs
that Marist High School will benefit from.
Specifically, the iPad offers our students:
• Access via our wireless network to a world of information
• Access to mobile computing power for engaging in the type of work our society has
come to expect
• Access to iTunes University courses created by our faculty to give our students
notifications of new course information and access to all course materials through
one App
• Access to social media so that students can engage in the bold dialogue and
intellectual conversations of the age with a teaching emphasis on students being
content contributors - not polluters.
• Access to digital textbooks, databases, audio files, video files and cloud storage so
they can carry their studies with them in a variety of engaging formats
• A personalized computing device that ensures global and equitable access as well as
options for personal customization, integration and responsibility.
Why does the mobile computing device need to be an Apple iPad?
The Apple development community is dedicated to designing Apps for educational use of
the iPad. It is a functionally reliable product and has design elements which fit our needs,
such as its long battery life, flat profile, touchscreen and dual cameras.
What happens if something better than the Apple iPad comes out?
There is always the chance that something better than the iPad may come out. If it does, we will evaluate available technologies and reexamine our policy. The iPad is designed to
supplement computer technologies and is merely a tool to be used for teaching and
learning. Enhancing student learning must always come before any particular educational
tool whether it be a calculator, a textbook or an iPad.
What is the process for purchasing an iPad?
Yes, families must purchase a generation iPad 4 or higher for each of its Marist High School student(s). Purchases must be made through outside vendors such as the Apple store or an authorized Apple reseller. iPads will not be available for resale through Marist High School. To maximize capacity we recommend families purchase a 32 GB iPad; Wifi only; no 3G/4G; with retina display along with AppleCare+ coverage. The current device sold at local resellers is the generation 5 known as the Air. Mini’s are allowed should your child feel the display size is okay for them.
Some other high schools are doing a volume purchase of iPads with the school making all of the decisions about the device. Aside from the basic requirements listed above, we believe it is important for the student to be able to choose the options (for example, mini-iPad vs. iPad Air, type of case, keyboard or no keyboard, etc.) that best match his or her preferences and learning style.
What factors should families consider when buying the iPad?
Leaving the iPad purchase up to the family also gives parents the opportunity to work with their son/daughter to make sound purchase choices and help develop their skills as
responsible and smart consumers. We encourage parents to actively include their child in
the purchase experience and engage in discussions that include: How will you decide what to buy? What factors will you take into consideration before making your purchase? What questions will you want to ask at the store? Which product best meets your personal needs? Which product best matches your budget? What are the protection plans and warranty options? Thus, even the purchase of the iPad becomes a valuable learning
experience for the student.
What about accessories or cases?
Students are required to provide a case for their iPad and we strongly urge you to buy one
that protects the front, back, corner edges and the glass of the iPad. There are no
requirements to purchase accessories for the iPad. Inexpensive stylus pens can be
purchased at electronics or office supply stores as can keyboards or keyboard cases.
Prior to, and/or during, our summer iPad orientation, we will identify and communicate
the Apps that each student needs to have installed on their iPad, as well as
recommendations for others, and some accessories that our faculty have found helpful.
My student already has an iPad. Can she/he bring that one or does she/he need to
purchase a new one?
The student may use that device, provided it meets the recommended specifications (iPad
4 or higher) and he/she has access to this device on a daily basis. Each student should havea dedicated iPad for his/her use. We recommend purchasing a 32 GB iPad to accommodate Apps, textbooks and other materials not stored in the Cloud.
Will all of my student’s books be available electronically for the 2014-2015 school
year?
Marist High School’s goal is to have all freshman and sophomore level course materials be available electronically for the 2014-15 school year, either as an iBook or an eBook. We anticipate book costs will be reduced for next year and will continue to be reduced in
subsequent years.
The national call for adoption of interactive text is four years. Four years from now we
plan to have our textbooks for all four levels available electronically.
Do students buy the Apps for the iPad, or does the school?
Students will be expected to purchase Apps using their own Apple ID. Part of becoming a
responsible user of technology is knowing how to care for the device, including
downloading, installing, using, updating and uninstalling applications. Many of these Apps are free, while others are available at a minimal cost (i.e. $4.99).
Upon graduation from Marist High School, students will be able to continue using whatever Apps they have purchased on whatever new IOS device they happen to buy in the future.
A list of required and recommended Apps will be available on the 2014-15
book/resource/App list in July.
Can students buy games? What sort of management will the school put on the
student iPads?
The iPad is a personal device and will be owned by the student and their family. One of the 21st century skills that we want students to learn is how to care for and maintain a mobile computing device of their own. Beyond network authorization, Marist High School will not use managing software on the iPads. Students have access to all of the Apps and iBooks in the Apple iTunes Store with their personal Apple ID. All of the Apps in the Apps Store have been vetted by Apple’s quality control, assuring us of their safety and propriety. Any customization of the device must be in compliance with the Marist High School Responsible Use Policy.
What happens if my child downloads too many expensive Apps (unrelated to school
work) without my permission. Will I be able to refund those items?
All of Apple’s App sales are final, so it is essential that you discuss this with your child. If your child is currently downloading songs or videos from iTunes, you have most likely already had this discussion with your child. You can also set up an allowance type account with Apple and/or use Apple iTunes gift cards for App purchases.
Will Internet filtering be used to discourage students from accessing inappropriate
sites?
While on the Marist High School wireless network, Internet traffic is filtered to the best of our ability through our content filter. Students will be expected to fully comply with our Responsible Use Policy (RUP). Further information regarding the RUP will be forthcoming.
Parents are encouraged to carefully monitor their student’s use of the iPad at home, as they would the use of any other Internet device; ie. Smartphone, home computer or gaming systems.
How will the school handle the theft or physical damage of a device?
When you purchase your iPad, we strongly urge you to purchase AppleCare+ coverage for accidental damage to your child’s iPad. You must purchase AppleCare+ within 30 days of purchase of the iPad. AppleCare+ is an extended warranty (with a deductible) and does NOT ensure against loss or theft.
Please be sure to have your child purchase locks for their school, PE and athletic lockers
and stress with them the importance of locking their lockers at all times. When using the
device at an outside facility (i.e., public library, restaurant) be sure never to leave the iPad
or any other personal items unattended.
Aren’t kids already overexposed to technology and social media?
We are aware of the dangers associated with overexposure to technology and social media. Our job as educators and parents is to make sure that students know those dangers, too, and become smart users of their mobile and computing devices.
Teachers will help in that endeavor but parents play an important role in this educational
component. Teachers will be trained to use the right tool at the right time. Sometimes it
makes sense to put pen to paper or turn the page of a book, whether those are paper or
electronic pages. Sometimes it is important just to listen or to lead a group discussion. And sometimes, it is essential to use an iPad to find the best answers, synthesize information, and create something dynamic that will transform our world.
We also want to create a level playing field without digital haves and have-nots. This new
program will ensure that every student has the necessary digital tools to aid his or her
education and growth. Marist is striving to expose students to a well-balanced education
which encompasses proper manners, etiquette, debate skills, public speaking skills,
collaboration and team building skills in all areas of our curriculum.
Are there activities or content that are prohibited in the classroom?
The general rule is that if there is something a student SHOULD be doing, then that is what they should be doing. If the class is researching something, then that is what all students should be doing, if students are on their own time, then they can choose what to spend their time on. Students are responsible for remaining on task during class.
How will teachers use the iPad in their classes?
The short answer is that teachers will use the iPad as a tool to enrich student learning
based on 21st century teaching models. Among them will be to access information beyond the four walls of the classroom, to analyze material from a variety of sources, to
communicate a student’s findings and conclusions, and to engage with other learners.
An iPad is an additional tool similar to chalk, LCD projectors, and smart boards. It is
another tool which enhance student learning.
Will students be trained to use the iPad?
Freshmen and Sophomore students will participate in a mandatory, summer orientation on how to set up their iPad on the Marist network, how to maintain it, basic skills on using the iPad for class related activities and digital citizenship principles. See details noted below.
When should families purchase their iPads?
Families should purchase their iPads prior to the mandatory, summer orientation and a
personal Apple ID will need to be created before this session.
Will faculty members be trained on how to use the iPad?
Yes, our faculty members have already received their iPads and professional development has already begun. A comprehensive technology professional development program has been designed by the administration to facilitate technology growth of our faculty and will continue to be refined and evaluated in order to meet the needs of our students.
We have added the position of Instructional Technologist to our staff to help facilitate our faculty training. The Instructional Technologist’s main responsibility is the education of the faculty in best practices and teaching methods pertaining to the iPad. Additionally, we have created an iTeam of ten faculty members who will assist the Instructional Technologist in this endeavor.