I pad information
Ipads
Mean Scoil Mhuire introduced the use of an iPad to first years September 2013. The main reasons for the introduction were:
(a) To reduce the weight of bags the student has to carry and
(b) To keep up with the times.
The latest generation of lightweight, touchscreen tablets, can be turned on instantly, and offer a number of educational benefits for education. We chose the iPad primarily based on the control that can be put in place for students and teachers. While in school the student’s iPad will be under the control of the school. This means, for example the internet access can be limited. Also ‘Apple’ vet their apps through a rigorous process.
We will also insist the student get a Gum Drop Covers to protect the iPad. These work very well in protecting the iPad especially if it is accidently dropped on the ground. The cost of an iPad2 and the gumdrop cover is €430 (This does not include eBooks, September 2013). The books are then downloaded by the student in school in August/September. The school will assist in the cost of the books. The eBooks are subject to 23% vat while the printed copy is not. However, there is lots of extra material available for the student in the eBook. They have visual and audio extras. The student can access exam papers on the iPad at a possible saving of €100. The unique features and benefit of eBooks are an educational advantage to the student. The cost to the student for all eBooks and printed workbooks (that are offered at a discount by the publishers with ebooks) in September 2012 was €140. The student can insure the iPad in whatever manner the individual decides. For example gadgetinsurance.ie will insure 1 Phone plus 4 Gadgets (Up to €600 per policy, Accidental Damage, Water Damage, Theft Cover, Worldwide Cover, Optional - Loss Cover) for €79 per year. Mobilecover.ie will insure an iPad for €7 per month. Some household insurers also insure the iPad as part of its household contents.
The credit union has agreed to help parents with this cost. This could work out at around €5 per week. The cost of €430 (including VAT) includes 1 year warranty. Extra warranty may be purchased. If the iPad is purchased through the school, we will provide backup etc. i.e. we will look after issues that are under warranty. The school is dealing directly with a company called Screenway (who are official apple authorised resellers). The students and staff in Mean Scoil Mhuire are very happy with the introduction of the iPads. The weight of their bags has decreased. Student’s organisation of their work both at school and at home has improved greatly. The extra content (both audio and visual) on the iPad assists the student with their learning.
A Useful Guide for parents of Pupils using iPad to enrich their education
We are very grateful to parents for assisting our school in the transformation from conventional text-books to embracing iPads in the enrichment of the learning environment. We are very confident that such a transformation will promote greater independent and personalised learning - a key life-skill for the future.
From the moment a student is provided with an iPad, some very basic and reasonable ground- rules should be agreed between parents (who provide the iPad) and pupils (the users who will own the iPad). Such an agreement will ensure that the investment made in purchasing an iPad will properly enrich a young person’s development and curiosity for learning. Otherwise, the iPad will only become an expensive toy with a limited influence on learning. There are a few simple points for parents and pupils to note and these are outlined below;
1. Novelty Effect’ & Awareness
The iPad can be addictive, its features are very appealing and with the App Store and its very impressive functionality, people can be easily consumed with the device. It is important for both parents and pupils to be aware that one can spend a lot of time on the iPad, at first, and that ensuring it is put away, or left in the kitchen for the night is a good habit to foster. Indeed, parents should ‘lead by example’ and adopt a practice that all phones and tablets are left in the kitchen for charging at night. This will ensure that everybody gets a good night sleep - even your iPad! The same should be done for smartphones as this is not confined to iPads.
2. Notifications
Turning off app notifications, especially those distracting ones from social media providers is an important consideration in minimising distractions while pupils are engaged in learning and homework. This can be done in the Settings app of the iPad and under the individual App in question such as Facebook, Twitter etc.
3. Restriction
Pupil iPads should be restricted to age-appropriate material and this can be set under the Settings App on the device.
4. Discuss the iPad
Ask your child to demonstrate how the iPad is used in school and how they learn with it. Ask them to show you how to use it. Advise them of the importance of understanding how to use the Internet properly - and that not all websites are accurate or correct in what they might contain.
5. Monitor the use of the iPad
Discuss with your child what they use their iPad for in non-educational use - if your child uses it for social network sites, then remind them, on a regular basis, that you expect them to use such media in a respectful and safe manner. Pupils have to learn how to embrace social media in a responsible way, so there is no point in ‘knocking’ this reality which is a big part of teenagers growing up.
6. Protect your iPad
Protect your iPad with a case and screen Protector. The school insists on the Gum shield protector which protects the iPad if it falls.
7. Regular Contact with School
Maintain close contact with the school and Screenway, and if you require any advice, assistance or need to query what work is being done with the iPad, the school and subject teachers can keep you briefed on this. If an iPad becomes damaged, please contact the school for advice on where it can be repaired. Do not take the device to a repair shop which may claim that it repairs Apple devices, but properly and certified Apple repair staff might not work there. More damage could be done to the device if it is not taken to a reputable repair outlet, such as your local Apple Re-Seller.
Finally, please make sure that you take a ‘common-sense’ like approach to how you relate to your child with all matters technology based. Nurturing responsible and respectful behaviour is what is most important as our young people are living in the most exciting technological age ever, and they need to be fully equipped and confident to embrace it.
Some Reference Sites of Interest for Parents
·Read Apple’s advice about iPad parental restrictions: www.support.apple.com
·CommonSenseMedia.org - CommonSenseMedia.org has a great assortment of videos and articles that explain how parents can help teach digital citizenship:www.commonsensemedia.org
·The Department of Education & Skills, through the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) has an excellent website for parents: www.webwise.ie