iPad FAQ
Q. How can you make sure that pupils are safe?
A. We already have an home school agreement to ensure all pupils adopt a safe and sensible approach to using the device. A series of assemblies and guidance sessions will be organised to ensure all pupils are aware of this policy and are aware of how to use their device appropriately.
In addition to this, a MDM system will be used by school to provide full control over the device. The MDM provide a school-curated selection of Apps.
Pupils’ internet use will be filtered using the same filter we use in the school, but it is the responsibility of parents/carers for filtering/monitoring what their son/daughter does at home. We will of course help parents/carers with this.
Q. How will you ensure that pupils are not in danger when using social networking sites?
A. It is possible to block access to certain sites within school on iPads in the same way that it has been with PCs. We also have a duty of care to continue to educate pupils so that they understand the risks associated with social media and use it safely and positively.
Q. What if pupils use the iPad to photograph each other without permission?
A. This issue is covered in the Acceptable Use Policy and will be taken very seriously, in the same way that it is now if a pupil uses their phone in this way.iPads would fit into our existing policies for dealing with such incidents.
Q. Won’t my son/daughter just be a target when traveling to and from school?
A. There is no evidence that pupil iPad schemes have led to a rise in thefts / muggings etc. The reality now is that iPads and iPhones running the latest iOS are less of a target as Apple have implemented technology that prevents them being used by anyone else while there is an account attached to the device. Each device can also be tracked and disabled by the College if stolen.
Q. Will my son/daughter spend all day looking at a screen?
A. As passionate as we are about the opportunities that iPads offer, we are also keen to ensure that other important traditional skills such as writing, sketching and group discussions continue. The role of iPads is to enhance and extend learning opportunities rather than replace those currently being used.
We will educate the pupils to think about the quality of their screen time. We hope that our projects encourage a larger proportion of purposeful, quality screen time. Young people need to learn positive digital behaviours and habits, and schools are well placed to encourage this and give the right pointers and encouragement.
The iPad is intended to be another part of the Teaching and Learning toolkit and not to replace the currently diverse methods of teaching that our pupils enjoy. Staff training will continue to focus on the effective use of the iPad. It will not be used in every lesson, all lesson.
Q. How will using the iPad impact on the quality of pupils’ handwriting?
A. Pupils will still be expected to handwrite work in most subjects. There will be no need to word process all their work, and much will still be completed in exercise books. However, there are many advantages to word processing some work on the iPad using an app such as Pages. Pupils can spell-check their work, look up definitions, add electronic notes and AirDrop work to their teacher for faster feedback. However, there is an argument, in terms of sustainability, that work stored electronically would reduce paper wastage.
Q. How will the iPad affect homework?
A. The iPad will be an invaluable tool to support home learning, giving simple access to a variety of apps and internet resources.
A device that can be used both at school and at home can improve continuity of learning, with all the resources needed available in one place. Parents/Carers can play a greater part in supporting and understanding the work that pupils are doing in class. We anticipate that homework tasks can have much greater depth and use a much wider range of media than conventional paper-based homework.
Q. Can my son/daughter use their iPad at home?
A. Yes, we are keen to promote learning beyond the school gates so taking the iPad home is a key part of this scheme. Pupils will use their iPad to access and complete homework assignments. It will be the pupils’ responsibility to ensure the iPad is fully charged for the next school day, there will not be facilities to charge the iPad in school.
Q. Can my son/daughter use their iPad during breaks or lunchtime?
A. We are keen to get the balance right in terms of pupils accessing technology. We are committed to ensuring that pupils do not become dependent on technology and can develop their interpersonal and social skills. In light of this, pupils’ access to their iPad will be strictly limited to the classroom. Our MDM system mentioned earlier can help us enforce our policy when necessary.
Q. What amount of time will the iPad be used in a lesson?
A. This will vary from lesson to lesson. In some lessons the iPads may be used extensively, but in other lessons use of the iPad may not be relevant or appropriate. Likewise, some lessons may use the iPad for a brief starter, or at the end for a plenary. iPads will not replace good teaching; iPads will be used to diversify the range of effective learning and teaching strategies available to the teacher.
Q. What happens if a pupil forgets to charge their iPad?
A. It is expected that pupils ensure their iPads are fully charged at the beginning of each school day.
Q. What happens if a pupil forgets their iPad?
A. If a pupil forgets their iPad, if possible, they will be issued with an iPad which they can use until the end of the school day, when they need to return it to the IT team.
Q. Will the battery life decrease over the two year period?
A. Here at the College we are using iPads that are well over 5 years old with no battery issues.
Q. Will my son/daughter have to bring their iPad home every night?
A. Yes. They will need to take it home to make sure it is charged ready for the next day. It is also possible he will have homework to complete that will require access to the iPad.
Q. What provision will be made to support parents/carers and pupils in learning how to use their new device?
A. We recognise that, in order to fully support your son/daughter’s learning, it is also important that as a parent/carer you also feel confident using the iPad. Over the coming year we will be hosting a number of iPad training sessions for parents/carers that will focus on specific issues; how to use iPads creatively; how to set up safety features; and e-safety.
Q. Can I install parental controls on the iPad?
A. We will provide further instructions and guidance before the scheme commences but there may be some ability, in the Settings app, under the ‘General’ options, where several restrictions may be enabled, such as access to FaceTime and the App Store.
