In the spring of 2011, each of our teachers received an Apple iPad in preparation for a 1 to 1 iPad program beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.  Mobile iPad carts will be available for our lower school students to utilize in their respective classrooms.  All 6th through 12th grade students will participate in this cutting edge program and will be required to have their own iPad for daily use. 

 

Ultimately, our goal is that each of these technology resources will be incorporated in a manner that maximizes student engagement, positively transforms the learning environment and provides “anytime, anyplace” access to current technology. It is our sincere desire to provide your child with the best educational experience possible and we believe the effective integration of technology can help achieve this goal. 

 

Below are the most frequently asked questions concerning our 1 to 1 iPad program.  Should you have further questions about the program, please contact Our Director of School Technology, CJ Del Balso.

Office Phone: (972) 447-9887 ext. 438

E-Mail: cj.delbalso@princeofpeace.org 

 

Why are we implementing a 1 to 1 program with iPads?

Our primary objective for implementing a 1 to 1 program is to prepare our children to enter a world that requires the effective integration of technology into daily life. The most important component of this goal is promoting a 21st century learning environment where technology is utilized to enhance the curriculum and maximize learning. Ultimately, it is our sincere desire to provide your child with the best educational experience possible and we believe the implementation of a 1 to 1 iPad program will help reach this objective.

 

How will the iPads be utilized for school?

The iPads in this program will be an integral part of the daily curriculum. Students will use the device to take and organize notes, access class textbooks, conduct research, complete coursework and utilize specific applications to enhance learning. Our goal is that the iPad will be integrated in a manner that maximizes student engagement and positively transforms the learning environment. 

 

Is my child required to have an iPad or can other devices be utilized?

All students in grades 6 through 12 will be required to have an iPad for the 2012-2013 school year. Device uniformity is important for three key reasons. First, all of our training and professional development has been geared toward integrating the iPad into the curriculum. Each of our teachers has received an Apple TV (used to display an iPad to an entire class at one time) and we are regularly introducing apps that will work specifically with the iPad program.  To have students on different devices creates a huge challenge in the classroom as it is extremely difficult to plan lessons when the teacher cannot count on all students having access to the exact same programs and capabilities.

 

Second, tablet technology, such as that used by the iPad, is much better for producing work in classes like math and science where equation writing is required. With a traditional laptop, it is simply not practical to complete a math or science assignment involving equations due to the limitations of a keyboard. The result of this dilemma is that the laptops typically don’t get used nearly as much in those classes. Tablets like the iPad avoid this issue and make the device a much more versatile tool in those particular subjects.

 

Finally, the outstanding app market for the iPad is a key reason for making this device required for all students. From an educational perspective, this is what really separates the iPad from all other devices. The app market for education is well-developed for the iPad which creates unique learning resources that are not available on other platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Having access to specific apps will be a key part of the curriculum next year so it’s important that your child has access to the apps their teachers will be utilizing. 

 

Can we opt out of the program?

Opting out of the program will not be an option for any student in grades 6 through 12 as the iPad will be an integral part of the daily curriculum. 

 

Who will provide the iPad?

All 6th through 12th grade students will need to provide their own iPad as part of the required school supplies. The minimum model required will be the iPad2, 16GB with Wi-Fi. The primary reason we are having students supply their own device is so they can keep it for use during the summer. We believe this is important as learning does not stop simply because school is out during the summer. Additionally, requiring students to maintain their own device will help teach valuable skills in responsibility that will last long after each student leaves POPCS. 

 

Can I purchase an upgraded iPad model?

Any iPad model will be acceptable as long as it meets the minimum requirement previously mentioned. 

 

What other expenses should I anticipate?

All app purchases will be the responsibility of the student; however, there will be limitations on how many apps a teacher can require to avoid excessive expenses to our families. Students will also need to purchase a stylus. If a student prefers to complete all of their work on the iPad, a Bluetooth keyboard is a recommended item to facilitate greater productivity. 

 

Will lower school students be a part of the 1 to 1 program?

Our goal for the lower school is to equip each classroom with a mobile cart of iPads that provides one device for each student to use as the teacher desires. These iPads will remain in the classroom at all times but will be available to utilize on a daily basis as part of the curriculum. 

 

Should my child have their own Apple ID?

It is the recommendation of the POPCS technology staff that each student has their own unique Apple ID for this program. This ID can then follow them throughout their school years and also be the ID that they use for their own personal resources now and in the future. All purchases made with an ID will stay with that student if they should use multiple Apple devices or if a device is replaced. A final option to consider, if you have more than one child in the program, is to set up one Apple ID to be shared so that both students can have all purchased apps and only pay one time.

 

Where can my child securely store their iPad if they participate in extra-curricular activities?

School-issued locks can be purchased from Meredith Brady in the front office for $5. These locks can be placed on the student’s personal school locker which allows them to secure it safely when not being used. If a student wants to utilize a lock, it must be issued by POPCS. Personal locks are not allowed and will be removed without notice. 

 

Does the school prevent access to websites and applications that may be inappropriate or distracting?

The student wireless network is protected by an effective web filtering program that limits access to websites and web-based applications that are not appropriate for school use. It is important to note that this web filter only works while the student is on campus. Limits on access in the home would need to be set up by each individual family and their Internet service provider. 

 

Will e-textbooks replace traditional texts?

It is our goal to transition to electronic textbooks as quickly as possible. The ability to have textbooks stored in one location in an electronic format is a significant advantage of the iPad as it lessens the load a student must carry around each day . Additionally, e-textbooks are generally less expensive than traditional textbooks.  Ultimately, the adoption of electronic texts will vary from class to class based on each individual teacher’s needs, the availability of digital forms of textbooks from the publishers, and evaluation of the e-text offerings. 

 

Can my child print documents from the iPad?

The iPad is equipped with an air print function that works with certain types of printers; however, the school will not be providing any air printing options on campus. A major benefit of a 1 to 1 iPad program is the ability to submit work electronically which most teachers on campus will require. If hard copies of assignments are requested, the student will need to print from home. With the cloud based storage system our students will be utilizing, accessing and printing completed assignments from home will be very easy.