iLearn@Palmwoods 2018
We
are very proud to announce that 2018 will be the first year of the Palmwoods
BYO iPad Program. We strive for improved outcomes in learning engagement,
learning productivity, home school partnership, academic results and believe
this program will enhance our ability to Learn and Grow Together. The iPads are
a very useful tool to support student learning and will be the only BYO device
allowed at Palmwoods State School.
You are invited to participate
in the Palmwoods State School BYO iPad Program. This is voluntary. Those students who
choose not to participate will have shared access to iPads and other ICT
resources at school but will not be able to take them home.
The Palmwoods State School BYO iPad Program:
- Strengthens links between home and school, giving parents the
opportunity to see, every day, what their child is learning at school and
have relevant, timely, accurate and quality conversations around student
learning and progress;
- Enables personalisation of student learning through access to
rich learning resources;
- Best facilitates the development of knowledge and skills
necessary for the 21st century workforce, including digital-age literacy,
innovative and creative thinking, collaboration, effective communication
and high productivity;
- Allows continuous access to educational materials allowing
learning efficiency to happen anywhere, anytime;
- Provides an engaging, interactive environment for learning;
- Allows students the opportunity to display prior knowledge of
topics and thus be co-constructors of their own learning journey.
Advantages
of using the iPad that will enable students to:
ü
Access knowledge and information through the vast range of
content and creation apps (many of which are free) to support student learning;
ü
Access a wealth of information on the Internet when they
need it (using the speak ability via settings to read text for those students
in the lower year levels or students with lower literacy levels than their
peers) through wireless connectivity;
ü
Access rich media including digital stories, image and
video;
ü
Increase productivity through quick loading of apps and
quick response of the iPad and an operating system that is very reliable, ensuring
maximum up-time;
ü Utilise simple
yet sophisticated text, audio and video-based communication facilities for
collaboration with peers, teachers and experts in a local, national or global
context;
ü
Personalise learning and provide work targeted at their
correct level;
ü
Be highly engaged in their learning, both independently
and collaboratively.
ü
Easily transport it to and
from school and within the classroom
BYO iPad Program Supported Device Requirements
If you are purchasing an iPad, a brand new 2017 model
Apple iPad 32GB Wi-fi from your chosen retailer is recommended. It is
your choice to purchase any extra warranties, however it is highly recommended.
If you already have a device to send to school, the
minimum standard is an iPad 5
(late 2013) or newer. Below are the model
numbers of the older iPads that would be suitable to use:
iPad Model Numbers Accepted: A1475, A1474, A1567,
A1566
iPad Mini Model Numbers Accepted: A1490, A1489, A1600,
A1599
The
device needs to have a fully enclosed, shock proof, heavy duty protective cover
and it is recommended to also have a glass screen protector.
Although
we recommend a minimum of 32GB of storage, lower storage devices are
acceptable. Keep in mind that any personal
applications and content placed on the device may interfere with the storage
requirements for school use and school required apps must take priority.
Apple
devices meet the specifications for Education Queensland and will work quickly
and easily on our network at school and for you at home (Internet access is via
wireless). Network and platform
maintenance costs to support the successful operation of the iPad devices at
school will be covered by the school. However, hardware issues are the responsibility
of parents. Visit the Apple website at www.apple.com.au for information about Apple
warranty.
iPads
brought to school will need to be fully charged. The power supply will not
be required to be brought to school. The school will have a number of iPad
power supplies to chargethe iPad in the event of a battery being
depleted. Leaving power supplies at home reduces the weight ofthe
equipment student’s transport to and from school and reduces likelihood of
damage and/or loss.
The battery life of portable devices is improving as
technological enhancements are made. To get the most out of the battery life of
the iPads, follow these simple tips:
- Reduce the
screen brightness to a comfortable level
- Lock the
iPad screen when not in use
- Close all
running apps when not in use
- At least
once a week, drain the battery to 0% and fully recharge to 100%. This will
aid the life of the battery.
Apple iPads are the only mobile device allowed to be
brought to school as part of the BYO
iPad program at Palmwoods SS. Palmwoods State School will not sanction
any other privately owned devices connecting to the school network, other than
the devices nominated in the BYO iPad
program supported devices section. This exclusion includes all other
private iPads, and mobile broadband devices. The policy has been enacted to
prevent exposure of the school network to security risks.
Mobile Network (3G & 4G) Connectivity…
Due to school-based policy, 3G and 4G compatible devices
are not allowed into school. This includes mobile phones, mobile broadband
devices and any other device with the capability of connecting to an external
cellular network. (3G/4G
compatible iPads are acceptable providing the SIM card has been removed) This policy has been made to ensure that our school network
is not compromised and that students are not able to access an unfiltered
internet connection whilst at school. Unfortunately there is no way to block a
cellular connection from iPads with this capability.
Security, Insurance and Finance…
While the BYO iPads will be securely stored during break
times, parents are encouraged to seek personal insurance (or Apple Care via
Apple). Check with your preferred insurance company (or even the iPad reseller)
about your personal insurance at home and, to and from school, for your iPad. The school cannot enter into any finance
arrangements with families for the iPads.
Damage in transit…
All iPads will require a protective case when being
transported. This will be an additional
cost but is well worth the outlay as it is the best form of insurance for iPads
and will often protect the device from impacts and accidents. An additional
sleeve to place the iPad in its cover is also recommended.
Damage at school…
All devices are monitored by teachers at school and rules
are in place to prevent foreseeable problems and damage. However, from time to
time, accidents may occur. If any damage
to a device is through negligence of the school, the school will cover the cost
of repair. If damage is caused by
deliberate or careless actions of a student (owner or others), the costs of
repair will be passed onto those involved and necessary behaviour consequences
may apply. The decision around the
responsibility for repair costs is at the discretion of the Principal.
Required apps
Each privately owned iPad in the BYO program will require
necessary apps to be installed at the cost of the parent (most are FREE). The
list of required apps can be found on the iLearn@Palmwoods page on our school website.
At Palmwoods State School, criteria is used to select
required apps for the iLearn@Palmwoods BYO iPad Program (final
approval for app selection is by the Principal or delegate). The 4 levels of
required apps at Palmwoods SS are:
Ø Whole
School (all classes at Palmwoods SS use these apps)
Ø Year
Level (all classes in a year level use these apps)
Ø Class
specific (all students in a class use these apps)
Ø Individual
student specific (based on the needs of individual students. These will be
negotiated between the teacher and parent)
An apps audit will occur at the end of each year to
finalise required apps for the following year. Palmwoods SS will endeavour to
monitor apps for changes to ensure they continue to comply with our apps
selection process.
Apps
may be requested by the individual classroom teacher to support class learning
or recommended to individual students to support individual students’ specific
learning needs.
Please visit our
dedicated BYO page at - www.palmwoodss.eq.edu.au- for more detailed information. We look forward
to an exciting year ahead with this program.
Kind
Regards
Peter
Wilson
Principal