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Why does the school have a Bring Your Own iPad program?
Why does the school have a Bring Your Own iPad program?
At St Michael’s we aim to provide the best education possible. A quality education strives for consistent student engagement where different learning styles are catered for. Giving students ready access to appropriate digital technologies is an important action in catering for all learning styles.
At St Michael’s we aim to provide the best education possible. A quality education strives for consistent student engagement where different learning styles are catered for. Giving students ready access to appropriate digital technologies is an important action in catering for all learning styles.
Furthermore, current syllabus documents require students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to work in “multi-modal” ways. This means learning and presenting work in a variety of ways: written form, spoken form, and using digital technologies. In order for this to occur the students need ready access to tools which allow them to learn and present work in these modes. The iPad is one such reliable tool which integrates well with the IT systems used at the school and within Sydney Catholic Schools,
Furthermore, current syllabus documents require students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to work in “multi-modal” ways. This means learning and presenting work in a variety of ways: written form, spoken form, and using digital technologies. In order for this to occur the students need ready access to tools which allow them to learn and present work in these modes. The iPad is one such reliable tool which integrates well with the IT systems used at the school and within Sydney Catholic Schools,
What version of iPad is required?
What version of iPad is required?
We recommend purchasing the most basic current iPad with the smallest amount of storage. The current model is the iPad 9th Generation 10.2” wifi 64GB for approximately $499 (if you ask for education pricing at an Apple store you might be able to purchase for $469...remember to say that your child is a student at Sydney Catholic Schools) . An iPad with larger storage capacity is not needed as once the students commence using the Google Suite of applications they have unlimited cloud storage through their Google account. Please do not buy the iPad Mini.
We recommend purchasing the most basic current iPad with the smallest amount of storage. The current model is the iPad 9th Generation 10.2” wifi 64GB for approximately $499 (if you ask for education pricing at an Apple store you might be able to purchase for $469...remember to say that your child is a student at Sydney Catholic Schools) . An iPad with larger storage capacity is not needed as once the students commence using the Google Suite of applications they have unlimited cloud storage through their Google account. Please do not buy the iPad Mini.
NB - All students in Sydney Catholic Schools automatically receive a Google account.
NB - All students in Sydney Catholic Schools automatically receive a Google account.
All students will also need headphones (with a microphone if possible) in a labelled plastic snap lock bag.
All students will also need headphones (with a microphone if possible) in a labelled plastic snap lock bag.
How should the iPad be set up?
How should the iPad be set up?
In the information pack there are instructions on how to set up the iPad and the apps required.
In the information pack there are instructions on how to set up the iPad and the apps required.
Some myths about the iPad program
Some myths about the iPad program
The BYO iPad is not about:
The BYO iPad is not about:
- Compromising students' basic skills...
*It is about improving them in a meaningful context and further developing higher order thinking skills. - Students playing games with apps...
*It is quite the opposite. Only specific apps will be used to create various learning experiences that cater for their individual needs. - Students spending more time on computers…
*It is about personalising the learning, having greater access to resources, and collaboration with other learners and teachers. - Students accessing any internet sites without a level of responsibility...
*It is about teaching students to be digital citizens, coupled with teacher supervision, internet filtering, and a strict user policy.
What steps can be taken to minimise the risk of damage to the iPad?
What steps can be taken to minimise the risk of damage to the iPad?
- A sturdy protective case is required. We recommend the Griffin Survivor Case.
- We recommend that in Kindergarten the iPads do not go home each day. Most parents have been very happy for the children to only bring the iPad home for school holidays.
We cannot afford to buy an iPad. What options do we have?
We cannot afford to buy an iPad. What options do we have?
Families that are struggling with any costs related to schooling are urged to call the school office to speak with Mr Story. The school will always assist families during times of need.
Families that are struggling with any costs related to schooling are urged to call the school office to speak with Mr Story. The school will always assist families during times of need.
I understand that we need to move with the times and I am grateful our school is progressive, however I am concerned that it is at the risk of not correctly learning the basic skills.
I understand that we need to move with the times and I am grateful our school is progressive, however I am concerned that it is at the risk of not correctly learning the basic skills.
The iPad program has not impacted our students’ basic skills. In fact, our school’s NAPLAN scores for the last 3 years are the strongest that the school has ever achieved (we commenced the iPad program in Kindergarten and Year 3 in 2015). In Writing, our students scored well above statistically similar schools in both Years 3 & 5. Furthermore, from next year NAPLAN will be online. By having an iPad as one of the students’ regular learning tools they should be very ready to sit NAPLAN online.
The iPad program has not impacted our students’ basic skills. In fact, our school’s NAPLAN scores for the last 3 years are the strongest that the school has ever achieved (we commenced the iPad program in Kindergarten and Year 3 in 2015). In Writing, our students scored well above statistically similar schools in both Years 3 & 5. Furthermore, from next year NAPLAN will be online. By having an iPad as one of the students’ regular learning tools they should be very ready to sit NAPLAN online.
I still have more questions. How can these be answered?
I still have more questions. How can these be answered?
Please email or call the school (9808 2658) and one of our staff members will be able to answer your questions.
Please email or call the school (9808 2658) and one of our staff members will be able to answer your questions.
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