iPads are light, highly portable and easy to use devices. Their flexibility allows easy integration of higher order and creative thinking skills and opportunities to share learning in a range of school contexts. At Gibbs Street Primary School, we have tested iPads in a variety of contexts, across a wide range of curriculum areas and found them to be suitable for both our current and predicted future requirements. iPads have proven to be an invaluable tool in supporting students with additional needs as well as a user-friendly interface for STEM and digital technology applications.
The iPad operating system has the reputation of being robust and intuitive. Apple has a track record of supporting the iPad with operating system and security updates far beyond the supported lifetime of other tablets. Importantly, these updates are available worldwide without delay. These two factors are considerable in terms of online safety and the longevity of investment for each device.
Apple also has an Education Team that provides guidance, support and professional development second to none.
Yes, as long as the iPad meets the minimum hardware requirements listed above and adheres to the school’s policy regarding appropriateness of apps and media, including background pictures. Please note, older iPad models may suffer a drop in usable battery hours and performance, which may impact iPad usability in a classroom setting.
Student devices must NOT contain a SIM card as this can be used to circumvent school online security and safety mechanisms. Should a device with this capability be used it MUST have the SIM card removed prior to arrival at school each day.
All of our apps will be managed by a Mobile Device Management system or MDM. This is called Jamf School. Parents may also request access to this system for home use through Jamf Parent.
Jamf Parent is an app you can use to manage your child’s school-issued device. Using Jamf Parent, you can manage your child’s school-issued device with the following features:
- Allow and restrict apps to choose which apps your child can use.
- Enable App Lock to set a timer for app restrictions.
- Create locations to see the approximate location of your child’s device.
- Create a Device Rule to schedule app restrictions.
Department of Education firewalls are in place and monitors.
Students will have access to complete some tasks. All access is monitored via the school network monitoring and filtering system. As part of internet access all students are taught appropriate and safe use in accessing online resources.
All apps used at school are at no cost to parents. The Western Australian Department of Education provides a license for students to download and use the Microsoft Office Suite of applications. .
We do everything to ensure that all devices are used appropriately and remain safe. No responsibility is taken by the school for loss or damage of personal iPads. Apple has AppleCare+ protection in Australia which provides for extended warranty and support. Apple Care+ can be purchased for a small additional cost or within the bundle package and provides a warranty. More information can be found here: http://www.apple.com/au/support/products/
Teachers at Gibbs Street Primary School can assist with network connectivity issues.
If you purchased AppleCare+ you will have 24/7 technical support and an extended warranty. Your first option would be to access the support provided by Apple experts through AppleCare+.
Depending on where you purchased your iPad, you would need to refer to the warranty you selected at the point of sale. This is often a 1-year limited warranty.
iPads will need to be charged each night at home. Charging stations will be available at school, but students need to learn to take responsibility for charging their own devices as part of owning and managing a device.
No. Only the owner of the device will be using it. There will be times where students will be working with groups and will need to share content, which will be done through wireless transfer of documents, photos, videos etc.
Yes, the Education Department has several documents related to iPad use in schools. These include the Students Online Policy, Information Communication Technologies Security Policy and Procedures and Student Online Guidelines. The school requires students and parents participating in the 1:1 iPad Program to sign a Device Usage Agreement that outlines the Code of Conduct for all users. This agreement will be made in preparation for the beginning of each school year. These documents will be available on the school website.
Although students will have their iPad with them and available for use throughout the day, they will not be used in every lesson and their use will vary from day to day depending on the learning focus.
No, iPads are not intended to replace pencil and paper. Students will still use pencil and paper every day and legible handwriting will continue to be a focus. iPads will be used to aid the development of critical thinking skills, problem solving, creativity and innovation. They will be used to enhance teaching programs and learning experiences, not to replace basic skills.
Yes, students will access the school’s network and Wi-Fi while at school. Students will log on to the network through an authentication process using a secure username and password. This authentication process ensures students are protected by the Department of Education’s firewall. Students learn how to stay safe and protect their identity while online as part of the Digital Technologies curriculum.
Yes, taking photographs of objects and other students is part of the learning program. Seeking permission before taking any photo of another person is agreed to as part of the Device Usage Agreement signed by all students participating in the 1:1 iPad Program. Students and parents also agree to not share photos with anyone else or distribute them on any other platform without permission.
The use of social networking sites is not permitted during school hours and is blocked by the School Internet Gateway (SIG).
The Department of Education has introduced a new policy in 2021 where parental consent or awareness is required each year as some of these services require student, parent and/or school details to be provided to the service. In order to comply with this policy, your consent will be requested for your child to be given access to the Department’s Online services as well as the Third Party Services the school has carefully selected. The school has very thorough policies and a strong code of conduct for using the iPad at school. The policies extend to staff, students and parents. The agreement clearly outlines student expectations and complements the existing school ICT online code of conduct document which is signed at enrolment.
In order to comply with this policy, your consent will be requested for your child to be given access to the Department’s Online services as well as the Third Party Services the school has carefully selected.