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Setting up the iPad for 2022 Algester state school

Need to purchase an iPad?

The school is happy to announce a partnership with JB Hi Fi Education Solutions to allow our school community to purchase a new iPad for school use at a reduced retail price. This reduction is currently 10% but may vary over time.

This is great news for new families to our school and those of you who would like to upgrade your child’s current iPad. The 9th Generation iPad is out soon and the minimum specifications are well in excess of the school requirements with considerably more speed and double the memory at the same price.

Taking advantage of the arrangement is simple:

iPad Requirements

All students in Prep to Year 6 will require an iPad that is capable of running the latest version of iOS, (iOS 15 operating system for iPads) and school-required Apps.

If purchasing a new iPad:

  • iPad 9th gen FULL SIZED
  • 32GB or higher capacity, enough available space for school-related files to use at least 30GB.

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. This policy has been made to ensure that our school network is not compromised and that students are not able to access and unfiltered internet connection whilst at school. Unfortunately there is no way to block a cellular connection from iPads with this capability; therefore WiFi only iPads are the only supported devices for the use at Algester State School.

Digital Vision at Algester State School:

Creating Futures … Together

As technology continues to change, so do the modes in which we work, play and learn.

Our vision is to develop student’s knowledge and digital skills they will require for the 21st century workforce to become:

✔️ Critical creative thinkers

✔️ Collaborative Learners

✔️ Problem solvers

There are 7 interconnected elements that make up our vision: Future Society; Learner Centred Voice and Choice; Increased Engagement and Motivation; Improved Student Learning Outcomes; Collaboration; Learning Taking Place Anywhere, Anytime and; Developing and Maturing as Digital Citizens.

iPads and the Curriculum:

iPads are used at Algester State School in a way that considers student’s individual, learning requirements, health and safety across a balanced curriculum.

Students will still require school books and pencils according to their booklist as their iPad will be used as one of the many tools for their learning.

The use of an iPad has not replaced the fundamental early year’s experiences that children require to develop fine, gross motor and social skills. With our balanced curriculum, iPads provide an important tool for teachers to provide 21st century learning experiences, giving added voice and choice for a learner-centered teaching approach.

Setting up your child's iPad

Use the 2022 BYO iPad - Set Up Checklist whilst following this Spark Page to ensure you have completed each step to set up your child's iPad ready for learning at Algester State School.

1. Check the iPad is capable of running iPad OS 15

iPad Air 2 or later models are able to take the latest iPadOS 15. iPad Air (Gen 1), iPad Mini 2 and 3 will not be able to take this upgrade. Refer to Apple Support to find out which iPad model your child has: http://apple.co/2qXVG6P

Ensure your child's iPad is updated to the latest iOS:

Settings > General > Software Update

2. Renaming the device

Name your child's iPad with their name and class. Eg. John C Prep A

Settings > General > About > Name

Also, write your child's name on the outside of the case.

3. Add a Lock Screen Passcode

All BYOD iPads must have a lock screen passcode. Students must tell their teacher the passcode for their iPad.

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Turn Passcode On

4. Add a Lock Screen Photo

Please add a photo of your child to the "Lock Screen" of your child's iPad so it is easily identified if left unattended..

Adding a photo to the Lock Screen.

  1. Take a photo of your child using the Camera App.
  2. Tap the “Settings” icon on your iPad’s Home screen to launch the Settings app.
  3. Tap “Wallpaper” and then tap "Choose a new wallpaper."
  4. Select "Camera Roll" and select the photo of your child
  5. Select "Select Set Lock Screen"
  6. Close the Settings App.

5. Enable - AirDrop

Students will use AirDrop in class to send and receive work.

Settings > General > AirDrop > Everyone

6. Disable - Offload Unused Apps

Settings > App Store > Offload Unused Apps (slide to grey = off)

7. Disable - iCloud Photos

iCloud cannot be used in Education Queensland.

Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos (slide to grey = off)

8. Enable - Speak Selection

This supports students by allowing the device to read words aloud that they may not know.

Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Speak Selection (slide to green = on), Speak Screen (slide to green = on), Speech Controller (on).

9. Turn off - Background App Refresh

This feature allows the iPad to continue working on Apps in the background but this slows down the device. We find it best to turn off the feature for the best efficiency.

Settings > General > Background App Refresh (Slide to grey = off)

10. Enable - All Keyboards and Dictation

This enables many features to enable children to type with ease.

Settings > General > Keyboards > Enable All Keyboard options (side to green = on), Enable Dictation (side to green = on), Enable Predictive (side to green = on).

11. Set your iPad language to English

Settings > General > Language & Region > iPad Language - English

12. Enable - Dictionary

This allows the built in dictionary to give the definitions of words.

Settings > General > Dictionary > English (UK)

13. Disable - In-App Ratings & Reviews and Offload Unused Apps

Settings > App Store > Disable In-App Ratings & Reviews (slide to grey = off) and disable Offload Unused Apps (slide to grey = off).

14. Set up Family Sharing

Family Sharing is the only way you can set up your child’s iPad correctly with an Apple ID for your child. This will ensure they are only accessing age appropriate Apps and content in Safari. Family Sharing allows for up to six people in your family to share each other’s Books and App Store purchases without sharing accounts. Parents are automatically prompted to approve or decline any purchases children make (free or paid) straight from their own device.

It is mandatory that your child's iPad is set up using your child's own Apple ID.

Please not not establish the iPad with a shared parent Apple ID.

16. Ensure your child’s iPad has these Apps pre-installed:

18. Screen Time Restrictions

With Screen Time, you can manage how much time your child is spending on their iPad, set limits for what they can access and ensure they are safe whilst online. With every new iOS update however, always check the Content and Privacy Restrictions outlined in the document have not reverted to factory settings.

19. Maintaining your child's iPad:

Repair iPad damages prior to the 2022 school year.

Transporting iPads from to home to school:

In transit, all iPads must be in a protective case inside their school bag. Water bottles should not be carried in same section.

  • iPads travel to school every day in a secure and safe manner
  • In a sturdy iPad case
  • Zipped in school bag or iPad carry bag
  • iPads are not to be used before school, after school, whilst on school property (this includes no use at Before/After School Care).

During the Day

  • iPads will be stored in the classroom whilst not in use.
  • Each student must adhere to the Classroom iPad Rules
  • iPads come to school charged. Charger should not come to school.
  • Students involved in extra-curricular clubs that require iPad access will be granted access under teacher supervision.

General Precautions:

  • Food or drink should not be next to your iPad when in use.
  • Cords, cables, and removable storage must be inserted into, and removed from the iPad carefully.
  • Always place the iPad on a table or your lap. Never leave it sitting on the floor for someone to accidentally step on.

Screen Care:

The screen can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. They are particularly susceptible to damage from excessive pressure and can be costly to repair.

  • Do not lean on the top of the iPad.
  • Do not place anything near the iPad that could put pressure on the screen.
  • Do not place anything in the carry case that will press against the cover.
  • Regularly clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth.

Battery Maintenance:

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
  • Disable connectivity such as WiFi and Bluetooth when not in use
  • Lock the iPad screen when not in use
We also require that an iPad Terms of Use Agreement be signed each year while your child is at the school.

This is to ensure you are aware of annual changes that may be required to ensure we keep abreast of technological changes.

iPad Terms of Use and Participation Agreement

Other Requirements:

Apps

For the Core List Apps and Year Level specific Apps please refer to the Core Apps and Year Level App sections.

Teachers may take advantage of other free Apps during the school year that complement the teaching and learning that is occurring at school. Teachers will advise if and when these will be required and it is expected that each student has these promptly to engage in the learning opportunities.

Headphones

Students are required to have over the head headphones with microphone. These are included in all year levels booklists.

Robust case

We strongly recommend a robust case with front and back covers to minimise potential damage.

Finance

The school cannot enter into any finance arrangements with families for devices.

Insurance

Parents are encouraged to provide personal insurance for their devices. Check with your preferred insurance company about personal insurance at home and to and from school for your iPad. You may want to investigate an extended Apple Care+ for iPad. For more information, visit http://www.apple.com/au/support/products/ipad.html

Damage

Any damage to iPads needs to be fixed quickly.

Guided Access:

Inside iPad’s Accessibility options, you’ll find a feature called Guided Access. This is a parental-control-type feature that can help you disable access to “marked areas” on the iPad screen.

Useful Scenarios:

Guided Access can come in handy at home for when:

  • You want to let your child use an App, but, want to prevent them from tapping buttons/links/areas within that App.
  • You want to disable hardware features such as the home-button or volume-button.
  • You only want your child to stay in the one App.

Please disable Guided Access for school.

Acceptable Use Agreement:

Information for Students and their Parents about Acceptable Usage

All students must comply with the iPad Terms of Use and Participation Agreement.

Some examples of acceptable use:

It is acceptable for students to use school iPads, computers and network infrastructure for:

  • assigned class work and assignments set by teachers;
  • developing literacy, communication and information skills;
  • authoring text, artwork, audio and visual material for publication on the Intranet or
  • Internet, solely for educational purposes as supervised and approved by the school;
  • conducting research for school activities and projects;
  • communicating with other students, teachers, parents or experts in relation to school work;
  • access to online references such as dictionaries, encyclopaedias, etc.
  • collaborating, researching and learning through the school’s e-learning environment

Unacceptable use could include:

  • downloading or publishing offensive messages or pictures;
  • using obscene, abusive, discriminatory or derogatory language
  • cyberbullying, harassing, or stalking others;
  • deliberately wasting printing and Internet resources;
  • intentionally damaging devices, computers, printers or the network equipment;
  • violating copyright laws which includes plagiarism;
  • using unsupervised internet chat;
  • sending chain letters or Spam e-mail (junk mail)
  • knowingly downloading viruses or other programs which breach network security eg .exe files for games
  • using a device’s camera anywhere inappropriate or for inappropriate purposes
  • invading someone’s privacy by recording images, personal conversations or activities
  • OR distributing or uploading (eg forwarding, texting, Bluetooth use) such material
  • sharing personal information (name, family member’s name, address, phone number etc) on internet or email other than for educational purposes of the school.

Program usernames and passwords are to be kept by the student and not divulged to any other individual (e.g. a student should not give their fellow students their username and password). Students cannot use another student or staff member’s username or password to access the school’s network.

What is expected of schools when providing student’s with access to ICT facilities?

Schools will provide information in relation to student access and usage of its network and reserves the right to restrict/remove student access to the intranet, internet or network facilities if parents or students do not adhere to the school’s network usage and access guidelines.

The school will educate students about cyber safety, including cyber bullying, safe internet and email practices and health and safety issues.

Where possible, classes involving internet usage by students will be prepared prior to class engagement, including, filtering and checking sites students are directed to visit. An assessment should be made of the appropriate timeframe for access to the internet for completing the set task or duration a student should have access to the internet (e.g. during schools hours, outside of school hours).

You will have signed an Agreement to these Terms and Conditions upon Enrolment at Algester State School.

What awareness is expected of students and their parents?

Students and their parents should:

  • Understand the responsibility and behaviour requirements (as outlined by the school) that come with accessing the school’s ICT network facilities and ensure they have the skills to report and discontinue access to harmful information if presented via the internet or e-mail;
  • Be aware that the ICT facilities should be utilised with good behaviour as stipulated under the Code of School Behaviour; and that students breaking these rules will be subject to appropriate action by the school. This may include restricted network access or loss of iPad privilege for a period as deemed appropriate by the school.
  • Be aware that access to ICT facilities provides valuable learning experiences, therefore giving the student educational benefits in line with the school’s educational program;
  • Be aware that the internet gives access to information on and from a wide variety of organisations, subjects, people, places with origins from around the world; the school cannot control information accessed through the internet; and information may be accessed or accidentally displayed which could be illegal, dangerous or offensive, with or without the student’s immediate knowledge; and
  • Understand that teachers will always exercise their duty of care, but protection, mitigation and discontinued access to harmful information requires responsible use by the student.

Cyber safety:

We recommend the following links for parents to learn more about how to keep your children safe when they are online.

Some documents designed for parents:

Credits:

Created with images by twinsfisch - "Follow us over on Instagram @twinsfisch #fischertwinsphotography. Please tag us when using our photo. Thanks!" • congerdesign - "apple green apple tree" • Benjamin Wong - "Three’s a crowd" • Jealous Weekends - "everygirlboss.com" • PIX1861 - "ipad tablet notebook"