BHS 9th Grade iPad Project FAQ

FAQ

Handbook

Student Planner

Bedford High School One-to-One Pilot Proposal for Incoming-Freshman

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the Overall Program:

• What is the BHS One-to-One-Pilot Proposal?
• What benefits are derived from a one-to-one program?
• How did we fund the iPad2 Pilot Project?
• What if I don't have Internet access?
• What is the plan after this one-year pilot?
• Why don't we just continue to use mobile labs?
• Why are iPads not being provided to students in grades 10-12 as part of the pilot?
• Can my child bring in his/her own iPad, netbook or laptop instead of using the iPad during this pilot?
• Will a "bring your own device" be supported in Bedford as it is in some colleges or universities?

Questions about the iPad::

• Why aren't we providing full-size laptops or netbooks?
• How long will the iPads last?
• What will happen to the iPads after four years?
• What model iPad are the students receiving?

Questions about Appropriate Use:

• What policies apply when using the iPads?
• How will the websites used be filtered and monitored?
• How do I monitor use at home?
• How do we monitor at school?
• Who can use the iPad?
• What will happen if my son or daughter forgets to bring the iPad to school?

Questions about Security:

• How will iPad be identified?
• How will iPads be protected from damage?
• How will iPads be secured during the school day?

Questions about Technology Training for Staff Members:

• Will staff at the high school be provided training on the integration of the iPads into the classroom?
• How will professional development be conducted?

Questions about Costs:

• Who owns the iPad?
• Who pays for accessories?
• Are there any school fees for using the iPad?
• Who is responsible for damage or theft of the iPad?
• What are the insurance options available to families to insure against loss, theft or damage to the iPad?

Questions about Technology Support and Maintenance:

• Do you have the infrastructure, technical expertise and experience for this project?
• How will the ipads be maintained?
• What will happen to my son or daughter's work stored on the iPad?
• What if a iPad is damaged or stolen?
• What will happen if my son or daughter has a broken iPad?

Questions about Feedback

• Do you want to know what I think?

Questions with Answers

Questions about the Overall Program:

What is the BHS One-to-One-Pilot Proposal?

The proposal is for Bedford to provide ipads to each 9th grade student and some 10th grade students taking 9th grade core courses for use anywhere to support and enhance teaching and learning. The idea is to greatly enhance availability of access to information and communications technologies to support students.

What benefits are derived from a one-to-one program?

Research has been conducted as to the benefits of a one-to-one program. The results include, but are not limited to, increased student engagement, authentic learning, better connections to learning styles, and an integration of current information. In addition, our staff has identified educational benefits including increased student motivation, additional time on learning, increased variety of instructional methods, improved access to information, and support of equal access for all students. We also believe use of the netbooks in school help to prepare students for this environment in college and in future careers.  The iPad also lends itself to increased student-centered and collaborative learning and provides immediate feedback on students' understanding to teachers.

How did we fund the iPad2 Pilot Project?

The funding for the iPad2 Pilot was derived from several existing line items. The annual cost of the 3 year lease is $53,242. For FY2012, some of the funding allocated for technology, textbooks, and professional development was used for the pilot. As we move into a 1:1 environment, we are moving away from the purchase of most textbooks, some supplies and some of the stationary technology; in addition, we are aligning our professional development budget with the needs that emerge as teachers seek more digital venues to support the classroom environment.

What if I don't have Internet access?

As a result of our survey to parents, we found 95% reported having Internet access at home. For the handful without access, it is available in or in proximity to the Bedford High School, Bedford Public Libraries and many other locations.

What is the plan after this one-year pilot?

If the assessment measures being developed show that the iPads do enhance teaching and learning, the tentative plan would be to have the freshman use the machines as they become sophomores and assign the next incoming freshman a new set of machines. This would continue until all Bedford High School students had iPads.

Why don't we just continue to use mobile labs?

Our computer labs and mobile labs have been very successful and provide us with a lot of experience with this type of technology but access is still limited both at school and at home. One of the major benefits to this initiative is equitable access to this powerful learning tool all day at school and all afternoon and evening and on weekends at home. Our mobile labs could not provide this.

Why are iPads not being provided to students in grades 10-12 as part of the pilot?

Cost is one consideration. Gradual increase will ensure our infrastructure and methods of support will work for this different type of machine use and expansion of the number of machines. We have computer labs, including mobile labs, which will increasingly become available for upperclassmen. From our experience we have learned the value of testing and building a program in reasonable increments.

Can my child bring in his/her own iPad, netbook or laptop instead of using the iPad during this pilot?

No. There are a number of reasons why, for this one-year pilot, we are not allowing this. Our plan is to fully monitor and evaluate the use of the school owned iPads. We believed providing consistent resources to students will help both students and teachers to implement effective learning activities.

Will a "bring your own device" be supported in Bedford as it is in some colleges or universities?

It is possible someday but currently we believe the unique needs of this age group, especially in the area of safety, warrant our approach. Additionally the infrastructure costs and the support needed to maintain this is currently beyond what we can support.

Questions about the iPad:

Why aren't we providing full-size laptops or netbooks?

Full-size laptops are more expensive. They are also bigger and more cumbersome to move around, do not have the all day battery life of an iPad and lack the wide variety of apps available on the iPad. They also don't fit as well on a student desk. Netbooks solve some of the limitations of a full size laptop, but they are underpowered for the needs of the student.  While they do offer some benefits that iPads do not, we believe iPads currently are the best and most cost effective technology for this pilot.

How long will the iPads last?

This is highly dependent on care and use, our current estimate is four to six years.

What will happen to the iPads after four years?

The iPads will either be recycled for use within the High School or relocated to other schools.

What model iPad are the students receiving?

The students and teachers will be using the iPad 2 - 16gb WiFi only model.

Questions about Appropriate Use:

What policies apply when using the iPad?

The iPads are to support teaching and learning. All the policies of the Bedford Public Schools apply especially the Student Acceptable Use Policy.

How will the websites used be filtered and monitored?

All internet access while used on the Bedford High School network is filtered and monitored in the same way we do with regular PCs and laptops.  When the iPads are used off campus, they will not be filtered in any way.  It is the responsibility of the student to use the iPad appropriatly.  We encourage parents to discuss appropriate use with their child and set guidelines for home and off campus use and monitoring.

How do I monitor use at home?

It is recommended with adolescents, that they use computers in an area that can be frequently seen by parents such as the dining or living room. If students work at desks in bedrooms, the door should always be open and the screen visible to parents who dare enter the sanctum. Please dare.

How do we monitor at school?

Our current internet filtering systems will also filter internet delivered to the iPads while they are used on the Bedford High School network.

Who can use the iPad?

The iPad can be used by the student only. The ipad is provided for educational support of the student and should not be used by others.

What will happen if my son or daughter forgets to bring the iPad to school?

This will be dealt with much like forgetting to bring in a book, paper, pen or pencil. There will be consequences but the consequences will not be withholding education. When appropriate, a loaner ipad may be provided.

Questions about Security:

How will iPads be identified?

iPads will be identified with markings on the iPad and iPad case. This is to help students, parents, and teachers ensure students are using their designated machine.

How will iPads be protected from damage?

iPads will be in the student's active possession most of the day. The expectation is that studentswill keep the iPads in the provided protective cases.

How will iPads be secured during the school day?

The iPads will be in the possession of the students through the school day.  In situations where the iPad is not in the possession of the student (such as in a physical education class),  iPads will be placed in a secure location (e.g. locked room, student locker) at the beginning of the period and retrieved at the end of the period.

Questions about Technology Training for Staff Members:

Will staff at the high school be provided training on the integration of the iPads into the classroom?

Yes. Professional development will be provided for the staff on the use and care of the iPad and software tools, and on curriculum integration. Ongoing professional development for many years has integrated the use of technology for classroom purposes and we believe our staff is well qualified to continue and expand proper integration. We also realize that additional and continued professional development is needed in this area.

How will professional development be conducted?

After determining the individual and groups needs of the staff members, professional development will occur through formal workshops, informal opportunities to learn from colleagues, co-teaching opportunities, online professional development, and one-to-one assistance.

Questions about Costs:

Who owns the iPads?

The iPads are the property of the Bedford Public Schools.

Who pays for accessories?

The iPad will be supplied with a cover, charger and sync cord.  Different covers than the one provided, stylus or other accessories can be purchased by the family at their cost.

Are there any school fees for using the iPad?

There are no school fees for participation in the iPad pilot.

Who is responsible for damage or theft of the iPad?

Students/parents are financially responsible for damage of the iPad due to negligence and for theft outside the school building.  Theft inside the school building will be covered by the school insurance.  Theft is not covered by the school insurance if the student leaves the iPad unattended, in an unlocked locker or in another unsecure location.

What are the insurance options available to families to insure against loss, theft or damage to the iPad?

Some homeowner policies will cover theft of the iPad when the device is in their home.  Check with your insurance carrier for more information.  You may be required to list the item on your policy.  Parents may also purchase third party insurance at their expense to cover the iPad.  Third party insurance often covers theft, loss, damage, liquid spills and other damage.  Policies run from approximately $50-$75 per year with multi year discounted packages available.

Questions about Technology Support and Maintenance:

Do you have the infrastructure, technical expertise and experience for this project?

Yes. Over the past decade the Town of Bedford has invested wisely into efficient and effective technology systems and has a solid infrastructure. Wireless technologies have been used for many years effectively with current mobile labs. The technology staff is only limited in numbers. Because of built-in efficiencies, continued professional development and training, team work, efficacy and work ethic, the technology team believes we can support this program now and into the future.

How will the iPads be maintained?

The iPads will be maintained by the Bedford Public Schools Technology Team.  Student volunteers will also be used to assist students and faculty.

What will happen to my son or daughter's work stored on the computer?

Student work saved to the iPad is the student's responsibility to backup.  The District assumes no responsibility for lost work due to malfunction or user error.  Students will be able to use DropBox, email and other means to backup and move files.

What if a iPad is damaged or stolen?

Accidental damage will be repaired at no cost to the parents. Instruction will be provided in proper care and remedial instruction required for those who accidentally damage the machines. Intentional damage (vandalism) and theft are illegal activities. If such cases arise we will work with the Bedford Police Department to provide proper justice and retribution.

What will happen if my son or daughter has a broken machine?

A loaner may be provided, if available, during repair or reimage.

Questions about Feedback:

Do you want to know what I think?

ABSOLUTELY! Whether you completely support the idea, are completely opposed, or more likely somewhere in the middle, your opinions and ideas are extremely important. We have included many people in the discussion, but we can't incorporate ideas we haven't heard. We can't answer questions that haven't been asked of us. You may be able to provide insights that we haven't thought about and as a result can help to make this draft better. If you have comments or questions, please email the Superintendent, Maureen LaCroix, High School Principal, Jon Sills or Network Administrator, Ken Lord