Below are some frequently asked questions in regards to our students using iPads in schools. The answers provided are to be used as a guide only — please contact your school directly for answers specific to your child's unique learning environment. 

iPad Setup and settings

WHAT IPAD DO I BUY?

If your child currently has an iPad for their exclusive use at school, then that iPad could be fine. Please note that from 2020 onwards NAPLAN will be completed online for students in Years 3 and 5 and your child will need a compatible iPad. iPad Air and above are compatible with NAPLAN. If you are purchasing a new iPad then aim for purchasing the latest model, currently the iPad 9 (2022).

The iPad Mini does NOT meet the minimum size requirements for NAPLAN Online testing, and so, should not be purchased for your child’s use.

We also recommend that the iPad is WiFi only — not Cellular. This means there are no additional internet usage charges, and your child will only be connected to the internet when WiFi is available (at school for example).
 

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE AN IPAD FROM?

There are a number of stores that stock and sell iPads. Many do have finance available if needed. Stores include: Educom IT, Mac1, OfficeWorks, JB Hi-Fi, Domayne, Good Guys, JoyceMayne, Big W, Harvey Norman and Apple Online and Refurb-Store.
 

HOW MUCH STORAGE/MEMORY DOES MY CHILD NEED?

The standard model 32GB should be sufficient. If storage is full on your child’s iPad, all school-required apps/work need to stay on the iPad – games/photos should be deleted.
  

DOES MY CHILD NEED A KEYBOARD FOR THEIR IPAD?

A Bluetooth Keyboard is NOT required but you and your child may decide that this is a worthwhile purchase — it’s your choice. ACARA's NAPLAN Online testing has discovered that children perform best when using the device that they use each day.

So, children who normally use physical keyboards should use them in the NAPLAN Tests, and children that do not use physical keyboards should not use them for the NAPLAN Online Exams. There were no advantages observed for users with a Bluetooth keyboard over those without. Correct posture will be reinforced whilst working with the iPad.
  

WHAT TYPE OF PROTECTIVE CASE DOES MY CHILD’S IPAD REQUIRE?

Many cases include the screen cover with the case. We recommend a smart cover for the iPad (a cover that turns the iPad on and off by opening and closing it). The case should cover the back of the iPad, its 4 corners and also a flap that will protect the screen. It is ideal for the case to have a stand option (either a pull-out flap or a resting place for the iPad). Most cases have the option for 360 degree turn, this means students can choose which orientation works best for them.

You may also wish to have a carry case for your child’s iPad, for extra protection whilst in their school bags – this is an extra option for parents.
 

ARE WE REQUIRED TO INSURE THE DEVICE THROUGH OUR HOME AND CONTENTS INSURANCE?

CEDoW strongly recommends that each family insure their device against accidental damage, theft and loss. The AppleCare Warranty that comes with your device will only cover standard breakdown and repairs. It is incumbent upon each family to explore the appropriate type and level of cover for their iPad purchase.

Alternatively, AppleCare+ is an additional cost that includes, for a service fee, accidental damage coverage.
  

WHAT ABOUT VIRUSES?

There is currently no issue with viruses when using iPads.
 

CAN I RESTRICT HOW MUCH TIME MY CHILD USES THE IPAD OR USES CERTAIN APPS ON THE IPAD?

Yes, under Settings → Screen Time, there are options to enable iPad ‘Downtime’ and to set ‘App Limits’. You can also see how much time is being spent on each app and make judgements about restricting the iPad usage.
 

CAN I FILTER OUT ANY UNDESIRABLE SITES FROM MY CHILD’S IPAD?

Yes, under Settings → Screen Time, there is a Restrictions option. There are several options here where you can alter the settings for Web Sites for example to ‘Limit Adult Content’ rather than ‘All Websites’.
 

WHAT IS A GOOGLE ACCOUNT?

Every CEDoW student has a ‘Google’ account which allows them access to features such as email, hosted by Google, known as DOW Cloud. The DOW Cloud services allow students to set up calendars to keep track of events and due dates, commenting on blogger, word processing, spreadsheets, email and sharing options with their class teacher. Students may also use DOW Cloud to store work in an organised and accessible manner (from any device anywhere in the world – no USB required).
 

HOW DO I SET UP AN APPLE ID/ICLOUD ACCOUNT?

An Apple ID is your username for everything you do with Apple: Shop the iTunes Store, enable iCloud on all your devices, buy from the Apple Online Store, make a reservation at an Apple Retail Store, access the Apple Support website, and more. Assistance will be provided to set up an Apple ID for your child or you may set up your own in the next few months. These IDs will be attached to an iCloud account and will be the means through which the school provides apps for their learning.
  

HOW WILL MY CHILD OR I KNOW WHICH APPS ARE REQUIRED?

All school/educational apps will be purchased by the school and supplied to the Students via a download link. Each term all students will be emailed the app link/s to their DOW Google email account for download. The cost of the apps for the year, will be covered by the technology fee and these apps will be gifted to the students.
 

WILL MY CHILD AND I HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FEATURES OF THE IPAD AND/OR APPS?

Yes – class teachers with support from CEO personnel will run boot camps throughout the year to assist students and parents in their skill development with iPads. We ask parents to notify the school office of any particular areas they would like help with.
  

USING THE iPAD AT SCHOOL

WILL MY CHILD’S IPAD BE NEEDED AT SCHOOL EVERYDAY?

Yes. In the case where the iPad is not required at school students will be notified in advance (athletics carnivals, gala days, etc).

HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE SPENT ON THE IPADS IN CLASS?

This will be decided upon by the classroom teacher. As discussed in some smaller groups during the meeting, some activities are programmed, whilst others are on the go (teaching opportunities). Please note: the iPad is a tool just like a textbook or a pen and no time can be determined around it.

WILL MY CHILD STILL BE READING BOOKS AND WRITING IN WORKBOOKS? 

Yes absolutely – balance is best! The iPad as outlined in the question above is one of many learning tools used in the classroom.

WILL MY CHILD BE TAKING THEIR IPAD OUT OF THE CLASSROOM?

iPads will remain secured in the classroom during break times (including wet weather). At times, students may be asked by their class teacher to complete learning experiences outside the classroom. If this occurs, all students will be reminded of expectations and will be supervised.

HOW WILL MY CHILD'S IPAD BE KEPT SAFE A SCHOOL?

All iPads are kept in the students' bags before school. Students' iPads are brought into the classroom for the whole day and

kept secured during break times and the classroom door locked. When students are not using their iPads they are placed under their desks in the tub attached. All students are shown how to passcode protect their iPads for extra security, how to backup on iCloud and store work on Google Drive.

HOW WILL MY CHILD'S IPAD BE BROUGHT TO AND FROM SCHOOL?

All iPads will remain in your child’s bag until they go into class. Students place their iPads in their bags at the end of the day, where they remain until they arrive home. The school encourages all students to not take their iPads out of their bags whilst travelling to and from school (including the bus).

AT HOME

WILL MY CHILD BE USING AN IPAD FOR HOMEWORK?

Yes. A combination of written homework and homework utilising the iPads will likely be given.

WHAT IF MY CHILD WANTS TO BUY OTHER APPS TO USE AFTER SCHOOL HOURS?

Students will have a credit card free Apple ID. We recommend that discounted iTunes cards be used with your child's account. Hence, as the student owns their device they can purchase other Apps at their parent’s discretion.

CAN I CONNECT TO THE INTERNET FROM MY HOME NETWORK?

Yes. The iPads can adjust between home and school settings. Note that the internet protections in place at school do not apply at home and parents are responsible for internet access at home.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO RUN THE IPAD?

According to Forbes, charging an iPad every day for a year will require 12kWh of electricity per year, which will cost just a few dollars per year.

Troubleshooting

WHAT IF MY CHILD OR I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY IPAD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?

The most important thing to remember if your child has problems with their iPad at school, is to let the class teacher know as soon as possible so that the problem can be addressed. If the problem can be fixed at a school level it will, if not it will be passed onto CEO for further help.The school site also has a Learning Technologies page that outlines a range of things regarding iPads – including support.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD USES THE IPAD INCORRECTLY?

Students are to follow all school and teacher directions in relation to apps and usage of iPads. Any misuse of iPads will follow school policy.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD'S IPAD IS DAMAGED AT SCHOOL? 

If the iPad is lost, stolen or damaged at school, the student must report it to their teacher immediately. The teacher will provide an Incident Report Form for completion. Action in response to damage or loss will be determined by the school.

WHAT TYPE OF ACTIONS WILL NOT BE SUPPORTED BY THE SCHOOL? 

Damage caused to the screen or other fragile components by misuse or application of excess force or twisting by the student to their own device. Repairs or issues dealt with under warranty.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DEVICES ARE LOST TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL?

In this circumstance, students or parents must report the incident to the school and it will be investigated as per our school incident procedures. The outcome for these types of incidents will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your school.

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