FAQ
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The latest advice can be found here: iPad Specification
We advise against providing pupils with an iPad which accepts a SIM card. It is not required and will result in unnecessary expense. iPads are available in a variety of different capacity (size) configurations. In most cases a 32GB model will be appropriate.
We must stress the importance of having a case for iPads to minimise damage. Evidence shows a sturdy case goes a long way in this regard and hence minimises any interruption to learning.
We also strongly recommend you make sure your iPad is insured.
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We will provision all of the required Apps via our mobile device management (MDM) solutions. These will be deployed to iPads automatically when the pupil registers on our system. Inevitably, there will also be additional Apps the pupils will wish to have. We advise parents to configure Family Sharing and Ask to buy to facilitate this. Alternatively provide an iTunes voucher. We highly recommend that you do not attach a credit or debit card details to to your child’s account.
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The vast majority of Apps will be downloaded as and when required by the owner/user of the iPad, namely the student. We advise this is done at home. When a pupils registers his/her iPad on our systems, the RGS App Catalogue or Zuludesk Student App will be installed on the device to assist the pupils find and then install the required school related apps.
Each iPad is for both personal and school use, so you will be able to install what you want – with the understanding that only school-related Apps will be used during lesson time. Students will need to realise that the device is primarily for educational purposes and that they will need to ensure space is available for loading educational apps and work.
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Yes. This initiative is about teaching and learning.
For the initiative to succeed it is essential that all parties (teachers and learners) use the same type of tablet. We wish to harness and embrace the ecosystems that go hand in hand with the iPad, ranging from the quality of the Apps we will use combined with the built in features such as the camera.
We will not forbid students bringing in other devices, and we will endeavour to ensure our IT infrastructure is capable of supporting all ‘Bring Your Own Device’ types. However the training, equipment and systems that will be adopted by our teachers will not enable your son/daughter to benefit fully from the DLP initiative without an iPad.
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We announced our Digital Learning Programme at an event to staff on 19 June 2013, explaining what we intended and why. We provisioned each teacher with their own iPad.
More importantly however all our teachers are engaged on an extensive training program to ensure they are appropriately skilled to both use, and teach with an iPad. That training will remain ongoing. We have engaged with and learnt from other schools to ensure we are best placed to learn from their experiences.
We are also an Apple Distinguished School and an Apple Regional Training Centre which means that we share our knowledge and work closely with staff across all four of our schools and participate in online events held across the world to share and learn from other teaching professionals.
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An iPad is not a direct replacement for a laptop or a desktop any more than it might be considered a replacement for a phone. The device and the operating software (iPadOS) have developed a lot since we began this program. The iPad is as powerful as many laptops on the market and has some really excellent functionality. As pupils become more expert in their use, they may find themselves using a laptop/desktop more infrequently.
We still have desktops computers that the students can use any time of day if required.
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Yes, subject to adherence to normal school rules.
Phones must be kept on silent in lessons, but making use of the technology appropriately will be welcome, as directed by the class teacher.
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In short, Yes.
All or our students receive lessons on this and all aspects of digital safety.
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We will encourage students to use online dictionaries, app based dictionaries and paper based dictionaries, as appropriate. We wish all our students to be proficient in the use of all three types.
The iPad does not replace books and paper. It is used when appropriate to improve teaching and learning.
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Not at all.
Our vision sees RGS pupils using technology appropriately to enhance teaching and learning. We intend to offer a blended learning environment. We continue to value the importance of ensuring all our pupils, without exception, are able to read, write and are fully numerate. These tools will further enhance opportunities that pupils have to excel in these areas.
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No change here. Students will still be expected to hand write work. In many cases pieces of work are submitted for marking by photographing the hand written pages.
We will continue to teach pupils to write in our Prep Schools, and we will continue to place emphasis on tidy and legible handwriting.
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As suggested in another answer, exams and essays will still be handwritten. If these would benefit from electronic marking then they can be photographed or scanned and sent digitally to the teacher, consequently providing an electronic backup of the work.
This is much the same as the way in which exams are actually marked today.
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There are some excellent wireless keyboards or keyboard cases on the market if this is your preference to assist with typing. Some mice can also now be used with the iPad as well as writing implements such as the Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon providing different choices for typing and note taking.
As suggested in another answer, exams and essays will still be handwritten. If these would benefit from electronic marking then they can be photographed or scanned and sent digitally to the teacher, consequently providing an electronic backup of the work.
This is much the same as the way in which exams are actually marked today.
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We want this to be an inclusive scheme.
We hope that no child will be excluded from the programme because of their financial circumstances, so please come and talk to us so we can ensure your child is included. In the first instance, please contact the School Accountant, John Ralph.
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This will disadvantage the learner, and be treated in the same way as not having any other item of required equipment, ie through the Sanctions and Rewards Policy.
We please ask that devices arrive at school fully charged each morning. If the iPad is forgotten or damaged, please speak to the IT technicians who have a limited number of loans devices available.