The Nuts and Bolts

This section provides you with some considerations for implementing iPads in your school.

Technical support

Technical support for iPads is available in the iPad User Guide

ICT infrastructure

There are several tasks that need to be completed before iPads are distributed to students, including connection to the school wireless network and synching the iPad to an iTunes account. These tasks can be time-consuming so order the iPads early to help make additional technical support available during this process.

Warranty procedures

iPads part of the trial are covered by the standard Apple twelve month warranty. Calls should be placed to 1300 968 979.

Warranty logging is the responsibility of parents, unless schools opt to provide a single point of contact within the school.

Schools that aren’t part of the trial should speak to their iPad supplier for information about warranty procedures.

Distributing iPads to students

Schools should consider the timing of implementing iPads to minimise disruptions to classroom practice and the functioning of each device.

Initial student training should involve the care and maintenance of the iPads, explanation of student-user agreements, device familiarisation and a cybersafety program. This may occur before the iPads are provided to students for home use.

Safe and responsible use

The wireless capacity of iPads enables students to access the internet for information and research and to connect with their peers to communicate and collaborate. With this increased capacity to connect comes an increased need for students to understand the ethical and legal (including privacy and copyright) considerations for safe and responsible behaviour online.

To protect students from unsuitable content, website filters will operate at school, content will be periodically checked and learning activities supervised.

When not in use, iPads should be kept secure and out of sight. Students should always carry their iPads in their schoolbag when travelling to and from school.

Tips for parents

Schools can provide parents with tips about learning with the iPad and safe and responsible online behaviour:

1. You don’t need good computer skills to help your child learn to use their iPad. Your interest and encouragement are more important than computer literacy.
2. Encourage your child to keep their iPad in its protective bubble case. Don’t put heavy books on top of the iPad when it is in the schoolbag or on a desk.
3. The iPad will come with an iTunes Gift card. This can be used to download the applications selected by the Department. Students will be able to customise their iPad by purchasing additional applications, movies and music at their own cost. Parents should keep control of the password required to download any other free or purchased applications.
4. Remind your child to recharge the iPad overnight to ensure it is ready for each school day.
5. Supervise use at home by ensuring iPads are used in family areas rather than bedrooms.
6. Consider setting screen time limits to avoid overuse.
7. Talk to your school if any issues arise.

A range of resources are available for teachers to use to highlight safe and responsible use of the internet as part of their learning and teaching program, see: Cyber Smart