Bishop

Stang High School 1:1 Technology FAQs

Beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, Bishop Stang High School will undertake a 1:1 technology initiative for the class of 2017. Every family of an incoming Bishop Stang freshman will be responsible to provide their son/daughter with an Apple iPad that meets the schools minimum requirements. The iPad will enhance our curriculum, supplementing the great things we do, and also give us the ability to extend learning beyond our classrooms by using the latest 21st Century technology. 1. What is a 1:1 technology initiative? A 1:1 technology initiative is a program through which every teacher and student has a standard technology device used for teaching and learning. 2. Why is Bishop Stang High School moving toward a 1:1 environment? A device in the hands of every student increases the opportunity for effective technology integration in the classroom. Daily integration of technology promotes active engagement, group collaboration, frequent interaction and feedback, and timely connection to the work outside the classroom. Standardization to one device is necessary in order to provide consistency for student learning experiences and increased productivity. 3. Why was an iPad chosen as the required device? The iPad has a long battery life, powers on quickly, and is lightweight. It is also resistant to viruses and malware. The iPad can be used in multiple ways for engaging instruction and supporting multiple learning outcomes. The iPad will be used for learning activities in the classroom that support a variety of 21st Century skills and enhance student engagement in curriculum content. Students will use the iPad for accessing information, note taking/media downloads, content creation, communication, and collaborative class activities. 4. Will all students be required to have an iPad? Each student must have an iPad that is his/her own. It will contain important documents, apps, and books to which the student will need daily access. Siblings will not be able to share iPads for use at school. 5. Who will provide the device? Families are required to provide each student with an iPad that meets the schools minimum requirements. Due to the potential implications with CIPA requirements for lease/purchase contracts, Bishop Stang will not be offering leasing or purchasing options. 6. How will the school ensure that teachers are using/maximizing the use of iPads in the classroom? The Technology Department is responsible for coordinating the professional development of teachers; this pertains to best practices and teaching methods for integration of technology into the classroom. All of our teachers will maintain a Adapted with permission from Bishop Feehan High School and Canisius High School.

predetermined number of professional development hours on a yearly basis so that they are current with the latest technology. 7. What are the minimum requirements for the device? An iPad 2 with 16GB of space and iOS 6 is the minimum requirement. 3G or 4G- capability is not necessary as students will be able to access the Bishop Stang wireless network on campus; while on campus students will be expected to use the wireless rather than another network. The iPad mini is an acceptable device as it meets these requirements. Color and additional options are left to the familys discretion. 8. Do accessories need to be purchased for the iPad? The school strongly recommends that each student purchase a protective case, ear buds, and writing stylus. 9. Do students need to have a computer as well as an iPad? Tablet devices such as the iPad, do not have the same functionality as a laptop or desktop computer. While the iPad will perform any tasks that a student will be asked to complete at school, there is also a need for regular computer access. The school strongly recommends that each student have access to a computer at home with a suite of office productivity tools, i.e., word processor, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students have access to the computers in the Bishop Stang Learning Commons and computer labs during school hours. Additionally, many local libraries have computers for patron use. 10. Who is responsible for damage and theft? It is the students responsibility to take care of his/her iPad and to secure it at all times. It is highly recommended that you purchase an AppleCare Protection Plan along with the device. Apple also offers free engraving on each device. 11. Will there be training or orientation for students? Freshman students will be required to attend an initial orientation session with a parent prior to the start of the 2013-2014 school year. At this session parents and students will get an overview of the device, install required apps, and review and sign the Acceptable Use Policy. Additional training sessions will be offered to students and parents throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to access the Bishop Stang Technology web site (http://stangtechnology.weebly.com) for news, calendars, and additional resources. 12. What is an Apple ID and why do I need one? Each student should set up his/her own individual Apple ID before setting up the iPad. An Apple ID is your user name for everything you do with Apple. It is required when downloading free or paid apps, backing up your iPad to iCloud, accessing customer support, etc. Apple IDs do not need to have a registered credit card number. You can opt to set up a credit card, enter a pre-paid iTunes card number, or restrict the account to free downloads. Adapted with permission from Bishop Feehan High School and Canisius High School.

13. Will specific apps be required? Yes, specific apps and resources will be announced at the required August training session. The will make every effort to utilize free and low cost apps for use in classroom lessons. Apple allows users to install some apps on more than one device in the family; families may be able to reduce costs of paid apps by utilizing this feature. 14. May a student install any app of his/her choice? The iPad is owned by the student/family, and we do not control the content on the iPad. However, students must abide by the Acceptable Use Policy of the Diocese of Fall River. 15. Will any student textbooks be available as e-books? The technology of the Apple iPad and eReaders has out-paced the ability of publishers to create interactive e-books. There are many e-books available and this will help families reduce, but not eliminate, all book costs. We anticipate the e-book savings to increase as more resources become available. 16. What happens if my students iPad is not charged, stops working or is lost? Having an iPad that is charged for use during the day is part of being prepared for class and will not be viewed as a non-working iPad. A full charge will easily last the school day. If the iPad is broken or lost, the family is responsible for replacing the iPad in a timely manner. Loaner iPads can be borrowed from the technology department for use during the day for emergencies only. Additional Notes: 1) This FAQ was not intended to answer every question you may have about the program. If you have a specific question please contact Jen Thomas, our Director of Library and Technology Integration, at jthomas@bishopstang.com or Linda St. Laurent, our Technology Specialist, at lstlaurent@bishopstang.com.
*Please note that this FAQ is based on the most current information we have available to us and is subject to change.

Adapted with permission from Bishop Feehan High School and Canisius High School.