What You Need to Know about iPads at GHS

Starting in the fall, every student at the new will receive an iPad.

The cost of this project is roughly $320,000, with about half of that amount coming as part of the technology budget for the new building, Superintendent of Schools James Cummings said.

The other half of the cost will be covered in the equity from the three-year lease from Apple for technology for all the schools.

Grafton High School principal James Pignataro and assistant principal Maureen Cohen have posted a series of questions and answers about the iPad initiative on the Grafton High School Web site.

Here are some of the questions and answers:

Why are we doing this now?

We are creating a 21st century school and shifting to mobile technology integration is a 21st century model, which places students at the center of their own learning.

Are we ready?

We are ready and excited for this shift.  We have focused on technology integration as well as 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking for over two years.

Why are we buying an iPad? Isn’t is just a gadget for students?

We are not focused on the device, but rather about providing access to information 24-7. It’s about access to info, solving problems and inquiry. It’s about equity. It’s about engagement in lifelong learning.

Why an iPad and not a laptop or tablet?  What else did you consider?

eBooks, laptops, and other tablets were evaluated. The iPad presented the most cost-effective solution for digital curriculum delivery and ease of use.

While considering all the tablet and laptop devices, we reviewed educational needs, total cost of ownership, current trends in market and education, to make the best decision at this time.

Is the wireless network robust?

Yes! The network has been specifically designed to support 1:1, providing enough bandwidth for everyone. There are wireless access points throughout the building and classrooms.

Who owns the devices?

The district owns them.

Will students use cloud storage and if so, what will it be?

Yes.  Students will have online access and we are currently researching Google Apps as well as Apple Cloud options. Other cloud storage is available through apps like Dropbox.

How will you manage the iPads and apps?

The technology department manages all iPads and computers using Casper Suite software. Casper is the leading management system used by schools for this function.

What type of Internet filtering will you use?

During the school day, internet filtering is provided through MecNET, our Internet Service Provider. Grafton Public Schools is compliant with the Child Information Protection Act (CIPA).  When students take the iPads home, they will use a special browser provided by Lightspeed, INC. This browser will route the Internet traffic through our filter.

What is the schedule for implementation?

Student iPads will be distributed Aug. 6-17.  At orientation sessions a resource handbook will be provided for parents and students.  More detailed information about signing up for these dates will be released in June.

What type of support will there be for parents? For students?

Ongoing parent workshops will be offered. Additionally, an online resource page will be provided with tutorials. A high school help desk of students will provide ongoing support to students. There will be a tech integration specialist who will be available for assistance and training.

What training will students need?

An introductory session for students/parents will be part of the initial orientation/pick-up process in August.