iPad FAQ

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Where can I learn about the iPad? Hide

You can learn about the iPad directly from Apple - http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/. This is one of the most thorough hands-on reviews of the iPad from when it was released: http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2010/04/ipad-review.ars. The operating system has since been updated to add new features, but it still provides a useful review of the basics for those interested in learning more. The new features are discussed on the previously linked Apple page and here: http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/ios-4-2-review-for-ipad/. Students (and parents too) are welcome to drop into the tech office if you would like to have a hands-on demo of the device.

When will students first receive their iPads? Hide

All students will receive their iPads during the first week of school in the Fall of 2011.

Will there be any training for students on how to use the iPads? Hide

Yes. We will begin the school year with some training sessions and continue them through the year. We will also be holding some parent education events. We feel that training for faculty, students and families is critical to the success of this initiative.

Do students get to take them home at night? Hide

Yes, absolutely! The full benefits of the program can only be realized if students can use these devices both at school and at home.

May students opt out of using the iPad altogether? Hide

The short answer is no... the benefits of a tool like this can only be achieved if the tool is ubiquitous.

Will the school do any training for parents about the iPad? Hide

Yes, we'll be hosting parent education events at the start of next school year and will also publish resources online.

Can students install their own apps? Hide

Yes. We will be preloading the iPads with some apps, but we do want students to be able to load their own too. Students will be responsible for keeping their apps (and all data) synced to a computer at home since we will be periodically wiping the iPads when we perform maintenance.

Can I, as a parent, control what apps my child installs? Hide

We are investigating parental control software for the iPad and will publish details when we know more; however, our expectation is that all apps will be purchased through the App Store, which already curates the app selection.

Will students get to keep their iPads over the summer? Hide

Most likely yes. We will require all students to return their iPads for a maintenance period each summer.

Do students get to keep them when they graduate?. Hide

We don't know for sure yet. The school might choose to offer graduating students the opportunity to purchase their iPads at fair market value but we are still finalizing our financing details. However, we will make sure that graduating seniors get to keep a copy of all content they have created on the iPad.

My student already has an iPad. Will s/he be able to use that one? Hide

We haven't finalized this one yet. However, if we do allow it, student-owned iPads will need to be handed into the IT department to be turned into "managed" devices to ensure we have consistent security, configuration, apps and content.

What happens if an iPad gets broken, lost or stolen? Hide

If an iPad is broken, stolen or lost through negligence (such as leaving it unattended), the family will be billed for a new device. Applecare will cover hardware malfunctions for the three-year lifespan of the device, but not breakages caused by the user. We'll be providing cases and instruction on caring for the iPad.

Will students still have the option to get all of their textbooks (instead of just some of their texts) on paper next year? Hide

The short answer is no. Currently, individual teachers make many decisions about which materials to provide electronically and which to provide in hard copy. Next year our faculty will be making the same kinds of decisions, but with the added dimension of a school-wide tool to make accessing and interacting with electronic documents more convenient for students. As usual, after the community has had a chance to adapt to a new system, we will solicit feedback and make necessary adjustments.