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Q
Why has Brentwood School adopted a 1:1 iPad program?
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A
The iPad has emerged as one of the leading new tools in education. After conversations with faculty, students and parents, we felt that the iPad was an excellent instrument to give each of our students access to the technology that they would need to augment a 21st-century education. iPads help expand existing curricula and transform many lessons. We have already seen firsthand how these devices can work in our classrooms. Not only do iPads reduce the number of physical textbooks required by each student, thereby reducing the weight of their backpack, iPads also reduce the use of paper at Brentwood School.
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Q
Why iPads, as opposed to other devices?
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A
iPads are mobile, compatible in a variety of environments, and inexpensive. In addition, there are many apps available to aid, enrich, and empower our students' learning. The eReader capability also dramatically reduces the use of paper textbooks and documents.
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Q
Will iPads be used in every classroom?
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A
iPads are used to replace a number of the textbooks that students use. Teachers will increase the use of electronic means of communicating and sharing information with students. In addition, many teachers are incorporating iPads into their classroom teaching to enhance student learning. The Schoology app for the iPad will be used by all Upper School teachers as a means for delivering their course syllabi, homework, projects, schedules, and quizzes. In the end, it will be up to each member of the faculty to determine how he/she will incorporate the iPad into the curriculum.
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Q
What support will teachers be given to use the iPad as an effective educational tool?
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A
Teachers have engaged in and will continue to receive on-going professional development throughout the school year.
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Q
Who owns the iPad?
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A
Our iPad purchase program is a lease-to-own program. Technically, Brentwood School will still own the iPad during the first year of acquisition. After the second payment in the Fall of the second year, students and families will own their iPads.
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Q
Who is responsible for purchasing apps?
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A
Several apps, both free and paid, will be included in the iPad purchase program. Some apps are course specific, and they will distributed to students' iPads through the Bookstore and charged to students' Bookstore accounts.
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Q
What apps are included initially in the iPad program?
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A
QuickOffice
PDF Expert
Evernote
Diigo
iTunesU
CourseSmart
Papercut
Kindle
AccessMyLibrary
Britannica
DestinyQuest
eBrary
Atomic Learning
Schoology
SmartRecord
Google Drive
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Q
Do students (families) own the content (e.g. apps, ebooks)?
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A
Yes, students (families) will own all content. Purchases will be tied to each student's iTunes account and will be theirs permanently.
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Q
Will the school use a cloud?
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A
Yes, we will use a combination of Google Drive, Schoology, and MobileEcho to store and manage content from the iPad.
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Q
Can siblings share an iPad?
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A
No. Because each iPad is individualized to a student's courses, textbooks, and other educational uses, each student must have access to his/her own iPad at all times.
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Q
What about loss/breakage?
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A
The school will provide accidental breakage coverage (included in the purchase price). Our accidental breakage plan covers one breakage per school year, and families will pay a $49.00 service fee for each replacement iPad during the two-year period. This policy does not cover loss or theft. It is important for students to do everything that they can do in order to prevent losing or having their iPads stolen.
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Q
Is there a program to assist Financial Aid students in acquiring an iPad?
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A
Yes. Financial aid families will pay the same percentage for their iPad (and apps and ebooks) that they pay for other school materials, like textbooks.
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Q
Can you print from an iPad?
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A
Yes, though not directly, using AirPrint. Students will have the ability to use the Papercut app/service for printing.
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Q
Can my child use a different mobile device, such as an Android tablet, instead of an iPad?
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A
No, we require all students to use an iPad (min. requirement for 2013-2014 : 32 GB iPad (3rd gen) or higher model).
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Q
Does the introduction of iPads into the classroom result in misuse or distractions in the classroom?
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A
Brentwood School places a strong value on proper and ethical behavior. Students are instructed in digital citizenship and the proper use of iPads at school and during class.
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Q
Does Brentwood School filter content on the iPads?
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A
Brentwood School filters content on the iPad while it is in use on campus (using the same system in place for on campus computers). There is no filter in place when students use their iPads off campus.
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Q
Does Brentwood School provide accessories for the iPad?
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A
Accessories are not included in the cost of the iPad purchase program. Families and students will have the freedom to choose the accessories that they wish to purchase and use. Some accessories will be available for purchase in the Bookstore.
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Q
Do students (families) need to purchase any additional accessories?
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A
iPads will be fully functional upon arrival. Students are strongly encouraged to buy protective cases or coverings to prevent breakage. The Bookstore will also sell protective coverings and other selected iPad accessories.
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Q
Do students receive support for setting up their iPad and using it for educational purposes?
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A
Yes. We will help all students to register their iPads, and we will provide on-going support for each student.
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Q
Should students purchase their textbooks electronically?
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A
Students will register their iPads at the start of the year. Fee-based electronic books and resources will be distributed through the Bookstore and automatically appear on the student's iPad. Course iBooks will be downloaded by students after they receive the appropriate link from their teacher(s). Physical textbooks will be placed in students' lockers.