School Provided Technology Program
As a school, we assessed our current device offerings based on the following criteria:
- Ease of use
- Haptic devices - involving physical contact between the device and the user
- Appropriate screen size
- Inclusion of a keyboard, trackpad, and touchscreen capabilities
- Multimedia support, including camera and video features
- Compatibility with Microsoft products
- All-day battery life
- Privacy and security considerations - stricter controls protecting students in a connected world
Upon evaluating our options, it became evident that the iPad excelled in most areas, particularly in terms of student data privacy and security. This is a top priority for us, ensuring that our chosen devices not only support educational needs, but also adhere to strict standards for protecting student information.
Apple in Education: Apple has a long-standing history of innovation, and its ecosystem is regarded as the best available for educational environments. The management features offered for schools are highly progressive, and Apple consistently demonstrate a commitment to thoughtful updates.
Innovative Teaching and Learning with iPads: iPads offer substantial and creative educational opportunities. Educators who embrace new teaching methods are experiencing transformative results, from discovering iPads and apps to designing innovative ways to create, curate, and deliver learning materials.
Designing Quality Content for iPads: Creating high-quality content for iPads is a growing focus in education. Research emphasises the need for features that enhance learning and engagement for young students without detracting from educational objectives. Numerous studies have shown that well-designed content is essential for maximising educational outcomes.
iPad Features
- Light weight and portable (especially compared to a laptop)
- Easily carried between classes without having to close and reopen the screen.
- Not confined to use only when sitting down in a classroom. Very useful device standing or on the move.
- Can be used to access textbooks and so reduce amount of books a student needs to carry
- Has the ability to easily replace a diary, calendar, calculator and note taking.
- Very fast start-up time. No need to wait for the device to go through a start process and login like on a laptop or desktop.
- An iPad does not take up a huge amount of space on a desk. It lies flat and presents an unobstructed view for the teacher.
- Screen, keyboard and pencil combination provides versatile input options.
- Industry leading battery life. A charged iPad will last the entire school day on constant use.
- Plenty of educational apps will be available from our Self Service Portal .
- Accessories including cases, keyboard and pencil, provided in this rollout.
- iPad is known for its ease of use interface. This means it is an accessible device for all ages.
- The iPad has Word, Excel and PowerPoint and is easy to use for students only familiar with Windows and Office products.
- Apps instantly save work. Students no longer need to be worried about losing unsaved work or hard drives.
- Relatively cost effective when compared to other durable laptop alternatives.