Frequently Asked Questions

Why is iPad the only choice available?

The ICT Committee decided on iPad after assessing a range of other platforms including Chromebooks, Windows Laptops, Android tablets and Windows tablets (including Surface).

iPads were chosen for the following reasons:

  • teachers are familiar with the devices

  • many families already own iPads

  • a range of apps, including Office 365, Google Classroom, Adobe Spark, are available

  • iPads are a common choice of other schools in Western Australia and the international education community

  • iPads are supported with software updates for many years

  • iPads can be used for photography, video, sound recording and have a range of sensors

  • Apple Classroom and Air Drop are valuable tools

Why can't my child bring a different type of device e.g. an Android tablet?

For the program to work we need to narrow the range of devices. Teachers and support staff would need to learn multiple versions of multiple platforms if students could bring any device. Additionally, students need to use specific apps which may not be available for all devices.

What if I can't afford to buy an iPad for my child?

We have iPads available for daily loan in the library and children can use these.

Why are there so many apps that need to be installed?

We selected the apps that we believe students will use for learning and tried to make the choices free or as low costs as possible. Although we understand that it is time consuming, once installed we don't anticipate changing the apps in the future. However, we do review the usage of apps given that the program is only in its second year and there may be slight adjustments.

Do children still write and do work that is not related to their iPad?

Children spend the majority of their time engaged in activities that do not involve technology. Talk for Writing, Prime Maths and explicit literacy instruction are not iPad based.

iPads may be used for some spelling activities, for listening to audiobooks and podcasts or reading texts in Daily 5 Reading and Reading CAFE.

iPads may also be used for Maths practice using Study Ladder.

Is there a limit or time requirement for the iPad to be used in class?

Our teachers make decisions based on the work that students are doing whether it is better supported by iPad. Sometimes it will be used heavily and others not at all. The point of the program is to have the technology there, ready to use when it is required.

What sort of activities do students do on the iPad?

We encourage the use of the iPads for creative tasks like designing, making and collaborating. Students may use them for typing a piece of writing, recording a video, taking photographs of a an experiment, designing a 3D object or simply researching a topic and taking notes.

I am concerned about screentime, what can I do?

There are screentime controls built into the iPad which allow you to control when, who and how students use the iPad. We can help you set them up if you are concerned that your child uses their iPad too much or inappropriately when not at school.

Visit: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304 for more information.

What should I do if my child is having problems with other children through their iPad?

Please contact your child's teacher with screenshots or photos of the problematic material.

Can my child use their iPad for homework?

Teachers may set work for students to do at home on their iPads. However, if some children borrow iPads then they will need to have paper copies. For this reasons some teachers may choose not to set iPad homework.

Can students store their iPads at school?

The school doesn't have the facilities to secure student iPads outside of school hours.