Coventry High School ipad Usage Agreement and Information 2015-2016 CHS Principal - Joseph Blake CHS Assistant Principal - Stephen Merlino http://www.chs.coventrypublicschools.org/ Phone - 860-742-7346
Technology Tools Available on the ipads Technology is a powerful tool for education and productivity that we look to incorporate in meaningful ways. With the district provided ipads, there are numerous tools and resources available that will help students enhance their learning and demonstrate understanding. Below are some of the district provided tools and resources that will be available on the ipad, as well as a brief overview of how they can be used. The list below is not meant to be a comprehensive listing but rather a summary of some of the more general ones that either may be used in multiple classes and/or those that could be beneficial to overall work and productivity. Google Apps for Education All staff and students at Coventry High School are provided with a Google Apps for Education account. Within Google Apps for Education are various productivity applications such as Google Drive, Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides. These resources can be accessed through any device that has an internet connection (i.e. Computer, ipad, Smart Phone, etc.). Since they are web-based, students and staff can easily access, collaborate, and work on documents without a need for additional resources (i.e. flash drives). Below is a brief description of the main Google Apps and how they can be used. Google Drive Google Drive is cloud-based storage provided to all individuals with a Google Apps account. With Drive, you can remotely store and access items easily, as well as collaborate and share with others. Since it is web-based, all documents stored here can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Google Classroom Google Classroom is an app exclusive to Google Apps for Education customers. This app allows teachers to create, manage and grade assignments electronically, giving students the opportunity to access, communicate and create as well. Google Docs Google Docs is a web-based word processing application (ie. Microsoft Word or Apple s Pages). Since it is web-based, any document created in docs can be worked on using any internet connected device. It also allows for live, collaborative work amongst students and staff. Beneficial features to this product are its built-in research tool, revision history, and application specific add-ons which include the bibliography generating tool EasyBib Bibliography Creator. Google Sheets Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet application (ie. Microsoft Excel or Apple s Numbers). Similarly to how Google Docs functions, spreadsheets created using this program are accessible from any device with an internet connection, allowing for real-time collaboration and work. Google Slides Google Slides is a web-based presentation application (ie. Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple s Keynote). Again, being web-based, Google Slides allows for live collaboration and easy access to presentations from any internet connected device.
ipad Apps Each of the student issued ipads will have a number of apps available to them for use in their different classes. Since some are more subject specific or serve a defined purpose, how and when they will be used will vary. below is a listing of some of the more general apps and ideas of how they can be used. Application Purpose Calendar Evernote The built-in calendar for ipads is a great way to manage long-term assignments and events. It has similar features to other calendar programs, which including setting reminders, inviting attendees, etc., that can be useful in group project planning and long-term goal setting. Evernote can be used as a digital binder, working seamlessly with Penultimate. Items in Evernote can be organized and tagged, making it easier to find key information later. Since it is web-based, items in Evernote can be retrieved in the Chrome version of the app, as well as on a smartphone version, making notes and items even more accessible. Flashcards Flashcards can be used as a study tool in any subject. Images and text can be combined to help make study cards for reviews and tests. Genius Scan Genius scan uses the ipad s built in camera to scan documents and create PDFs. This is very helpful when needing to make a paper document into an electronic format that can be handed in (i.e. in Google Classroom). Khan Academy Khan Academy is an app that connects to thousands of videos on a variety of subjects such as math, science, and humanities. The app also includes access to over 150,000 interactive exercises to practice skills. Pearson etext This is the app used to access some of our online textbooks. Use of this app will vary with the specific class. Penultimate Prezi Penultimate allows you to take notes in your natural handwriting, as well as integrate pictures, images, and drawings. Notes created can then be searched by keywords, as well as organized into different notebooks. Penultimate also works seamlessly with Evernote, which makes any items stored here accessible from any smartphone as well. Prezi is a web-based presentation tool. Different than PowerPoint or Google Slides, Prezi presentations are not through slides but rather through creating a path that connects different graphics, text and/or video.
Common Questions about ipads When will my child receive his/her ipad? At tonight s presentation, parents will receive information regarding acceptable ipad use and educational usages for the ipad. Parents will also have the chance to ask questions regarding ipads in general. Parents will pay the usage fee, sign the usage agreement, and will then receive the ipad. May I purchase the ipad from the school for my student? No, unfortunately the ipads cannot be sold directly to parents. Will students be able to buy their own apps? The school will set up an itunes account to provide students will necessary apps. Will the ipads replace the old way of learning? The ipads are merely a device that students and teachers can use to make learning more effective, productive, and in some cases fun. It will not take the place of traditional learning methods. Parents will find wide variety in how their student s teachers integrate the ipads into their traditional teaching methods. What are the student outcomes that are expected over time as the ipad becomes more integrated into teaching and learning? Increased rigor and relevance through real-world applications Increased collaboration in online spaces that allow students to share work and create projects collaboratively both in and out of the classroom Increased information literacy for all students through access to digital content including primary and secondary source documents, interactive maps, interactive sites, virtual field trips, ibooks, and itexts Promotion of student engagement, enhanced student motivation, and further self-initiated and self-directed learning Enhanced globalization of learning through communication with other learners and experts beyond the walls of the classroom Increased options for individual and group presentations as students utilize a variety of media to evaluate ideas, trace themes or topics through a variety of sources, justify opinions and ideas, and hone communication skills Improved dialogue through classroom polling techniques, interactions between students and teachers in collaborative web spaces, etc. Increased support for student development of study skills Are we required to have Internet or WiFi at home? Parents are not expected to have either the Internet or WiFi at home. While the ipads have features that require the use of these, all school requirements regarding this can be completed during school time. Will additional apps need to be purchased? The school is providing for all students the major productivity apps. This includes Subtext, a graphing calculator, Nearpod, Google drive, Educreations, QR reader, Genius scan, and Evernote. Other course specific programs may be required by specific teachers. What if an ipad is lost or stolen? Once a device is reported lost or stolen, it will be immediately deactivated. The device will then be unusable to anyone who may possess it. It is recommended that you file a police report for documentation.
I am waiting for the additional cost to my family. What is it going to be for this year? There is an annual $25 usage fee for the ipad. If the ipad is damaged, parents will be responsible for a $25 payment toward the $100 deductible on the insurance policy for the individual ipad. If a student intentionally damages an ipad, the parent and family will be responsible for the replacement cost of the ipad at $479.00. Are there any resources for parents to use? This website gives the major features used in an educational setting: http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/ This website will give individual video tours for each of the major features of the ipad: http://www.apple.com/ipad/guided-tours/