When will the devices be arriving?

Devices for secondary schools have been distributed to certified staff and students.  Elementary devices are slated to arrive before the end of the calendar year.  There are serious supply constraints with all student technology devices due to the pandemic so shipping times are substantially delayed.

Why did the initiative start with grades 7-12?

The initial CARES funding allowed us to address a portion of our students.  We are providing for 7-12 students on the initial rollout but plan to shift unused laptops from secondary down to elementary to address device needs for elementary students.  Existing devices will be provided to elementary students based on need if students shift to remote learning or the district moves to Tier II or Tier III. 

Will they have a keyboard or stylus?  What are the specs?

The iPads are 10.2" 7th Generation models with 128 GB of storage.  They will come with a Logitech Rugged Combo keyboard case.  The devices will not come with a stylus; however, schools may look at purchasing styli for checkout, different classes, etc.  The devices support Apple Pencil as well as the Logitech Crayon and other generic active styli.

Why iPads when we have been using PCs in the past?

iPads offer several advantages over PCs from an education technology perspective and from a cost, management, durability, and security perspective.  We can manage these devices regardless of whether they are on or off the network which is critical with the possibility of moving to a remote or adapted learning environment.  We are also able to track and remotely disable lost or stolen devices which reduces the appeal of the device to theft.

Several improvements to iPads over the last few years from a technical perspective have also made them a better fit.  They now integrate with our Microsoft 365 platform to allow for single sign-on and all Microsoft apps are now available in iPadOS.  iPadOS also includes the ability to multitask (2 windows/apps on screen at a time) and tie directly to an attached keyboard which removes the need for Bluetooth keyboards and a separate device to charge.

There are also some great tools that are available to teachers that provide an easy to use classroom management experience.  Our device management software, Mosyle, also provides classroom management tools with some very cool features.  There is also a parent app available through Mosyle that allows parents to set limits on the devices outside of school hours.  More info will be shared on these options as the systems are configured and enabled.

May students elect to bring their own device and not to use a District issued iPad?

No, LCSD#1 will administer student devices to ensure they have approved applications supporting district instructional programs.  District technology staff cannot provide technical support or assistance for non-district devices.  Additionally, technology staff can ensure compatibility and support with other district systems and devices.

What is our vision for 1:1 in the district?

The primary reason we are moving quickly to provide these devices is to ensure equitable access to technology for all our students.  This is especially critical during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis if the district moves back into our adapted learning plan or for students who may need to attend remotely. 

Providing devices for each student, however, is not just about this immediate need.  The district is approaching this as a long-term solution to build a new level of technology competency and supports for our 21st century learners.  These devices allow for students to work creatively and collaboratively using a host of digital tools that will best prepare them for careers beyond the classroom.  Although the initial funding that allows for this purchase is through federal dollars, we are setting aside money moving forward to support a rotation every 4-5 years to ensure this is sustainable, long-term program.

If a student breaks the device how will that be handled?

Students should immediately report a damaged device to their school.  Schools will have loaner devices available to swap out temporarily.  The device will then be sent to Apple for repair or replacement.  Apple Support will determine whether the device is repairable.  Fees will be assessed dependent on the cost of repair or replacement and on whether or not the student has opted into the insurance program.

Is there an insurance option?

Student policies require that a fine be assessed for lost or damaged school property including technology. The district is providing an optional student device insurance program intended to help offset the cost of lost or damaged iPads to students and families. This program is optional but can provide significant savings in the event of accidental damage or loss.

The optional insurance policy premium is an annual, non-refundable $25/year payment per device. It is not pro-ratable for partial semesters or enrollments. The amount of the premium may change from year-to-year based on repair/replacement costs and loss/damage rates.

How do students get their iPads? 

iPads will be delivered to individual schools. Each school will develop a plan to hand out student iPads. Look for communication from your school about distribution plans and training opportunities.

What comes with the iPad?

Students will receive the USB cable, charging brick and the iPad with keyboard case. Cases must never be removed in order to protect the device.

What happens if a student transfers schools or leaves the district? 

If a student transfer schools within LCSD1, they will take the iPad to their new school. If the student leaves the district, they will need to turn in the iPad to their school. 

How is the content students view on the iPads protected or filtered? 

The district uses the lightspeed content filter on the iPad. This is the same filter used on the rest of the district's devices.

How much control does the school have over the device? 

The district maintains ownership of the device and can completely manage the device remotely including remotely disabling and wiping the device.

How secure are student accounts? 

As part of the setup process, the student will create a PIN for the device.  Students are advised to not share login credentials or this PIN to keep their information secure.  Once the PIN has been set, users may also configure Touch ID for a faster login experience.

How can parents monitor use?

We are working on a solution that allows parents to monitor use while protecting privacy. We will communicate more details when it is available.

When can the cameras and microphone be activated?  

The cameras and microphone are not restricted on the device, however, they cannot be enabled remotely or by the District and must be launched/enabled by the user of the device or within an application, such Microsoft Teams. iPadOS requires user approval for the microphone and camera before they can be used by any application.  This permission is granted for each application individually.

Can students download apps? 

District-approved apps are available to download through the Mosyle Manager app. Some classes may require additional apps that do not come pre-installed. Teachers will communicate if additional apps are necessary for their classes.

Can students add personal content to their iPad such as music, photos or videos?  

Yes. Students can add music, photos and videos to their iPad, but they cannot log in with a personal Apple ID to access any items they may have downloaded on another Apple device.

Can students purchase and use their own accessories such as keyboards, mice, headphones, Apple pencils, etc.?  

Students can purchase and use their own accessories as long as they do not remove the case that is included with the iPad.

Will students be able to charge their iPad in school? 

Students must charge their devices at home so they are prepared for class the next day.

Will all textbooks be on the iPad?  

Some textbooks have digital resources available through ClassLink or other apps that can augment the current hardcopy books, however, the full text of the book will likely not be available on the device.  In the future, the district will look to procure digital versions of textbooks.

What happens if a student leaves their iPad at home? 

Each school will develop and communicate a process for completing work if an iPad is left at home. 

Will students use the iPad in all their classes? 

Each teacher will determine the appropriate use of the iPad with students depending upon the area of content they teach.