iPad FAQs

iOS5 Upgrade

Who is required to have a iPad?

All incoming freshmen are required to enroll in the iPad program.

When will students receive their iPad?
Freshmen will be issued their iPad along with training on the setup and use of the iPad.

Why Apple?
Apple is known as a leader in educational support with a wealth of resources to ensure the success of our program. The seamless integration of applications, apps and a secure operating system will allow for maximum educational use with minimal support needed. In addition, students will be able to keep their iPad upon graduation and will have the freedom to install and use the device however they wish.

What kind of iPad will be used?
Each student will be provided with an Apple iPad. The iPad will include a custom Archbishop McCarthy required case, a 30-pin sync cable, a charging block, software, apps, campus-ready Wi-Fi configured, insurance and internet filtering software and much more.

What if a more powerful iPad is wanted?
The iPads provided in this program are appropriate for academic computing needs. There is no option for a different model.

Is there the option of a platform?
Not at this time. Archbishop McCarthy High School has standardized with the Apple iPad platform for student learning. The entire freshman class will use the same model in the same configuration.

Who owns the iPad?
While a student at Archbishop McCarthy High School, the iPad will remain the property of Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School. The reasons for this are twofold:  legal aspects and for the significantly lower cost of software due to volume discounts supplied to educational institutions. However, upon successful graduation, the iPad is theirs to keep.

What kind of contract or agreement needs to be signed?
Before the iPad rollout, these forms must be signed and turned into the Main Office.

  • Student iPad Use Liability Agreement
  • Student iPad Use Agreement
  • Student iPad Insurance Agreement
  • Student iPad Acceptable Use Policy
  • Student iPad Payment Agreement
  • Archbishop McCarthy e-mail and iTunes Account – The Student/Parent needs to complete the instructions on this sheet prior to receiving the iPad.

Will textbooks still need to be purchased?
Yes. Many books are not yet in digital content. When they become available and it is financially advantageous, we will put such textbooks directly in digital content and provide them in digital form on the iPad. Some book suppliers who have digital based textbooks require the purchase of the book in addition to the digital content or charge more for the digital content then the book.

Can more than one iPad be purchased?
We are sorry that we do not have the ability to serve as an iPad reseller. Only one per student for every family can be purchased.

Will the iPad support external hardware (keyboard, printer, etc.)?
Yes. An external Bluetooth keyboard, air printers, headphones, docking stations, etc.. are all supported.

What software and operating system will be used?
The iPad will have the latest iOS operating system. Additional applications come with the iPad. The apps we are adding to the iPads are:

  • Google Apps for Education
  • The Holy Bible
  • The Classic Paper Back Books
  • iWork suite (Keynote, Pages, Numbers)
  • Lightspeed Browser
  • Edline
  • Parent-Student Handbook
  • Yearly Calendar
  • Agenda Book
  • Dictionary
  • Calculators
  • Discovery Education
  • Lightspeed Internet Content Filter
  • Casper Suite Profile and Device Management
  • e-Books, digital and online textbooks

What if I am a new student transferring in to the program?
Students joining the program “late” will be issued an iPad from the “reserve” fleet and be expected to pay the same amount for the enrollment in the program.

What if a student transfers or does not graduate?
Under the terms of the program agreement, students who transfer or do not graduate must return the iPad and all original equipment or pay for it in full or for any equipment not returned with the iPad.

iPAD USE

Can a student take the iPad to class?
Individual instructors will establish their own policies for iPad use during class but students generally carry their iPad to each class.

Will the iPad be used in every class?
Not necessarily. iPad usage will be significant; however, usage depends upon the individual instructors. Some classes are not conducive to daily incorporation of iPad use, such as physical education or art.

Does the student have to be a iPad whiz?
No. Students are provided with individualized and classroom instruction as part of their first year course in Keyboarding and iPad Applications course. This course will provide students with the skills to care for and maintain their iPads, but more importantly, it will focus on the applications that will assist and enhance the educational experience.

Where should the iPad be kept when it is not needed for class?
The iPad should be kept in the student’s locker.

What content is required to be downloaded by the student on the iPad?

All of the apps in the Self Service Icon need to be downloaded by the student. The student must also download the Parent-Student Handbook, The Yearly School Calendar and The Class Schedule from the Edline Icon. The student must also activate the Mobile Me location device on the iPad. They can access this from the mail, contacts and calendars setting. Add an email account and pick Mobile Me. Then register with the student issued McCarthy e-mail account. The student needs to download the Find My iPhone App to the iPad. All educational apps and digital content assigned by the teachers must also be downloaded to the device as requested.

There is content on the Internet that is unsuitable. Is there any type of filtering?
Internet-assisted learning extends beyond the classroom and into studens’ homes, providing more resources and better teacher-student communication. To address these urgent needs, Archbishop McCarthy has installed the Lightspeed filter and web browser to filter and secure students from accessing inappropriate and malicious Web content. The Lightspeed filter provides total filtering for students anytime, anywhere, regardless of their Internet connection. Parents can be certain that whether students are working at Archbishop McCarthy High School, Starbucks, or at home, their Internet surfing is being filtered.

iPAD & NETWORK

Where on campus can someone plug the iPad into the network?
A cable is not needed for connecting to the network. All student iPads are wireless. The entire campus can connect to the network wirelessly. There are a couple of unimportant blind spots such as stairwells and the end of hallways.

Where on campus can students connect to the Internet?
When you connect to the Archbishop McCarthy High School network, you are automatically connected to the Internet (web surfing, email, e-books, apps, etc.)

Will the student be able to back-up information on the network? Is the data protected?
Each student is expected to back-up their own information in a timely fashion on iTunes and their home computers. This can be done using the iPad built-in sync port and the sync cable that came with the charger. They can also back up to the iCloud. Students may also take advantage of their My Big Campus and Google Apps e-mail electronic lockers that will allow them to save school projects and documents for the duration of their 4 years here at Archbishop McCarthy High School.

IPAD USE OUTSIDE OF ARCHBISHOP McCARTHY HIGH SCHOOL

Can the student keep the iPad during the summer?
The iPad must be turned in to the Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology Department each summer for a brief time period in order to be re-imaged with the latest operating system, software and apps.

Will Archbishop McCarthy High School provide Internet access and wireless at home?
No, that is the responsibility of the parents. If Parents have wireless Internet access at home, then students can simply connect to their iPads using the wireless signal from their home router. The iPads are not configured with a dial-up modem which is required for dial-up Internet access.

Why is dial-up not supported on the iPads?
Due to the performance requirements of online resources, dial-up access is not a feasible option.

Can my son/daughter print at home?
Certainly. However, it is up to the parents to provide a printer at home. The iPad operating system has built -in support for air printers and Wi-Fi printers and is compatible with most printers with these specifications.(See the Apple Store for more details) There are several apps available to connect to a network printer.

ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY HIGH SCHOOL monitors iPad usage at school, but who monitors it at home?
That is the responsibility of the parents. It is Archbishop McCarthy High School’s belief that when off the Archbishop McCarthy High School campus, parents have full authority to restrict iPad usage. Examples of this:

  • Can only use in a family room and not in his or her bedroom.
  • Can only use at certain times of the evening or weekend.
  • Cannot take it along on a trip.
  • Examine the documents and other contents of the iPad.
  • Confiscate the iPad and bring to the Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology department for examination of iPad contents.


iPAD UPGRADES

Can I install my own software and apps?
Yes, the student may download any software and apps that are not inappropriate and do not violate the iPad Policy and Use agreements. Applications installed on the iPads are standardized so that the configuration on the iPad is stable and reliable for support of the curriculum. Everything the student downloads is theirs to keep upon graduation and satisfaction of the iPad Payment Agreement.

What does it mean to “re-image” an iPad?
Re-imaging an iPad wipes out everything on the iPad and installs a new image. The iPad is setup just like the first time the student received it. Re-imaging will be done every summer. It is the responsibility of the student to backup and restore any of their personal documents, music, pictures, software programs, etc. before an iPad is re-imaged. The iPad must be turned in to the Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology Department each summer for a brief time period in order to be re-imaged with the latest operating system, software, profiles and apps.

What accessories come with the iPad?
The iPad comes with a power supply, its sync cable, and a required protective custom Archbishop McCarthy case. All school-issued iPads must be carried in the school-issued iPad case.

What additional options would you recommend?
You don’t NEED additional options. Sometimes students purchase a Bluetooth keyboard to be used with the iPad. Home printers can also be used with the iPads. (See “Can my son or daughter print at home?” above for more information.)

Can additional hardware/software be added to the iPad?
Yes, as long as you are legally licensed to use the software, you may add it to your iPad. Personally owned hardware can be externally added to the iPad.

Is any software banned or forbidden?
Yes, AIM, Facebook, Limewire, Kazaa, Gnutella, and any other music sharing software other than iTunes is banned.. During the school day the use of iChat or messaging is only allowed as part of classroom instruction with administration/teachers permission. Disciplinary action can be taken for having banned software on the iPad or IM-ing during class time.

How will the iPads be carried?
IPads will travel to and from school with students in their specially designed carrying case. The iPad must be kept in this case at all times.

EMAIL

Will each student be given an email address?
Yes. Instructors have the option of utilizing the Google Apps for Education internal messaging, Edline, and Apple Wikis and Blogs Icon to communicate with students. This is a closed, secure system that allows parents, students and teachers to communicate much in the same way traditional email works. A mail application is available on the iPad so that a student may access e-mail using an e-mail address that was issued to them with Google Apps for Education.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT (ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY HIGH SCHOOL Technology Department)

What should be done if the iPad is damaged?
If an iPad is damaged, it should be reported immediately to the Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology Department. Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology Department personnel will troubleshoot the problem as soon as they are informed of it. If a claim needs to be filed with the insurance it is the responsibility of the parents to pay a $150 deductible. We will then file the claim.

What should be done if the iPad is stolen?
If the iPad is stolen, immediately contact the Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology Department. If the device is not found over the next few days you will need to file a police report on the stolen iPad. The insurance has a $150 deductible that is the responsibility of the parents. We will then file the claim. Once the claim is accepted we will issue a new device to the student.

Where does a student go for maintenance?
Students will receive instruction regarding basic care and maintenance as part of their iPad Applications class. Should the issue be beyond that of their classroom training, the student should notify a Technology Ambassador in Room 209. A Technology Ambassador will be able to help them with most issues. The Technology Director will troubleshoot any other issues that the Technology Ambassadors are unable to solve.

What if there are hardware or software problems with the iPad?
If a problem occurs, they should immediately report the issue to the Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology Department. The Technology Department personnel cannot help if they are not aware of a problem. The overwhelming majority of problems are resolved at the time the student notifies the Technology Department.

Who pays for repairs to the iPad?
Any repairs not covered under the insurance are the responsibility of the student and parents. The following repairs and replacements are covered by the insurance after the $150 deductible has been paid.

  • Drops, slips, falls
  • Broken Screens and Home Buttons
  • Theft, Fire, Flood
  • Spills, Liquids, Condensation

What if there is a problem at home?
Due to the considerable variety in iPad setups in homes, the Archbishop McCarthy High School Technology Department can only offer suggestions on home equipment. Apple Care can be contacted for home solutions at (1-800-MY-APPLE). Any problem with school supplied software or the iPad itself should be reported immediately to the Technology Department.

Will someone from Archbishop McCarthy High School come to our home and help set up our home network?
No, but we can provide names of consultants who will make house calls for a reasonable charge.

When is help available?
Help is available during the regular school year in Room 209 with the Technology Ambassadors and with the Director of Technology. Support help opens at 7:30 AM and closes at 7:50 AM. They re-open at 2:30 PM and close at 3:30 PM. During this time students may seek the assistance of the Technology Ambassadors, the Director of Technology, and the Technology teachers.

MORE INFO
Who should be contacted if you have more questions?