iPad Program
Technology is a major part of everyday life. Children come to school already knowing how to use this technology. At O'Connor Primary we harness this knowledge to extend and complement the curriculum. Students today need the knowledge, skills and confidence to make ICT work for them in school and beyond.
Technologies
Moreover, students will need to be highly skilled in using the technologies to build towards higher or more advanced learning. Under the Australian Curriculum, it is expected that students learn to use ICT effectively and appropriately to access, create, and communicate information and ideas, solve problems and work collaboratively in all learning areas at school.
Bring
Your
Own
Device
At O'Connor Primary School each classroom has a set of at least eight iPads to use to complement the curriculum and develop ICT skills. The next step towards individualising learning begins with school’s 1:1 iPad program in Year Three. This means that students in this year level are recommended to have their own parent funded iPad as a tool to support ‘anywhere, anytime’ learning experiences. This program was introduced in 2015 after careful consideration by the school and engagement with the school community.
Year 3 represents smaller class numbers before moving into middle schooling. Students at this age of learning typically develop a greater ability to work independently and collaboratively; learn from a wider range of sources; explore a wider range of technologies and show deeper reflection on their learning and goal alignment.
Please refer to the following for more information.
Together, the teachers and School Board have researched current ICT best practice in education and O’Connor Primary School’s current and future capacity to deliver this. With this at the forefront, the School Board strongly supported the introduction of a 1:1 program.
1:1 programs are our next step towards individualising learning, which can increase independence and self-initiated learning in students, and extend their learning beyond the classroom.
1:1 programs are also known as 'anywhere, anytime' programs. These programs provide students with personal portable computers to enhance opportunities for learning. The devices help nurture individual (or 1:1) learning experiences.
In the past few years, a broad range of schools in Western Australia have chosen to introduce 1:1 laptops or iPads. These programs mean that every child in particular year levels has a parent funded (via lease or purchase) laptop/iPad that is used by the student at school as a tool to support their learning. In all cases, these programs have been introduced after careful consideration by the school and engagement with the school community.
Why is BYOD introduced in Year 3?
Year 3 represents smaller class numbers before moving into middle schooling. Students at this age of learning typically develop a greater ability to work independently and collaboratively; learn from a wider range of sources; explore a wider range of technologies and show deeper reflection on their learning and goal alignment.
The introduction of a 1:1 parent funded iPad for Year 3 students started in 2015. Over coming years this would mean that when a child enters Year 3, the parents would be asked to fund the appropriate device. The children will use the selected device for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Current ICT resources will be integrated into classes across the school. The current ratio in Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 is approximately 1:3 (10 iPads per class). In cases where parents are unable to purchase or lease, students will access shared school devices.
The decision of who to purchase from is purely a personal decision. Specials and discounts usually occur late each year as a new model is often released around October.
Our recommendation is a unit with a minimum of 32GB and is WiFi. If students bring a unit with mobile options, SIM cards must be removed during school hours.
A suitable cover for the iPad must also be provided for each student’s iPad for easy identification and protection. A cover that folds over and protects the screen is highly recommended.
Please read the attached document to find the answers to frequently asked questions. If you still have a question about the BYOD Program at O'Connor Primary, please contact the school.
