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Charlotte - Grade 7

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View the iPad@Dalat FAQ

Dalat International School is excited to once again lead Asian international schools in the use and implementation of educational technology

We were the first school in Asia to use PowerSchool as school management software, the first to bring Virtual High School's online courses to Asia, one of the first schools to adopt the MAP testing platform for our standardized testing, and the first to require an online course to graduate.

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Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, all high school students will use an Apple iPad for regular use both during the school day and at home.   We believe that technology can be used in powerful ways to augment and enhance instruction, and the iPad is a particularly unique and exciting tool for this purpose. The iPads will be used for presentations, collaboration, research, communication, and a host of other applications.

The iPads will  eventually allow us to replace our bulky and heavy textbooks with interactive editions.  To make this program possible, there will be a bi-annual (each semester) fee to pay for the infrastructure costs of implementation.

 There are two options available for students to purchase their iPads.  The two options give parents the choice of device, memory and color or give financial support to families who need assistance with the initial cost outlay.

iPad Options

Option 1: Bring Your Own Device

Students may purchase their own iPad rather than purchasing it through the school. 

What are the benefits of this?

1Choice of memory - (16GB, 32GB, 64GB).  Our experience tells us that many students could use the extra memory of the bigger devices and would choose this if they could.

2Choice of color- Yes, they are only black or white, but it is still a choice that students tell us they want.

3Choice of model - iPad 2 or 3rdGeneration

4New or used - Purchase a usediPad to save money. Additionally if families already own an iPad (2 or 3) they can choose to use that one for their student instead of having to buy another one through the school.

5Purchase any time before school starts rather than waiting till the handout date from the school. 

6Flexibility– Students may choose to upgrade any time to a newer or different model of iPad.  Rather than Dalat requiring a student to keep a device for a pre-specified length of time before it is upgraded, students may keep their device as long or as short as they want and upgrade at any time.

Note: iPads must NOT be 3G models.  We require students to use our network so that we can monitor their internet usage during the day.  Students who bring a 3G model will be required to purchase another model or to join the purchase program to get another device. 

Option 2: Purchase Program

Students who choose this option will receive the lowest priced iPad model during the first week of school.  When a student departs from Dalat, they will be required to buyout the remaining cost of the device.  The device will belong to the student as soon as it is handed to them with a balance owed on the purchase.

The primary benefit of this option is that it allows families to make payments on the device rather than pay the full cost up front.  Students who choose this option must notify the school of this choice by sending an email to the tech department ahead of time each school year by the specified date. 

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iPad@Dalat FAQ

Who needs an iPad?

Every student in grades 9-12 will be required to participate by purchasing their own iPad directly from a retail store or by participating in the payment plan and purchasing through Dalat..

When does the program start?

All students (and at least one guardian) will be required to attend an orientation meeting at the beginning of the semester to learn about policy for iPad use.  Following the orientation students will be allowed to use the school network for internet access and use the devices in the classroom.

Can I buy and bring in my own iPad?

Yes, using the bring your own device option students may bring their own iPad to school.  The only restrictions are that it must be a 2nd or 3rd generation iPad and it may not be a 3G device.

Are the iPads insured?

All iPads are covered by the normal Apple warranty and families are encouraged to consider purchasing further coverage.  The school will not issue insurance coverage for the devices.

What steps will the school take to make sure the iPads are safe?

The school will be issuing padlocks for the student lockers, and, if not in the immediate care of the student, they will be expected to keep their iPads locked safely away. It is also possible to track stolen iPads and lock the screen so they are inaccessible once stolen.  Students are required to use the “find my phone” app to help track missing devices and will also be required to use a cover that protects both the front and the back of the device.

What apps will I need to own on the device?

Most of the apps that will be used will be free apps.  There may be a limited number of apps that students are required to purchase for classroom use.  More details will be shared at the orientation meeting at the beginning of the semester.

What about accessories?

Students will be expected to buy a cover that protects the front and back of the iPad and keep the cover on at all times when on campus. These can be bought locally ranging in price from RM35 upwards. Giving students the opportunity to buy their own cover allows them to personalize the iPad in their own unique way. A stylus may also be required for use in some classes. A Bluetooth keyboard may also be a handy accessory that some students choose to own.

appleiconOnce you pick up an iPad, it’ll be hard to put down. Find out more from Apple. You may also be interested on the iPad in Education as well.

The textbook as we know in the next several years will undergo profound changes!

10 Reasons Dalat High School is choosing the iPad

Education for Life
True to our school motto, the iPad in many ways represents the latest technology in what is fast becoming a post PC world. What better way to prepare them for that reality than to teach them how to use a tablet responsibly?

Instant on Capability
Of extreme importance to students who move locations 8 periods each day. The time lost to start up and shut down times of a typical PC are major deterrents to using laptops in our 1 to 1 program.

All Day Battery
Another key feature that makes the device a great option for our 1 to 1 program is the battery life, which no other device even comes close to at this time.

Goodbye Heavy Textbooks
Yes you can read a textbook on a netbook or laptop, but the iPad is a much handier device for that task and major textbook companies are recognizing how capable the iPad is at displaying textbooks with rich multimedia. It is possible that down the road the iPad will be the only "textbook" a student needs for their classes

Toughness
With no keyboard to break and scratch-resistant glass, as well as a wide variety of protective covers, iPads are not indestructible, but they are more durable than netbooks and similarly priced laptops.

Educational Resources
Teachers in almost every class will find something of value in the education App store. From PE, music, and art classes, to core math, science, modern language and language arts classes, there is something of high value for virtually every class and almost every activity. And if it does not yet exist, it probably will soon.

Portability
The device itself is small and compact and yet delivers an extraordinary multimedia experience. Its size and durability will increase the ease and use of this machine.

Cool Factor
The unique touch screen capabilities are hard to resist and the iPad draws students into the learning experience better than traditional computer devices.

Affordability
What students will get for their investment will be an amazing return. Yes, they are not cheap, but at approximately the same cost as a netbook they are a remarkable bargain for what they provide.

Etc, Etc.
The possibilities for the way in which this device can enhance education are limitless and we are excited that our students can be a part of this paradigm shift.

Some Disclaimers

This is new and exciting and we anticipate lots of great uses that we have not yet dreamed about. However, we also anticipate that there will be new questions that arise or situations that require us to rethink policy, procedures, or leasing options.

In the coming months administrators and teachers will be working hard to develop policy on App purchases, how the iPads are used throughout the day, how to protect them, and a host of other areas that need to be thought through. Please work with us giving your input and feedback as we take these exciting steps.