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AGS BYOD iPad Program

AGS BYOD iPad Program Parent Information

The AGS Bring Your Own Device iPad program commences at the Year 3 level. Each student requires his or her own iPad. At AGS we envisage our students using the iPads for a variety of purposes. It is our hope our students will use iPads in, and outside of the classroom, for a variety of learning outcomes including:

  • Using the iPad as a companion to their learning;
  • Using the iPad to collaborate with each other;
  • Using the iPad to communicate with their teachers;
  • Using the iPad for research purposes;
  • Using the iPad to complete some homework tasks;
  • Using the iPad to present some work

All iPads must support the use of WiFi technology and will be able to access the AGS wireless network everywhere on campus. Although it is not recommended, you can also purchase iPads that will work on cellular networks for connectivity everywhere. Please be aware that we do not promote the use of 3G or 4G iPads since it will enable your child to bypass our Internet filters. Please be aware that aging iPads may be more of a hindrance to your son or daughter’s learning. Also be aware that we do not recommend the use of shared iPads by students. In other words, we do not recommend that your child uses an iPad that is actually required from time to time by a parent for work purposes, or by another sibling.

What are the minimum specifications required?  

We highly recommend that you purchase for your child the latest release iPad (see link below) as they will need it for 4 years (up to grade 6).

https://www.apple.com/au/ipad/ 

Here’s a full list of compatible iPad OS 15 devices:

 

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad (9th generation)
  • iPad (8th generation)
  • iPad (7th generation)
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
  • iPad mini (6th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad Air (5th generation)
  • iPad Air (4th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Air 2

You can purchase any iPad that meets at least this minimum specification. We recommend purchasing an iPad with 128G of storage as this will ensure its longevity. Some of you may also wish to consider the iPad mini (although consideration needs to be given to the size of the screen and the fact that students will be reading text and preparing work on this smaller screen).

You do not need an iPad with cellular network capability. All iPads will connect to the Internet anywhere on campus via Alphington Grammar School’s wireless network. WiFi- only iPads can also connect to the Internet anywhere there is a public Internet hot-spot or at home if the home has wireless capability.
Alphington Grammar School recommends that you purchase a case to protect your child’s iPad from accidental damage. There are many options for cases and the final decision is up to you.

Apple offers AppleCare+ which extends the standard technical support and hardware warranty to 2 years and adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to handling. More information on this can be found on the Apple.au website.  Alphington Grammar School recommends that you configure the “Find my iPad” feature when setting up the iPad. This will allow you to remotely erase the iPad and even locate it on a map.

We ask students and parents to be mindful of the habit of re-charging the iPad every night before going to bed – this way the iPad will be fully charged for a day of school and homework, iPads cannot be charged or updated at school. 

The school will require students in each year level to own certain apps. Please find attached the ‘required apps’ list for 2023. Some of these apps will be free and others may come automatically with your iPad depending on the model. Occasionally throughout the year your child may be asked to purchase an APP from the APP store to enhance their learning. All Apps are to be installed at home as are all software updates. Your teacher may ask your child to download additional Apps throughout the year as new, educationally valuable Apps are constantly being developed.

The school takes online student safety seriously and we have implemented the eSmart program, along with other measures, to educate students about online safety and responsibility. Additionally, primary students sign an Online Acceptable Use Agreement annually to help ensure student understanding of their rights and responsibilities is regularly revisited at an age-appropriate level.

If you have any questions, please contact Dianne Downey via email ddo@ags.vic.edu.au .

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