Students in grades 3-5 have the opportunity to use iPads in the classroom daily. I have the privilege of working with teachers to discover the most productive way to integrate technology into their curriculum, and teaching students how to be responsible digital citizens while working with technology.
During the first week of school, the iPads were distributed, and the students learned how to complete basic skills. Students in grades 4 and 5 take their iPads home, and they, along with their parents, have had several questions regarding the use of this device.
This blog will assist with educating the Darlington Community about "Technology in Hand: The Use of the iPad in Education," and answer some of the frequently asked questions:
How are students kept safe when using a search engine on the iPad?
Students are taught how to conduct a search safely. Teachers provide safe websites when asking students to research a specific topic. Web traffic at Darlington is filtered, and parents are encouraged to monitor the websites their children visit at home.
What curriculum is used to teach students about being positive digital citizens?
I will assist teachers with integrating internet safety and digital citizenship into their curriculum. There are two websites I will use to accomplish this goal:
Common Sense Media
Netsmartz
Are there any restrictions set on the student iPads?
Yes, please watch this brief video to discover the restrictions set on each device:
Can I check my child's history on the iPad?
Yes, and we will monitor the history on each device frequently. Please watch this video to learn how to check history:
Where can I find information regarding the use of the iPad in the classroom and the apps students most frequently use?
This information is on the Darlington School website. Follow these links to learn more:
Information Technology Overview
Tablet Software
iPad Rules of the Road
Can students download personal apps?
Yes, but they are not allowed to use the apps at school. Home folders should be created that contain personal apps, and students are instructed to place this folder on the last home page. Teachers will monitor the use of the iPad and make sure students are using educational apps to complete projects and practice skills.
What advice do you have for monitoring the use of the device at home?
- Frequently check your child's iPad to determine what apps they have downloaded and the websites they have visited.
- Always have your child use the device in a public area and not in his/her bedroom without being monitored.
- Collect the device before bedtime and charge it in a public area and not in the child's bedroom.
- Set a timer for the amount of time your student can use the iPad.
- Check the assignment page daily so you can determine if the iPad is needed for homework.
What about social media apps?
Children under the age of 13 are not legally allowed to have a Facebook account. We do not allow students to download apps such as Instagram, Snap Chat, Vine, and Twitter. We encourage them not to have these apps on their phones.
