Information Technology Update – May 24, 2018

Damaged Student 1:1 Devices

It has come to my notice recently that a number of student’s 1:1 device -“ both iPads and notebooks -“ are damaged and need to be repaired. Many of these devices are not damaged to the extent that they are unusable and as a result students continue to use the device However, despite this, it is important that all students report a damaged device as soon as it happens and begin the process to have them repaired and have them returned to normal working order. Often repairing a device as soon as the damage has occurred will mean a cheaper repair bill in the long run. In a couple of cases, by students not reporting damage to their device and continuing to use it has led to the device being unusable and a more expensive repair bill. The process for students reporting damage to their device is slightly different depending on whether it is an iPad or a notebook:

iPad

• The student reports damage to their parents and to the ICT Hub as soon as it happens

  • Check to see if the device is covered by AppleCare+ for iPads https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ and type in the device serial number

  • See details below if covered by AppleCare+ for iPads

• If not covered by AppleCare+ for iPads Parents organise to have the iPad repaired at the repairer of their choice

• The student reports to Mr Holland (Director of ICT) to get an iPad Loan form that is to be signed by the parents

• The student will return the form to the ICT Hub and will be given a loan iPad for a two-week period while their iPad is being repaired

• Once the student’s iPad is repaired, they return the loan iPad

HP Notebook

• The student reports damage to the ICT Hub iPad as soon as it happens

• The ICT Hub will organise to have the notebook repaired

• The student will be given a insurance form that is to be completed and signed by the parents

• The student will return the insurance form to the ICT Hub and will be given a loan notebook while their notebook is being repaired

• Once the student’s notebook is repaired students will be notified via email, they return the loan notebook

• Note: Students are encouraged to save all files into their OneDrive cloud storage. This allows them to work on their files on the loan notebook while their notebook is being repaired

To enable our students to participate fully in class and utilise the digital resources that teachers and the curriculum requires, it is important that all student’s 1:1 devices are in optimum condition. The process to have the device repaired and returned to full working order is straightforward as outlined above and all students will be provided with a replacement device while the original device is being repaired.

To support us with this, I ask you as parents if you could periodically a check your son’s device at home and if any damage is noted, to have your son report the damage to the ICT Hub to begin the repair process. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions about the condition of your son’s device and if you have any questions about repairing the device and getting a loan device.

AppleCare+ for iPads

When you purchased your iPad for your son, you may have chosen to pay extra to take out AppleCare+ for iPads. AppleCare+ for iPads is an extended warranty that covers the iPad for 3 years from date of purchase. AppleCare+ for iPad includes the following features:

• provides up to two years of expert telephone technical support and additional hardware coverage from Apple

• includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a A$65 service fee

• In addition, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone through https://getsupport.apple.com/ (Coverage begins on the original purchase date of your iPad)

One of the most useful benefits of AppleCare+ for iPad is the cover for up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage for a $65 fee. This includes screen replacement and is an excellent way to get the iPad replaced.

To check if your son’s iPad is covered you can go to https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

If your son’s iPad is covered then you can contact Apple at https://getsupport.apple.com/ and arrange for repairs.

If you purchased the iPad through CompNow you can contact them here https://www.compnow.com.au/services/repairs/ and book in a repair.

If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.

Microsoft Office for home for free!

As part of the College’s membership to Office 365, all students are allowed to download the Microsoft Office suite for free on up to five home computers. This can be done quite easily by following the instructions on the iPad Parent Support page here:

http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/installing-office-365-at-home.html

The important thing to remember that when the Office suite has been downloaded that the student logs in to the application and registers their St Patrick’s College email and password to authenticate the download. After this has been done, the Office applications can be used by anyone. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

Mark Holland

Director of ICT