Information Technology Update – August 11, 2016

August 10, 2016

New iPad Setup Requirements Semester 2

As recently discussed, in an effort to help support our boys more in the positive use of their iPads and easier compliance with the -Protocols for using my ICT Device Responsibly for Learning-, we have instituted several changes in the required setup of the student iPads for Semester 2. These changes were simple for the boys to comply with and will greatly support them with the positive and educational use of the iPads in and outside the classroom.

As part of these changes we will be running a series of -‘random iPad checks’ on student iPads to assist our students in complying with the new requirements. We ran our first random check on Friday 29th July where all classes were involved. We intend to run several more checks throughout the rest of the year to try to assist our boys in the positive and educational use of their 1:1 device.

Essentially we asked the boys to make sure their iPads are setup with the following:

  • The 5th row of apps that appear at the bottom on every screen are made up of only the most frequently used apps during the school day (NOT games, messaging, music or social media)

  • Inappropriate content – Ensure that personal content on the iPad is appropriate at all times and remember that storage space for school related content is a priority. Any inappropriate images/videos /memes that you have stored on your iPad either in your Camera Roll or other apps are to be deleted.

  • That -‘Black listed’ apps are deleted permanently including Snapchat, Instagram, Kik and Tumblr

  • That any Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are deleted permanently (used to get around the College web filter). Check iPad Settings/General/VPN

  • Hidden Files: Use of the iPad is to be completely transparent, therefore any app that is designed to hide photos, videos, text messages, documents etc. are to be deleted from your iPad permanently. This includes, but not limited to apps such as Lock Photos, Private Photo, iVault, Secret Calculator, Album Lock and The Vault. The best way to check for these apps is to view the full list of apps installed on the iPad in Settings at the bottom of the left hand side.

All students have been emailed these changes and you can see the attachment the boys received outlining these requirements on the iPad Parent Support page at http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/term-3-2016-setup-requirements.html

Parents can play a significant role in assisting their children in the positive and safe use of devices and should feel free to take a look at your child’s device at any time to support them in their positive use of technology.

Support for Student 1:1 Devices

It is critical that all students have a fully functioning device and be able to access all online resources to assist with their learning and study. We can support those boys with any questions about their device to make sure it is running reliably and as expected. The boys are also able to seek assistance at any time from the College’s ICT Hub which is open all day and is located on the 1st Floor on the corner of the Wilding and Treacey Wing.

No Credit Card with Apple ID

This is just a reminder that we do not recommend that any student iPad be setup with a parent credit card attached. Most boys have setup the iPad using their own Apple ID. This has allowed them to create their iCloud account which automatically backs up the iPad when it is connected to Wi-Fi. During this process the boys were shown how to setup their Apple account without the use of a credit card. Ideally, no student should have a credit card connected to their Apple ID. If you wish your son to purchase any apps through the iTunes store, we recommend the use of an iTunes card. This limits the amount of money on the Apple account and is a safe and convenient way to purchase. Often iTunes cards can be purchased at a reduced rate. The website http://www.giftcardsonsale.com.au/ will alert you to any stores that have iTunes cards on sale and is well worth keeping an eye on.

Device Free Dinner

One of the more interesting ideas I have come across recently is the -‘Device Free Dinner’ campaign being run by Common Sense Media. Common Sense Media are a non-profit organisation based out of the Bay area of San Francisco whose stated aim is -‘dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology.’ It is a terrific website with lots of really useful information on all sorts of advice on the best use of technology. There is a dedicated parents section with lots of valuable advice and tips that is worth looking at. The -‘Device Free Dinner’ is their current campaign where they are encouraging family’s to sit together at the dinner table -‘device free’ which can encourage rich and enjoyable conversation. You can find more information on the Device Free Dinner here:

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/device-free-dinner

You can find links to Common Sense Media and to a number of other curated Parent Cyber Safety support pages on the Parent iPad Support website at http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/cyber-safety-resources.html

Mark Holland

Director of ICT