Mobile Learning @ Portlaoise CBS

Keith Young, iPad Coordinator - kyoung@portlaoisecbs.com

1

Our vision

! Engaging Boys

Keeping boys engaged through 2nd year and

beyond

🏢 🎓 Preparation for

life To better prepare them for

work, college or further education

📲 Enhanced Teaching

Giving innovative teachers tools to enhance their

teaching, helping them reach every student

2

Working with all students• If your son is using an iPad as his textbook, he will be in class

with students who are using printed textbooks – we will NOT be forming classes based on iPad ownership.

• The class teacher will also be using the digital projector and the text will be onscreen, so that if a battery dies or someone has forgotten their iPad, everyone is still working on the same page.

• Homework, classwork and exams will still be written in copies, as usual. English and Science will begin to change …

• Once downloaded the ebook content is on the iPad’s memory. So, even if there is no home internet, or the signal is weak, your son can still do his homework/study.

3

Mobile Learning in practice

4

We have introduced Office 365 for all students and staff. Everyone can use the following Apps on up to 5 devices

(including personal ones at home):

Online access is available in the browser and users are able to collaborate on documents easily.

OneDrive stores all files and provides unlimited storage.

5

Developments in 2016/17• Mobile learning programme entering its 5th year.

• Your son will be taking the new Junior Cycle Student Award for

English and Science and will be able to use the iPad in class,

for homework and for the assessment.

• Continuing professional development for staff, including SNAs.

• Continuation of Office 365 for Students, Staff & Parents.

• Enhanced programme of support for students and parents.

• Continuing vision to prepare students for further study and the

world of work.

6

Costs

Core subjects: Irish, English, Maths, History, Geography, CSPE and Religion

iPad Air & Case 16GB Wi-Fi / Standard Case €409

EbooksCore subjects €193

Optional subject €140

WriggleDeployment €25

Monitoring, Service & Support €36

Total maximum cost: €803

Options: Science, Business, Home Economics, French, Spanish, Woodwork, Tech Graphics and Art (no text), Metalwork

This price is the estimated maximum as students’ texts will vary. Your actual price may be lower depending on subject choice. Printed workbooks are supplied with ebooks at a discounted rate when bundled.

7

Cost comparison for 1st Year

iPad Scheme - Wriggle €803 - est. maximum

iPad Scheme - Bring my own iPad €385 - est. maximum

Book Purchase Core subjects €221 Options €132 €365

This price is the estimated maximum as students’ texts will vary. Your actual price may be lower depending on subject choice. Printed workbooks are supplied with ebooks at a discounted rate when bundled.

8

Paying for your iPad & ebooks• The cost per student is calculated according to the choice of

subjects each student makes. • If your son owns an iPad already, you will be able to just pay for

the ebook licenses and Wriggle services and so be part of this scheme. You must still go to the Wriggle store.

• An online store will be opened and you will place your order online between the 2nd of May and the 17th of June. We will have a help session for you on the 16th of May if you need help.

• Payment is due by Friday 29th of July directly to Wriggle.

9

Are there any other purchases?• Printed Workbooks are used in several subjects. We are making

a change this year and printed books will be available in the bookshop in Portlaoise - the book list will clearly identify what’s required.

• Atlases, dictionaries, etc can be purchased on iTunes as Apps, and are often free. The school will provide a list to students.

• In 2nd Year student will require additional books for English, Irish and Maths usually costing around €75 (print or digital).

• Some students may require an additional book for some language subject in 2nd year usually costing around €25.

10

Finance and InsurancePortlaoise Credit Union has worked with the school in previous years and can provide excellent rates and terms to parents. Sean Dunne is Manager of the CU and can provide further info by calling 057 8622594

They can also assist with a savings plan

1. A good case is the first form of insurance. 2. Check your household policy (look for low

excess and no premium increase). 3. Avail of Wriggle/Gadget Insurance when

purchasing iPad.

11

Looking after your iPad• The school does not own and is not responsible for the safety

of any iPad. • The charging of the battery is the student’s own responsibility. • Protective covers are available which are strongly

recommended. They are possibly the best form of insurance against damage.

• Special lockers upstairs are available for iPad storage during PE, matches and other school activities. These can only be opened with a key and offer greater security than the combination lockers downstairs.

12

What next?

You choose the iPad scheme.

- or -

You choose printed books and purchase them outright or join the book rental

scheme.

13

iPads• Your son MUST be available to come into school for 2 days in

the last 2 weeks of August to participate in the deployment and induction process (August 18th, 19th and 29th).

• Wriggle will be part of this installation and training process which will only be done on specific days.

• Parents are invited to attend for 2 hours on August 18th. • We will provide a parents’ training course in late September to

help you become more familiar with the device and how it should be used for educational purposes.

14

Dates and Deadlines

Friday 29th January 2015 Subject Options & iPad decision forms

Monday 2nd May Wriggle Online Store opens - try place your order

Monday 16th May - 7PM Ordering help night in school - if you have questions or difficulties.

Friday 30th June Wriggle Online Store closes - deadline for orders

Friday 31st July Payment due to Wriggle (not the office)

15

Incoming first year’s will receive the following training during the school year to increase their usage of their iPads.

Friday August 19thA full-day session focusing on the following: - School induction & fun activities - Using my iPad to organise my work - Organising myself - Working with others

Student Training

Thursday August 18thDeployment session from Wriggle in 2-hour sessions. Parents are invited to attend

TY MentorsWe will a match a volunteer TY student with each first year class. They will assist during all the training sessions and their Gaisce community service will allow them to spend an hour a week helping each class group.

Monday August 29thA full-day session focusing on the following: - Doing research and being curious - Using their iPad to submit work - Using Word, PowerPoint

All 1st Year students must attend ALL days. These are compulsory - you should plan holidays around these dates

Outcome & Notes

At the end of all these sessions we want the students to be much more capable of using their iPads for a variety of tasks (including Office 365). We will produce an iBook / online course for students and staff to show all the uses and it will allow teachers pick from a menu of standard tasks to get the students using their devices more.

16

Print books• 1.You may choose to either buy all your books (or) • 2. Join the School Book Rental Scheme.

• Lockers will be available as always for your sons’ books and belongings.

• Students using textbooks will benefit from the use of all technology the school has to offer - including the teachers’ resources which will be displayed onscreen during classes.

17