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In 2015 Year 9 students will be need to bring their own internet capable device with them to school each day*

The reasons for this change:Modern LearningA school's role is to prepare our students for an unknown future. We are charged with this without a full comprehension of what the future will hold. We see this initiative as preparing students for a future where technology and creative thinking will be at the forefront of society. Our teachers are working hard at designing learning activities that will harness the power of the internet to build creativity in our students, engaging them in self-regulated lifelong learning.

Research shows educational benefits of one to one devices are:▪ They give students access to anywhere, anytime learning.▪ They enable students to learn independently, collaborate with peers and communicate their understandings using rich media.▪ They complement the existing school curriculum by providing digital learning tools that link with planned classroom activities.

▪ Their use in the classroom will evolve as students and teachers become familiar with the new tools.▪ Improved student attendance and motivation and achievementDemand for connectionOur basic desktop machines are getting out of date. We can't afford to provide new machines for each student at the school, yet the demand for access to technology keeps growing.  Your sons and daughters are getting access to computer technology once, maybe twice per week in different subjects. As a school, what we want is 1:1 access to technology, access to the internet as needed, when needed. We can’t afford to do that by ourselves so we need parent help. We need you to purchase a 1:1 learning device for your student.  Our strong preference for that device is an Apple iPad.Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB)The school has a UFB connection of up to 100Mbps. This mean our students experience one of the fastest internet connections in the world. The internet

is a tremendous knowledge resource for students. By having a 1:1 learning device students will have this high speed access to the internet at their finger tips. Teachers are developing new learning experiences to harness this tremendous re source for increased s tudent engagement. Why the iPad?The decision to recommend the iPad was based on offering our students the best learning experience. The iPad empowers students to create products within any subject context, physical space and even on the move. This is why the iPad is so important in transforming education into a genuine learning experience, not a knowledge absorption space. 

“First and foremost our focus is on learning.” With this in mind we want a device that is reliable and simple to use. It needs to last a school day with as little management or interruption as possible. Simply, the device just needs to work. By design the tablet form suits school use as it has no

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The iPad Mini is our recommended device for students but if you already have a laptop or tablet bring that. In cases of hardship the school will issue a device to students.

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T moving parts (to break) and is highly mobile. The iPad, with a battery life of up to 12 hours, leads all other tablets. It has excellent wireless capability, provides an excellent environment for learning to flourish and the most secure platform for learning. There are very few problems with the viruses or malware often associated with android or windows platforms.

The iPad represents excellent value t o p a re n t s a n d s t u d e n t s . O u r recommended device is the 'iPad Mini 16GB with Wifi'. At $450 rrp, we believe this device to offer the best value of the range. While you may find other tablets at a lower price, the iPad offers reliable design and hardware, especially with wireless.

“Having everyone within the school working on the same device provides a consistent experience, which makes it easier for the teachers and the students.”

Frequently asked questions:What about Android?Android is based on open source ideals w h i c h m e a n s d e v e l o p e r s a n d programmers can take the code and do w h a t e v e r t h e y l i k e w i t h i t . Unfortunately this makes android devices more open for those with malicious intentions. The result of this environment can be a system more buggy and prone to viruses and crashing. Android devices can also have wide variations of hardware quality. When student learning is paramount these issues represent significant distraction to lessons and learning activities.My son/daughter already has a laptop or netbook, do I now have to go out and buy an iPad?The answer is No - certainly not.  What you do have to ensure is that they bring that device to school next year. Many of our learning activities will work on any device. The only difference will be that they will not have the educational applications of the iPad as other students. The teacher will have an iPad with apps projected up to the data projector and students will be able to access similar tools.So you are already allowed to have devices at school now? What's the difference?Our teachers are preparing innovative learning experiences specifically designed for students with their own individual internet capable device. Currently some students bring laptops and tablets to school, therefore teachers are teaching in much the same way as they have always taught. Digitalisation

of current teaching is happening in all Y9 classes.

What about security?My son or daughter will break their iPad, drop it, lose it – someone will steal it – it's going to cost me a fortune. We would hope most people would look after their expensive electronic equipment like they do with their phones. They look after it and they keep it safe; part of learning in life. As we grow up, we will be given expensive equipment, and it is up to us to look after it. The experience of other schools has been that security and care has not been the issue as initially thought. When the norm is that everyone has a device, theft is not so much an issue. A free App is available to track the iPad if lost or stolen.What about NCEA exams and writing with pen and paper for 3 hours?Of course the physical act of writing will still be part of teaching and learning at Horowhenua College. However, what is important is the quality of the students thinking and the use of one to one computer devices has shown (especially with boys) to improve the quality of thinking and writing electronically. Students are more likely to review and change their writing and thinking if it is in electronic format.What about battery life?iPads are sealed units with a battery that lasts between 10-12 hours on one charge and is rated for 1000 full cycles that is 1000 full charges amounting to AT LEAST 3 years of good operational use. After that the battery time that you get out of a full charge will deteriorate but still be useable. Our advice and observation and research of literature shows this to be far better than any other device. What about the security of my work?Your son or daughter’s work will live on their iPad just like a Netbook. An application called a “DropBox” (free) is one method to store information. Google drive is another way of storing information and of course the machines automatically back up to iCloud. How much do the Apps cost?The students will be required to purchase some predetermined apps for each subject, as well as some core apps. In some cases those apps will be free, in others there will be a cost. This cost is off-set by the fact some subjects are already saying students will not have to purchase homework books or text books. Students will be able to purchase a school app bundle online at a significant discount (details to follow).

What about upgrades? Will I need another better model in 2 years?No, it is the same as any technology; once you purchase it then something better will always be around the corner, but the operating system will remain useable. The battery, the apps and the connectivity to the internet all will remain useable. There may be one or two improvements in newer versions but the model you buy will be fine.

So you have convinced me. I have to buy an iPad for my child but I can't afford it? What can I do?The price on Apple products is usually very similar across all retailers but we have a few suggestions. “Our first recommendation is to save and wait.” Apple is likely to release a new model somet ime before Christmas. Normally pricing on new models remains very similar. Older (current) models may be available on special at this time.  Starting now, develop a savings plan with your child. Many retailers offer interest free payment terms. Combine the purchase as a Christmas and birthday present. We are working with a number of suppliers on purchasing options and packages for our students. More details w i l l f o l l o w.  “ I n c a s e s o f hardship the school will be able to issue a device to students.”

What are the specifications for the recommended iPad?We are recommending the 'iPad Mini 16GB with Wifi' which currently retails at $450. With case and apps we would expect parents to budget approx $500 all up. We expect an updated iPad Mini towards the end of the year with very similar pricing. If affordable, a larger full sized iPad or more storage capacity could be purchased but this is not required. To assist with managing student internet use, we would ask parents to refrain from purchasing cellular models of iPad.

For further information please call the college office.

Freephone 0800 467 694office@horowhenua.school.nz