Since the buzz around 21st Century Learning began (more than a decade ago), educational studies have linked the exploding popularity of digital technology to student success. As this technology continues to impact the educational community, it is no surprise that hundreds of schools are making headlines this summer about funding iPads in the classroom.
iPads allow users to read, create, publish, and interact with other users through Apps and Internet connections. ISM fully supports schools adopting an integrated or blended learning approach, however, with increased use in technology, comes increased risks. Our intent is to shed light on such risks, and help schools protect themselves through policy and training.
Reevaluate your Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and fully, explicitly define expectations and consequences for teachers and students. To ensure compliance, your AUP should emphasize Internet monitoring. Your policy needs to clearly state consequences for modifying or uninstalling school-managed applications. Before rolling out the iPads, teachers, students, and parents will need mission-driven training regarding new technology and your school policies.
This guidance is recommended to reduce the following risks.
Education Risks
- Tech-savvy students knowing more about software than faculty
- Students distracted by social networks or iMessages during lessons, study hall, and even extracurricular activities
- Cyberbullying
- Unprepared teachers pressured to integrate technology into curriculum. Lee Badman’s article “iPads In The Classroom: Worth Doing Right" in Information Week points out.
“If the teacher doesn't buy into the value of the program, or if effective training on both the device and apps to be used has not been provided to the faculty, success is likely not going to be achieved.”
Facility/Budget Risks
- Increased IT support
- Facility upgrades to a high-performance wireless network (More wireless users will slow down the Internet connection and decrease productivity unless properly equipped.)
- Students become walking targets for theft
- iPads specifically have iCloud capabilities to assist locating, locking, or erasing data. Unfortunately, this will be wiped from the system once connected to iTunes during a reset.
- LoJack offers locating, locking, or erasing data services for Windows and Mac laptops. (Windows tablets only)
- Passwords are the simplest form of protection. (An iPad password only temporarily protects against usability and a system reset. This gives the victim time to track down and retrieve the device.)
- Police will assist if a large number of devices have been stolen. However, they do not quickly pursue every individual case. Frustrated victims then trace their devices location, but fail to recover without police assistance. Maintaining a strong relationship with your local police and specifying student/faculty procedure are key for recovering stolen devices.
- Damaged devices due to lack of care, water, cracked screens
Regardless, if your school has already joined the bandwagon or is still in a trial phase, now is the time to review your Acceptable Use Policy.
You might want to check out these articles…
Edutopia- How to Roll Out a 1-to-1 iPad Program
iPads in The Classroom Worth Doing Right
Reducing Your Technology Risk ISM Webinar Oct 30, 2013
Comprehensive Faculty Development: A Guide to Attract, Retain, Develop, Reward, and Inspire
Additional ISM Articles
ISM Monthly Update for School Heads Vol 11 No 2 Tablets for Learning Roundup
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol 10 No 4 Good Social Media Policy Protects Your School
Additional ISM articles for Consortium Gold members How Teachers Are Using Technology at Home and in Their Classrooms Research, February 28, 2013
