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iPad FAQs

These are questions commonly asked of us about our Bring Your Own iPad (BYOi) program.

Why do students need a mobile computing device of their own?

An iPad meets a number of specific curricular needs that the school has identified for its students in the 21st century. In particular, the iPad offers students

  • Access via our wireless network to the Internet;
  • Access to mobile computing power for engaging in the type of high-quality, data-intensive work our society now expects;
  • Access to social media so that students are a part of, and not just consumers of, the intellectual conversations of the age;
  • Access to portable storage for online books, databases, textbooks, personal notebooks, audio & video files so they can carry their studies with them in a variety of engaging formats; and
  • A personalized computing device that ensures ubiquitous and equitable access as well as options for personal customization, integration, and responsibility

Why does the device need to be an Apple iPad? Why not a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) program?

Currently, many of our teachers have developed learning activities that leverage specific apps that exist on the iPad; we are not currently set up to integrate just any mobile computing device into classes. Our instructional materials are built on the iOS platform, from textbooks available only as Apple iBooks, to Science department probes.

What if we already own an iPad? Can students bring their own iPad from home?

Absolutely... as long as the iPad supports iPadOS 15. All current iPad being sold at Apple and many used iPads will support iPadOS 15. Please check before purchase to ensure that your student's device will support iPadOS 15.
For more on this, see the main iPad webpage.

What if we cannot afford an iPad?

Families that have a student that has received a Jon Sobrino Scholarship will be contacted by the school about purchasing an iPad at a reduced rate. Any families that find that purchasing an iPad would be a hardship should contact Sister Sharon Brannen at sbrannen@siprep.org to see how we may be able to help.

Do students buy the apps for the iPad, or are they provided by the school?

Students will buy all of their own necessary apps directly from Apple's App Store with their own AppleID. This allows students to be the sole owner of the app, and use it on any of their present or future iPad and iOS devices.

What happens if my child downloads too many expensive apps without my permission — apps unrelated to schoolwork? Will I get a refund for those apps?

All of Apple’s app sales are final, so it is essential that you discuss this with your child. If your child is currently downloading songs or videos from iTunes, most likely you already have had this discussion.

How will the school handle the theft of an iPad?

As with any theft on campus, we take the theft of an iPad very seriously, as it is not only a legal offense, but a moral one. First, it is every student and faculty member's responsibility to take care of their property, so as to neither lose it, nor tempt others to steal. Second, to facilitate the location of a lost or stolen iPad, all students should enable the Find My iPad feature (training on this happens during Frosh iPad orientation). Third, if an iPad is stolen, a Theft Report should be filled-out in the Security Office as soon as possible. Please remember that, like any personal property brought to campus, the school is not responsible for a student's iPad.

What about typing on an the iPad? Is that difficult and can we use an external keyboard?

Given that we are a one to one iPad school, it's imperative each student has an iPad, as some assignments are iPad-dependent and we want to ensure our students are always prepared for class. We have some keyboard options listed here if you prefer to attach a keyboard to the iPad. We have found the iPad is sufficient for meeting the needs of students and their learning. Some teachers allow students to bring in their laptops for typing in addition to their iPads. This allowance is on a case by case basis---and depends on the teacher. 

What about accessories or cases?

Every iPad should be protected by a case at all times to reduce damage. See a list of accessory options.

What about insurance for the iPad?

We encourage families to insure their student's iPad against accidental damage if they feel that coverage will be beneficial. The school does not offer coverage for iPads.

How can a student connect to the school Wi-Fi?

Go into the Settings app and tap on Wi-Fi. Choose "SI_Students" from the list of networks and enter your username and password. When the certificate pops up, tap "Accept". If prompted to just enter in a password (and not your username), tap the arrow at the far right and then tap "Forget this Network". Then tap on "SI_Students" network and enter your username and password.

What if my son or daughter forgets their iPad at home, or if it's being repaired, will there be loaners?

Yes, students will be able to borrow a loaner iPad from the tech office. They'll have access to many of the required apps and files in a matter of minutes. Students assume financial responsibility for the School's iPad while it is loaned to them.

What if a student forgets their charger at home and needs to recharge their iPad during the school day?

One of the minor advantages of everyone using an iPad is that chargers are small and easy to transport. If they forget their charger, charging stations are available in the Library and the Counseling Center.

Will students be able to print at school, or will we have to buy a wireless printer for home?

Students can print wirelessly from their iPad in the library.

What if my iPad stops working?

Troubleshooting steps for iPads (also works for iPhones)

  • Quit all apps on your device
  • Force Restart your device
  • Make sure your iPad or iPhone has the latest version of its operating system:
    • Open Settings
    • Tap General
    • Tap System Update
    • Install any updates that are there
  • Make sure the apps on your iPhone or iPad are up to date
    • Open App Store
    • Tap your picture in the upper right corner
    • Tap Update all
  • WARNING... READ THE INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DO THIS STEP - POSSIBLE DATA LOSS
    • Delete the app and reinstall from the App store… MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BACKED UP YOUR DATA BEFORE YOU DO THIS STEP… IT’S LIKELY THAT YOU WILL LOSE YOUR DATA IN THAT APP IF YOU DON’T BACK IT UP.

Make sure you test after each step… if it’s working, you can stop (although you won’t hurt anything if you do all of the steps…)

Aren’t kids already overexposed to technology and social media?

We are aware of the dangers associated with overexposure to technology and social media. Our job is to make sure that students know those dangers, too, and become smart users of their smart phones and computing devices. Your child's teachers will help in that endeavor as they have been trained to use the right tool at the right time. Sometimes it makes sense to put pen to paper or turn the pages of a book, whether those are paper pages or electronic pages. Sometimes it's important just to listen or to lead in a group discussion. And sometimes it's essential to use an iPad to find the best answers, synthesize mountains of information and create something dynamic. We also want to create a level playing field, without digital haves and have-nots. The iPad program will ensure that every student has the necessary digital tools to aid his or her education and growth.

What kinds of activities or content are prohibited in the classroom?

The general rule is that students should use the iPad in class for the appropriate activity and nothing else. If the class is researching something, then that’s what all students should be doing; if students are on their own time, then they can choose what to spend their time on. Just as students can get detention for being disruptive in class or listening to music instead of their teachers, they can get detention for doing something on their iPad other than what they should be doing. Misbehaving is misbehaving regardless of whether an iPad is involved.