St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School continues to integrate modern technology and digital devices into the traditional classroom curriculum. It is more important than ever that students learn to use electronic devices and practice digital citizenship. By using these devices in everyday life, students get practice with relevant learning tools and advanced technology that they can use as they move forward with their education and careers. Here is everything you need to know about the iPad initiative at St. Cecelia.

What Is The iPad Initiative?

The iPad initiative brings iPads into the classroom so that students can practice using technology and learning the values and responsibilities of digital citizenship. Children from second to eighth grade will have an iPad rented through the school to use for daily assignments. Some advantages of this program are:

• Instant access to resources and materials far beyond those available in a traditional classroom
• Valuable instructional and assessment tools for teachers and students (formative and summative)
• Comprehensive, organizational tools for research, note-taking, polling, storytelling, and so much more
• Reduced printing costs, paper usage, photocopying, and textbook purchases
• Increased opportunities for ownership of information and engaged learning
• Increased opportunities for the development of skills beyond those of a “paper and pencil” environment
• Increased opportunities for the classroom to extend beyond the traditional school day, encouraging and engaging students individually and collaboratively.
• Encouraging students to explore technology and be creative

Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, every St. Cecelia student (Pre-K4 through eighth grade) will be charged a rental/device fee that will vary due to the child’s grade level and device. iPads will be distributed at the beginning of each school year and returned before summer to make any updates or repairs on the devices. Students taking classes in the summer will be updated later on in the year on how to take one home during the summer.

Who Will Be Using The iPads?

Children in grades second through eighth will be assigned an iPad. However, second-grade iPads will not be allowed to be taken home. Children in Pre-K4 through first grade will have 1:1 devices in the classroom for school usage. These devices can vary from being iPads, Netbooks, tablets, or PCs.

Related Post: Screen Time: Is it Always a Bad Thing?

What is My Child Using it For?

Students will be using the iPads to complete assignments inside and outside of the classroom. They have the opportunity to develop skills through academic software within the curriculum. They will have the opportunity to take notes, do research, and complete assignments, even if they don’t have access to a computer at home. Students will also practice the responsibility of digital citizenship and the importance of digital literacy in modern life.

What Will They Be Able to Access?

St. Cecelia School is in compliance with CIPA – Children Information Protection Act, and all internet traffic within the school is managed through mobile management filtering and security software. Any inappropriate or unrelated school material can’t be accessed during school hours. This will safeguard against students using content or applications which are unrelated or inappropriate to student learning and encourage them to stay focused in school-related activities only. Be aware that these security measures only take place on campus and during school hours. Any activity outside of these parameters is under parental supervision.

Get a Head Start at St. Cecelia

Want your child to get a head start on learning the newest and most up-to-date technology? St. Cecelia is dedicated to integrating technology into a traditional academic classroom setting. While students will still be learning information in traditional ways, they will also be given opportunities to combine learning with technology. You can find out more about the iPad Initiative here or contact us at (727) 461-1200.