Mobile Minds FAQ
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What are the apps that are required?
CGHS has developed a list of required apps for the first year of this project. You can view these apps at www.centergrove.k12.in.us/mobileminds. The district issued iPad will come with these apps preloaded on the device. Parents/students who opt to BYOD will need to purchase and download the apps.
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What do I do if I want my student to use his/her own iPad, instead of renting one from the school?
If your student will bring their own device (BYOD), please fill out the appropriate form below:
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If we have our own devices, do they need to be an Apple iPad or can it be any kind of tablet - like a Galaxy?
New BYOD students are encouraged to purchase the latest iPad model. New BYOD should bring an Apple 6th Generation iPad 32GB (A1893) or newer.
Returning BYOD students may use the same device as the previous year. However, during the school year, it may become difficult for a student using an older device to be successful with their school work like a student using an updated, CG-issued device.
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Which version of the iPad will the school be distributing?
CGHS students will be using the Apple 7th Generation iPad with 32GB of Storage.
CGMSN & CGMSC students will be using the Apple 8th Generation iPad with 32GB of Storage.
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Will the iPad's iBook feature or the Kindle app integration be used to replace textbooks where possible?
CGHS has the Overdrive eBook library for a wide variety of reading material (both nonfiction and fiction), as well as SMART accounts via the Johnson County Public Library. We will continue to work to expand our selection. In addition, teachers are working to develop a blended learning approach to their classroom where they create interactive digital curriculum modules that can be accessed on their iPad. We are not moving towards a total immediate replacement of textbooks but a migration to that model. The textbook adoption process is on a 6 year cycle so that as each new adoption comes up, subject areas have the opportunity to select new materials. It is our hope that more and more subject areas will select digital resources and thus reduce the need to traditional textbooks. Now that students will all have equal access to digital content, this will be possible.
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Does this mean there will be no textbooks at all, therefore, no textbook rental fees? Only the fee for iPad rental? Or, how will this work?
As mentioned above, there will still be textbooks, but the goal is to increase the number of blended courses that utilize digital curriculum. This process happens over time.
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Is this an optional program?
No, all students will be required to participate and have access to an iPad for their coursework. CGCSC is committed to preparing students for the technological workforce and understand the importance of learning technologies.
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Will there be any assistance with the cost of the iPad rental similar to textbook assistance that my student usually receives?
Yes, students on a free and reduced lunch program will receive assistance.
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Will students be offered a chance to purchase iPads at a discounted price through Center Grove?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a discounted purchase price. Although, Apple does offer some education pricing for desktops and laptops, there is not a discount for iPads.
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Why do you not accept iPad minis?
We feel that the screen size will greatly prohibit the student’s ability to write and create.
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Will rented iPads be required to have a data package and who pays for that?
There is no requirement for a data package. Students who do not have wireless at home could go to many local establishments for free wireless. In addition, there are ways to download content on site so that they can access it at home without wireless.
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Will all classes be offered on iPads—or will students still have some textbooks?
The iPad will be used as a tool in the classroom. Students will be encouraged to take notes, access content posted by teachers, access instructional videos and other digital content. The textbook process runs on a six-year cycle and each year a different subject adopts. Now that each student will have a digital device, teachers will be encouraged to adopt digital content.
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If I purchased an iPad from the high school, how much would it cost?
We are not selling the iPads. We will provide an iPad for a rental fee of $125 a year. If parents opt to purchase their own iPad, they can purchase through http://store.apple.com.
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Since I will have 2 kids at the high school, that means each of them would have to have one, correct?
Yes, each student will be required to have their own iPad.
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Will students be able to download additional apps?
No. The iPads will not have access to the App Store. The iPads will be managed by centralized software and the apps are selected by a committee. The device is for educational purposes only and the apps selected to be on the device are used for student learning.
