Technology @ Tree
Tree of Life seeks to foster a culture of educational innovation. Along with other innovative
strategies, new technology offers creative opportunities that allow teachers to most effectively
educate students. Our technology focus at Tree of Life Christian Schools is not on a particular
device; rather, it is on using technology as a tool to make teaching and learning more engaging,
efficient, and effective. We are following a research-based, developmentally-appropriate
(phased) approach to technology integration at all levels. Previous phases of our technology
agenda involved installing digital projectors and interactive white boards in every K-8
classroom. Each K-8 classroom has access to iPads for student use. Technology instruction is
included in all grade levels at Tree of Life.
High School 1:1 iPad Learning Initiative
Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, we will issue each high school student an iPad device
to advance and enrich the learning process.
FAQ’s about the 1:1 iPad Learning Initiative
1. How does this initiative support Tree of Life’s mission?
The Tree of Life iPad Learning Initiative purposes to help equip Christ-centered students who
can create, collaborate, critically think, and communicate with a local and global community.
Our mission supports Biblically-based educational preparedness for college and calling readiness
through academically excellent programs. The use of iPads in the high school will allow students
to continue to use biblical truth to guide their movements within the world by using technology
responsibly and capably for learning and communicating. More and more colleges have made the
use of tablets, laptops, and other technologies part of the regular academic environments. High
school iPad use will enable our students to become comfortable in such environments.
2. How does this initiative support Tree of Life’s response to the State of Ohio’s Common
Core Curriculum Standards?
iPads provide a means to equip students to use technology and digital media strategically and
capably as required by those standards.
3. How will we monitor instructional effectiveness?
Over a period of several years, we will collect survey and other data from teachers and students,
focused on the impact of iPads and other technology devices on learning behaviors and student
achievement. Also, we will continue to carefully monitor student achievement data to assess the
potential effects of iPads and technology integration.
4. Will the iPad improve my son/daughter’s grades and/or test scores?
No – hard work still does that. However, the iPad has, in fact, been shown to improve
motivation, engagement, and time-on-task, and these things have all been proved to improve test
scores.
The role of the teacher continues to be central to student achievement. The iPad becomes an
additional resource to both the student and the teacher.
5. Why the iPad? Why not laptops or netbooks?
This is not an either/or decision. We know that the majority of Tree of Life families already have
at least one computer in the home. We believe that the combination of the Mac/PC computer and
iPad (for mobility and classroom use) will serve the student best. We will continue to support the
desktop and laptop computers currently deployed in our media center and lab into the foreseeable
future.
Further, the multifunction iPad features educational apps, instant-on capability, long battery life,
a user-friendly interface, and additional features that make it an excellent tool to enhance
learning.
6. Will there be digital textbooks?
We are committed to purchasing the best instructional materials, whether they are paper or
electronic. We will evaluate and select digital textbooks alongside of traditional textbooks and
continue to select the materials we believe are most instructionally sound.
7. Does this mean my son/daughter doesn’t need to use our home computer?
No. Your child will still need to use a computer in conjunction with the iPad. The iPad is good
for short-term creative processes, and the computer (desktop and/or laptop) is perhaps better for
long-term creative processes, such as writing a research paper.
8. Will this program increase my tuition?
No. The iPad initiative will not be paid for by raising tuition.
After evaluating options and best practices, we have decided to lease the iPads at fair market
value, reducing our costs and passing the savings on to Tree of Life. Accordingly, Tree of Life
will not own the iPads and we are able to spread the cost over a four-year term. That way, the
cost to the school per student is just over $100 per year – little less than the cost of a new
textbook.
9. How much is this going to cost me?
We will require each student to purchase an iPad2-compatible case (approximate one-time cost:
$30). We will require each student to purchase and maintain a school-supplied insurance policy
at the cost of $35 per school year. This policy will cover families against accidental damage and
theft. As with other insurance policies, a deductible will apply.
10. What apps are required? What apps are recommended?
There will be a minimal cost to purchase apps, depending on the student course schedule. These
apps will be purchased under your personal iTunes account (Apple ID) and will remain the
property of the family, not the school.
By purchasing the apps using your personal Apple ID, you make sure that you retain ownership
of the apps, not the school. That way, the apps will benefit your student throughout high school,
college, and beyond. Moreover, according to Apple’s rules, you can install the purchased apps on
up to five iOS devices (iPads/iPhones) using the same Apple ID. A list of required apps will be
available in the summer.
11. Do we need peripheral devices (stylus/keyboard)?
No. Your child might like to use a stylus or Bluetooth keyboard, but these are completely
optional.
12. Do I need to have an iTunes account? Can I load apps/software on my child’s device?
Yes. In order to purchase or download apps, you will need an iTunes account (Apple ID). If you
do not have an iTunes account, you can learn more at http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2731 and
http://support.apple.com/kb/he37. If you do not want your child to have the freedom to make
purchases, you can keep the password secret and enter it yourself to allow downloads.
13. What if my son/daughter already owns an iPad?
We have learned that most successful schools with 1:1 programs actually provide the iPads for
their students – and they support both the devices and the student/families after deployment. This
allows the school to ensure a safe learning environment with minimal distractions.
Therefore, we will not allow students to bring personally-owned iPads or laptops to school.
Instead we will allow students extensive flexibility to personalize the school-owned iPads,
according to the guidelines and conditions in our Media Responsible Use Policy.
14. Do I need to have Wi-Fi at home for the iPad to work?
No, but it helps. Of course, students can always use wireless at the local library and many other
locations.
15. How will I keep my son/daughter safe online?
One of the school’s biggest concerns for this initiative involves the safe use of iPads by the
students. Safe use will require a strong partnership between the home and the school. Therefore,
the school will hold mandatory parent training to help support safe student use. While at school,
all internet traffic passes through our web filter and firewall. While away from school, we
cannot filter traffic. Internet safety becomes the sole responsibility of the parent. There are a
number of options families can adopt with respect to Wi-Fi/Internet security in the home, and we
leave that to your discretion.
Although at-home Internet security remains beyond the scope of this document, two solutions we
have found effective for residential use include:
a. K9 Web Protection: http://www1.k9webprotection.com/
b. bsecure: http://www.bsecure.com/
16. What model of iPad will my child receive?
Barring any unforeseen changes in Apple’s product lineup, we currently plan to issue the iPad2
16GB Wi-Fi only.
17. When will my child receive his/her iPad? What is required for pickup?
iPads will be distributed to students in late summer. In order to pick up the iPad, a parent must
accompany his/her child to the training session, complete necessary forms and pay insurance fee.
18. Can the iPad be used by others in the household?
Yes. Although the iPad is primarily intended for use by the student, we hope the iPad will
provide value and enjoyment for the entire family.
19. As a parent, do I need to know how to use an iPad?
No, but we hope you will get excited and involved. Just remember, before 2010, none of us knew
how to use an iPad – the device was not even available. We are all students on this one, and we
encourage you to learn along with your child (and with us).
20. Will students keep the devices during breaks?
Yes, except for summer. We need to do maintenance over the summer months.
21. Does the school get a special deal on iPads, and can you sell them at a reduced rate?
No. We do not get significant price breaks, and we cannot resell Apple devices. At this time, we
will lease the devices at fair market value, and we cannot resell what we will not own.
22. What should I do if my device is damaged, lost, or stolen?
Within 24 hours, call 614-263-2688 or email ssherrod@tolcs.org. In the case of a lost or stolen
device, school officials may be able to use GPS technologies to track the iPad. For damaged
and/or stolen devices, we will provide you with an insurance claim form.