Northwood School
FUTURE PERFECT
TODAY’S ACHIEVERS
TOMORROW
What is “Future Perfect”?
Instead of just traditional
textbooks, boys are permitted
to carry tablet computers with
e-textbooks and other resources
loaded on them.
The programme is VOLUNTARY
in all grades.
Why change anything?
 Northwood is committed to a leading-edge
approach to education.
 Technology forms an integral part of the
business and work environment.
 Teenagers are increasingly exposed to
electronic media and content.
Why change anything?
What benefits will Future Perfect
bring?
 Positive direction of relevant learning
 Increased access to a variety of content
 Up-to-date resources
What benefits will Future Perfect
bring?
 Vast functionality in e-book format
 Environmental benefits
 Synergy of POA, Calendar, Exam and
Testing programme integration
What benefits will Future Perfect
bring?
Cost savings
to parents
How will Future Perfect be rolled
out?
 PREPARATORY PHASE
 Conceptualisation and research
 Approval from Board of Governors
 Identification of Staff Working Group,
including “IT Champions”.
 Development of Protocols and Policies.
 Device specifications determined.
How will Future Perfect be rolled
out?
 PREPARATORY PHASE (cont.)
 Staff involvement around workbooks
prescribed books for 2014.
 Acknowledge that not all subjects can use
tablets all the time.
 Regular and on-going meetings with
stakeholders around network preparation,
school bags, etc.
 Proof of concept for network expansion.
How will Future Perfect be rolled
out?
 PHASE ONE
 Tablet computers are permitted for use at
school
 Training sessions held for staff and learners
 Learners and Parents sign acceptance of the
“Digital Citizenship” policy
 Textbooks and workbooks are made available
in digital format, initially via the internet.
How will Future Perfect be rolled
out?
 PHASE ONE (cont.)
 IT Champions assist with in-class and inservice training.
 Regular newsletters for staff, learners and
parents
 Grade 8 & 9 learners have a “Digital
Citizenship & Media Studies” lesson
 Boys use devices for notes and diary
How will Future Perfect be rolled
out?
 PHASE TWO
 School infrastructure and bandwidth capability
enhancements completed. WiFi hot-spots,
campus-wide coverage.
 Calendar, POA and Assessment schedule
integration through shared access.
 Learners are authenticated on to the Northwood
network with restricted access.
 Resources such as worksheets and assignments
are uploaded to a locally hosted area.
How will Future Perfect be rolled
out?
 PHASE TWO (cont.)
 Identification of “iPad Pros”, learners tasked
to help other learners and teachers.
 On-going visible student awareness and
education.
 Daily synching of links from shared folders
such as “Dropbox”.
How will Future Perfect be rolled
out?
 PHASE THREE
 Implementation of “Moodle” resource
platform.
 Submission of electronic assignments and
homework where appropriate.
 Re-development of current “Lab 2”
 Podcasts and video uploads of extra lessons.
 Compulsory introduction of tablets for all
learners?
Device Specifications
 Minimum 7” Device
 Colour Screen
 Minimum “800 x 480” Screen Resolution
(Recommended “1024 X 768”)
 8 hour battery life – to allow for
schoolwork and homework
Device Specifications (cont.)






Must be able to read .pdf files
Can be either Android or iOS based (or other)
Must have access to a web browser
Built in Camera
Built in sound/speakers
Minimum 8 gb on board storage
(recommended 16 gb or higher)
Concerns
 “Haves versus Have-nots”
 By allowing a variety of tablet specification,
this problem will be greatly reduced.
 All materials will be made available in hard
copy format to those without access.
 Boys without personal devices will benefit
from those around them.
Concerns
 Security and Theft
 Firm and clear protocols for safe-keeping (eg)
 Smaller devices fit in blazers.
 With regular use, it is unlikely that the device
will be left unattended or in a vulnerable
place.
 A safe-bag area is available during all school
activities (Extra-curricular, Phys Ed.).
Concerns
 Inappropriate use of the tablet
 School, Subject and Class protocols and rules
in place.
 Serious sanctions for transgressions.
 Device “fatigue” will reduce time spent on
games outside of class.
 Productive use of the tablet in lesson time will
limit temptation.
Concerns
 Sample protocols
 No learner should be using any other student’s
tablet at any time.
 Tablets should be on silent and “Flight Mode”
during class time to ensure only educational apps
and programmes are utilized. (Phase 1 only)
 All devices should be code-locked and have a
picture of the owner as the lock screen
background.
Concerns
 Sample Protocols (2)
 All devices should be within reach and/or sight of
the owner at all times.
 “Safe” Rooms where equipment and tablets may
be stored during extra-mural activities are
available.
 Students will have access to tablet tracking
software (via 3G or Phase 2 WiFi)
What will it cost?
 Text books are available on a variety of
platforms, depending on the publisher.
 Books may be either in e-book or e-pdf
format. Licences vary.
 Workbooks, previously charged for by the
school, will be FREE in PDF format.
What will I save?
 All textbooks prescribed by the school for
2014 are available in electronic format.
 Savings will vary per Grade and Subject
Choice in Grades 10-12.
 Certain Grade 10 & 11 subjects have
optional State-provided textbooks.
What will I save?
GRADE 8 Hard copy Electronic
2014
Saving
Textbook costs
R1 545,90
R1 264,55
R281,35
Workbook costs
R640,00
R0,00
R640,00
TOTAL
R2 145,90
R1 264,55
R921,35
43 %
How does it work?
Apple
Android
iPad
• Tablet pioneers
• Wide variety of models
• SA support by Core
Group
• ZA Books
• All textbooks available
• Costly
• Frequently upgraded
Android
• Wide variety of
manufacturers
• Cheaper
• World market leader
• Majority, but not all
textbooks currently
available
• Stylus for ease of use
Workbooks – Dropbox or similar
ONE FOLDER PER
GRADE
CONTAINING ALL
WORKBOOKS
Workbooks – Dropbox or similar
EACH FOLDER
CONTAINS PDF
WORKBOOKS
Recommendations
 Consider a variety of sources for your
device.
o
o
o
o
Direct purchase from retailers
Cell phone & data deals
Interest free offers from banks
Second-hand sources such as family and
friends
Recommendations
 Investigate device specifications carefully,
particularly
o
o
o
o
Operating system
Device model
Memory
Screen size and quality
Recommendations
 Think carefully before deciding on 3G and
data
 Consider insuring the device
 Invest in a proper cover and screen
protector
 Back up the device weekly to a PC or
Cloud-based server.
Northwood School
How can you help?
• Embrace change
• Become involved in the fundraising drive
• Trust your school
Northwood School
Q&A