Ipad Golden Rules

It is hard to believe that the first iPad was only released in 2010. The iPad is an incredibly powerful learning tool used every day in classrooms across the globe. Since 2014 over 200 million iPads have been sold and the app store has over 500 000 native Apple and third party apps. iPads provide wonderful opportunities for innovative, constructivist and student centred learning. Constructivist paradigms require higher order thinking skills as students innovate, create and collaborate (Nanjappa & Grant, 2003). However, technological skill or constructivist pedagogy does not guarantee purposeful use of technology. As children interact with technology they are met by a barrage of information and interactivity that they must navigate, filter and manage. Schools must implement clear guidelines that assist students in setting boundaries to use technology effectively.

At Emanuel School and Newington College I have implemented a set of iPad Golden Rules to assist students in purposeful and valuable use of technology that enhances learning. These iPad Golden Rules have been outlined below.

iPad Golden Rules

Years K-2

• No iPad at recess or lunch
• Only use the iPad you have been given for the lesson
• iPads closed in 5, 4, 3, 2,1
• Teacher chosen apps only
• Store in iPad Trolley
• Do your best work

(Posters: Golden Rules K-2 PDF, Golden Rules K-2 PPT)

Years 3-6

• Only use apps that form part of the learning activity.
• Only use school email and airdrop for communication related to learning (ask for permission).
• Only play educational games at school.
• Close your case when requested by your teacher (by the count of five).
• Store your device in the iPad trolley at the end of the day and plug it in for charging.
• Only use your iPad during teacher directed learning time.
• When walking your iPad must be closed.
• iPads are not to be used at lunch unless you are completing a learning task with a teacher.
• Do not listen to recreational music when using your iPad.
• Use the photo/video/audio functionality of device appropriately. Always ask permission before taking or sharing photos or videos.
• Use the internet responsibly. Remember that teachers have the right to search internet history, camera roll images and downloaded apps. Students are not to clear internet history.

(Posters: Golden Rules 3-6 PDF, Golden Rules 3-6 PPT)

Effective implementation of these guidelines is dependent on five key criteria:

1. Whole School Approach: It is vital to have whole school discussion around these rules so that they are consistently applied. Specialist and classroom teachers must have a unified approach to the management of iPads.
2. Warnings First: Using a warning system allows students to monitor their behaviour and correct poor choices. However, these warnings should be given swiftly and regularly. It is also important to wipe the warnings at the end of a school day to allow students to start a fresh each morning.
3. Spirit of Support: The spirit of the iPad Golden Rules should be to support students in creating helpful habits when using technology. It is important to reinforce a spirit of responsibility and proactivity each time the rules are broken.
4. Linked Consequences: When students use iPads inappropriately, often the first instinct for teachers is to confiscate the device. This usually prohibits the student from effectively participating in learning. A targeted reflection on responsible use of technology is far more effective (See examples Digital Footprint, Web Secrets, Internet Filters and Screen Addiction)
5. Parent Communication: Partnership with parents through clear communication is critical for establishing and reinforcing iPad guidelines. Parents may choose to adopt some of the guidelines for their family, creating a sense of continuity between home and school.

Question for you: What strategies do you use to manage effective use of one to one devices in your classroom?