Questions?
When will students receive their iPads?
Please refer to the the MLINK Rollout tab and select a campus to find more information.
What device and accessories will students receive?
At the beginning of this year, 1-6 students will receive an iPad Air and Logitech Rugged Combo Case. Kindergarten will receive an iPad with a Logitech Rugged Combo Case. 7-12th grade will receive an iPad with a Logitech Rugged Combo Case with Keyboard.
Are headphones included in the 1:1 initiative?
No, students will need to provide their own headphones or earbuds. Please note, traditional Apple earbuds will fit with the Logitech Rugged Combo case, but some aftermarket headphones will not fit. If a student’s headphones do not fit in the headphone input, it is recommended to purchase an audio jack extender with a smaller width. Headphones
May students bring a wireless keyboard to use with their iPads?
No, Bluetooth devices cause co-channel interference in the 802.11b 2.4GHZ spectrum and allowing many students to bring Bluetooth devices will create a channel use issue in the classroom. With too many devices students may be unable to connect to internet devices. Additionally, too many Bluetooth devices in a given area can cause connectivity issues with each other.
May students bring their own devices instead of using one provided by the district?
It is not recommended. Because of the district wide 1:1 you will need to use the district owned device in order to access all instructional apps, services, and assignments as well as accessing the district provided network resources necessary for instruction. With teacher permission, students can in limited circumstances use their own device. See the student responsible use agreement for more details.
What if a parent does not sign the parent agreement?
The student will be given an alternate assignment.
What are the specifications for the iPad students will receive?
Students in grades 1-6 will receive an iPad Air, 16GB, wifi only device. Students in Kindergarten and 7-12th grade will receive an iPad (5th Generation) 32GB wifi only device. As the first semester comes to an end, 1-6 grade will upgrade to an iPad (5th Generation).
What if an iPad is damaged, lost or stolen?
For the 2017-2018 school year a usage fee will not be collected; however, the district reserves the right to assess a usage fee in future school years if needed.
If an iPad or case/keyboard is damaged, lost, or stolen, the parent/guardian will be responsible as follows:
- 1st instance of damage/theft/lost: Parent/guardian will be responsible for 50% of the cost to repair or replace the item.
- 2nd instance of damage/theft/lost: Parent/guardian will be responsible for 100% of the cost to repair or replace the item
- Current prices for the items can be found on the What are the replacement costs for the device? button below.
If an iPad cable or power adapter is damaged, lost, or stolen, the parent/guardian will be responsible as follows.
- Parent/guardian will be responsible for 100% of the cost to repair or replace the item.
In situations where a loaner or replacement iPad or accessory will be provided, the items will not be issued until the costs have been paid.
If a device is stolen off campus, the case number and police department where the report was filed must be provided to the school administration within 1 business day of the theft.
Parents are encouraged to purchase their own insurance for the device in case the iPad is damaged, stolen, or lost. Several companies offer individual policies for a minimal fee and are listed below. The district does not endorse any company but is simply providing a list of possible options.
Why am I (the parent/guardian and student) responsible for the cost of a damaged, lost or stolen iPad?
The iPad is an instructional material similar to a textbook or library book. All instructional materials are expected to be returned in an acceptable manner. The Texas Education Code outlines expectations for each student, or the student’s parent or guardian, in regards to instructional materials responsibility. A student who fails to return in an acceptable condition all instructional materials and technological equipment forfeits the right to free instructional materials and technological equipment until all instructional materials and technological equipment previously issued, but not returned in an acceptable condition are paid for by the student, parent, or guardian.
Parents are encouraged to purchase their own insurance for the device in case the iPad is damaged, stolen, or lost. Several companies offer individual policies for a minimal fee and are listed below. The district does not endorse any company but is simply providing a list of possible options.
What are the replacement costs for the device?
Does the district offer insurance for the iPad?
Parents are encouraged to purchase their own insurance for the device in case the iPad is damaged, stolen, or lost. Several companies offer individual policies for a minimal fee and are listed below. The district does not endorse any company but is simply providing a list of possible options.
Who should a student contact if an iPad is lost?
A student should immediately inform the classroom teacher or lab assistant so steps can be taken to locate the device.
What should a parent do if an iPad is stolen when the iPad is not at school?
If a device is stolen off campus, the case number and police department where the report was filed must be provided to the school administration within 1 business day of the theft.
What is the process if the device is stolen outside of school?
The iPads are marked with property of Midway ISD and the serial numbers are embedded in the device so those cannot be changed in the event of theft. We expect parents to immediately report items stolen to the police and submit the case number and police department name to the school office within 1 business day. The district will utilize information from the police report to determine replacement costs and responsibility. This will be a case-by-case issue with any thefts that occur. Our district has had very little theft since the inception of the 1:1 program. Additionally parents can carry an insurance rider with one of the companies listed on the website to help mitigate additional liability if they wish.
If a student iPad is damaged, may a parent have the iPad repaired by an outside company?
No, all repairs will be handled through Midway’s Technology Department.
Can students and staff purchase their own case for the iPad?
Students and staff are required to use the case provided by Midway ISD to minimize damage to the iPad.
Will students in grades 7-12 be allowed to charge an iPad during class?
Students in grades 7-12 will need to bring their iPads fully charged to school each day. Classrooms will not have the capacity for charging student iPads.
Will the iPad replace all of the textbooks?
A timeline has not been established for phasing out paper textbooks. The iPad has the capability to access the same information from many sources.
What security is installed on the iPads? Will they have filtered internet access?
The devices will be filtered inside and outside of the district with the district content filter. The district content filter is CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) compliant. Additionally, the devices have a security profile which. If a student has removed the security profile, they will be in violation of their signed student agreement.
Is there anything else I can do at home to protect my children from adult content and security issues on my home network?
Yes, you can find an article outlining the steps to setup OpenDNS, a web security solution, in your home environment at this link. Midway ISD highly recommends that parents utilize OpenDNS for their home network.
Will students have email accounts?
Yes, all students will have email accounts provided by Midway ISD.
Is the WIFI network capable of handling the increase in devices?
Yes, the wireless capacity in each building has been improved. The technology department will be monitoring the usage as the iPads are distributed to troubleshoot problem areas.
Where will elementary/intermediate students' iPads be kept and charged each day?
iPads for students in grades K-6 will remain in the homeroom teacher’s classroom. Charging stations will be provided for each classroom to charge the devices at night so they will be fully charged for the next day.