FAQ

Q

When will the iPad Initiative begin?

A

In September, 2012, all freshmen will be using iPads.

Q

Why iPads?

A

Research is showing that students are more engaged when technology is integrated into curriculum. We have included a series of links on this page and via ipads.morriscatholic.org.

Q

What is the cost of the program?

A

You can choose one of the following:

OPTION A: Bring your own iPad (iPad2 or better); cost = $100 per year.

OPTION B: Morris Catholic provides an iPad; cost = $200 per year.

Q

Can I use an Android tablet instead of an iPad?

A

Not at this time.

Q

Can upperclassmen use iPads?

A

Yes! They are not required though and Morris Catholic will not provide one for an upperclassman.

Q

What about digital textbooks?

A

Our Year One goal is to use 25% digital texts. By August 1, we will notify students as to which ones will be used. Each subsequent year, we hope to increase the use of digital texts and decrease traditional texts.

Q

Does this mean that Morris Catholic is going paperless?

A

Yes. This will take patience and is a work in progress but we do intent to decrease our paper footprint.

Q

If I have a technical question or need advice, whom should I contact?

A

Contact the program coordinator, Matt Alpaugh at malpaugh@morriscatholic.org.

Q

How do I enroll my incoming freshman in the program?

A

Simply fill out the form on this page, marked "9th Graders Enroll Below". It only takes a minute.

Q

What if I missed the July 17th iSchool event?

A

No worries. Just visit www.ischoolinitiative.org for follow up information.

iPad Initiative

IPADS for 2012-12 SCHOOL YEAR
Starting in the 2012-2013 academic year, Morris Catholic is launching its ENGAGE iPad Program.  This will involve all 9th graders and will require that they have an iPad (either through their own purchase or through the school's iPad Borrow Program) for daily use at school. Students in other grades may use iPads in their daily academic schedule but are not required to do so.

  

Ipads in education: links & resources  

Arguments in favor of iPads in schools

iPad apps for science 

iPads for High School 
 
iPad use in school libraries
 
Educators comment on the benefits of iPads
 
Study shows benefits of iPad use
 
iPads improve student performance  
 

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ipad MCHS.png

IPAD STUDENT/PARENT CONTRACT

All students who will be using an iPad for the 2012-13 school year need to return this contract to be eligible to use their device at Morris Catholic. Please download this contact, sign and return it, to be eligible to register your device.   

9th Grade iPad Contract (as of 9-12-12 all Freshmen should have already returned this contract)

10th-12th Grade iPad Contract (upperclassmen must complete and return to be eligible to register their iPad on the MC network

Upperclassmen Please Read 

 

As announced this summer upperclassmen will have the option to use iPads in class this year. We have successfully deployed and registered our Freshman class and now we will be opening up registration to our 10th, 11th & 12th graders.

Any upperclassmen who has an iPad2 or better who would like to use it at Morris Catholic must complete the following steps to securely register their device with the MC Network.

1. Please visit the MC website and download the 10th, 11th, & 12th Grade iPad Contract. Please read the contract carefully and both you and your student must sign the contract. (Contracts are also available in the Advancement Office.)

2. Contracts will be returned to either Mr. Chris Lyerly, Tech Director, or Mr. Alpaugh in the Library at the time of open registration.

3. Open registration will take place, 9-13, 9-14 & 9-17, before homeroom, during lunch periods and after school. Any student who wishes to register an iPad after those dates needs to see Mr. Alpaugh or Mr. Lyerly for an appointment.

If you have any further questions please feel free to take a look at the MC iPad Initiative page on our website or contact Mr. Matt Alpaugh at malpaugh@morriscatholic.org or 973-627-6674 ext. 120.

 

 

Are you concerned about the internet and its impacts on adolescent brain development?  We are too and recommend listening to Michael Hyatt's July 2012 podcast, "What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains and What We Can Do About It".

 

At Morris Catholic, we believe that iPads are not a passing fad but a revolutionary technology that will help our students and teachers ENGAGE in learning on a deeper level.  Research shows time and time again that engaged students are successful students.  The iPad Initiative at Morris Catholic seeks to foster ongoing student engagement. Our formula is as follows:

Everywhere learning.  With iPads, students hold a SmartBoard in the palm of their hands.  Our campus-wide WiFi allows students to access the internet anywhere, anytime.

Network strength and WiFi coverage.  The LANs and WANs we utilize shift traffic where it needs to be so that internet traffic doesn't get bogged down.

Giant vision for program growth.  We don't see iPads as simply tools for apps or for doing homework.  The ENGAGE program at Morris Catholic is a launching pad to literally transforming how we teach and learn at school.

Accountability and security.  We utilize Casper technology to push academic profiles to students.  This increases the chances of internet security and focused in-class learning. 

Gradual rollout of 1x1 devices.  We have chosen to deploy iPads one grade at a time.  

Evaluation and review.  No 1x1 program is successful without ongoing review.  We invite interested parents and community stakeholders to be a part of our Technology RoundTable.  This group works with school staff to evaluate the success of the ENGAGE program.

 

Morris Catholic was featured in Tech & Learning in 2011 for its use of iOS apps on the iPhone and iPad.   Click here for the article.