At this point, the iPad is currently the best device available for the type of teaching and learning in which our students are engaged. The long battery life, price point, instant-on, flat profile, touch screen, quality of ebooks, and the robust developer community makes the iPad the current leader for educational use.

 

We also believe that the use of the iPad is an opportunity to level the playing field for our students. We know our students come from vastly different economic backgrounds, and we know technology is required of our students in many different ways. The use of iPads will not make everything equal, but it will at least provide all students with a common baseline.

 

No. Each student must purchase her/his own iPad and a protective cover or case. It is the family's decision to insure and accessorize the iPad.

 

For the Class of 2029, Gonzaga Prep is transitioning to a managed iPad model. Our IT Department will identify the most cost-effective model and families will purchase their devices directly from the school.  For new students in other classes, the recommended minimum specification is the iPad 10th Generation device (64GB memory, Wi-Fi).

 

No. Though the iPad Mini is capable of running the same apps as the iPad, its screen size is inadequate for effective in-classroom use.

 

No. Neither the iPod Touch nor the iPhone is capable of running all the required applications. These devices are not acceptable.

 

We intend to use as many electronic textbooks as we can. Electronic books cost much less than traditional textbooks. We fully expect families will experience significant cost savings over two to three years, compared with traditional textbooks.

 

For members of the Class of 2029, we will automatically deploy our required apps. For students in other classes, we have published a list of required apps the students will need to install independently.

 

We have limited funds available to assist families who need help with the initial purchase of the iPad or digital textbooks.  Please see our Fees, iPad, and Textbook page for more information.

 

The School has wireless internet access available when the campus is open. Various student centers in the School are open from 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on school days.  While internet access is also available publicly in other places, it is highly recommended to have internet access at home as well. Families who qualify may also have access to internet services through Comcast at a reduced rate. Please check with your internet provider for more information.

All incoming freshman and transfer students configure their iPad for educational use during orientation in August before school starts, where they will get an introduction to how best to use the iPad for productivity. Students will also read and agree to the School's Acceptable Use Policy. Our faculty will focus on teaching students to use devices responsibly, ethically, and productively. Parents are encouraged to help their students be good digital citizens. Please click HERE for more resources regarding digital citizenship.

 

Students can be distracted by what they can do with the device. The iPad makes it easy for a student to surf the internet, check email, send an instant message, play a game, read a book for another class, and so on. Many students are already experiencing these distractions with phones and laptops. We will work with the students on developing self-discipline and making the right choices when in class and when they are doing homework.

 

We are aware of the dangers associated with overexposure to technology and social media. Our job is to make sure that students know those dangers, too, and become smart users of their computing devices. Your child’s teachers will help in that endeavor. They have been trained to use the right tool at the right time. Sometimes it makes sense to put pen to paper or turn the pages of a book, whether those are paper pages or electronic pages. Sometimes it’s important to just listen or to lead a group discussion. And sometimes it’s essential to use an iPad to find the best answers, synthesize mountains of information and create something dynamic that will help transform our world. We also want to create a level playing field, without digital haves and have-nots. The iPads will ensure that every student has the necessary digital tools to aid his or her education and growth.

 

The iPad does have parental controls that can be used to lock down a device. Please refer to the iPad User Guide for more information on how to use the parental controls on the iPad. You may also view our Parental User Guide by clicking here.

 

Gonzaga Prep filters the web content available to the students through the on-campus wireless network. For the Class of 2029, Safari browser filtering extends everywhere the iPad travels, both off-campus and at home. Families with students in other classes are invited to join our management program for a one-time fee of $40, which will enable always-active Safari browser filtering. We cannot filter unmanaged devices that connect to the internet via a cell phone network (a 4G or 5G capable device). We also cannot filter unmanaged devices off-campus and at home. You may want to contact your internet service provider for ways to block websites at your home.

 

All incoming Freshman and transfer students are required to attend orientation in August before school starts, where they will get an introduction on how best to use the iPad for productive means. At the orientation, students will be given the information to connect to our network, be assigned a school email address, and learn ways to keep their devices secure. Students will learn about the Google suite of apps for digital storage, document sharing, and more. Students will also read and agree to the school's Acceptable Use Policy.

 

Students are asked to purchase the digital version of the textbook if it is shown as required on the textbook list. Many of the electronic textbooks have interactive content that will be utilized and is not available in the paper version. However, paperback books may be substituted for ebooks if there are novels on your list of required textbooks (e.g. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest; The Great Gatsby, etc.)