iPad trials
Overview
The department has conducted two iPad trials.
iPad Trial - Kedron SHS and Doomadgee SS
The initial iPad trial was designed to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of the new device for educational purposes and business productivity in both state schools and corporate offices.
As part of the trial, the schools explored the following:
- the appropriateness of the iPad for use by schools and business units as a learning and productivity tool
- the iPads compatibility with the department's Enterprise Platform
- future policy and guidelines for the use of iPads and other mobile devices within the department
- the online community to facilitate collaboration between schools trialing iPads.
Kedron State High School implemented a shared class set model of usage with their iPads. This enabled use by key teachers and their classes across the curriculum. The key teachers focused their use of the iPads specifically on Maths, English, Home Economics, Music, English as a Second Language, and engagement with middle school students. Kedron SHS used the original wireless iPad model. Online content was accessed via the schools wireless network on the iPads.
Doomagee State School purchased the original wireless + 3G enabled iPads for use with each of their 25 Year 8 and 9 students. Having individual 3G internet capable devices for approximately 10% of the student population enhanced access to ICT and online resources. Each student involved in the trial had an iPad individually assigned to them for the duration of the trial. The one to one model gave the students individual access to the iPad for the entire school day, for all classes.
Read the iPad Trial Report (PDF, 8.0M) now.
iPads in Special Education Trial - Grand Avenue State School
A subsequent iPad trial was conducted in a Special Education Program (SEP) at Grand Avenue State School. It specifically explored the use of iPads as an assistive device for students with various impairments such as Physical Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Impairment. The trial intended to:
- research the suitability of the iPad for students with multiple impairments
- assess the compatibility of the Splashtop Whiteboard iPad app with DETE ICT Infrastructure
- showcase trial outcomes through the Queensland Association of Special Education Leaders conference and inform advice for schools.
The SEP was provided with three 16GB WiFi iPad 2 devices with protective cases for six months. The iPads were shared among the small class of students. The trial teacher explored and utilised various apps where student's creativity and independence could be explored and highlighted. The findings from the trial were overwhelmingly positive. To find out more, read the iPads in Special Education Trial Report (PDF, 7.1M).
Further Advice
Several advice guides have been developed:
- Schools guide for purchasing and using iDevices (DETE employees only)
- Corporate guide for purchasing and using personal productivity devices (DETE employees only)
- Mobile Devices in Special Education: advice for schools (PDF, 7.1M)
Need more information?
Service Centre Online Select 'Mobile Devices' from 'Popular Topics' to explore a range of iDevice support.
