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Frequently Asked Questions

Updated

Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, all students in 4th grade through 12th grade were given a school purchased iPad. This iPad is integrated into instruction at North Raleigh Christian Academy. Students in PreK through 3rd grade have the opportunity to use an in class cart of iPads daily.

The NRCA 1:1 iPad Program offers students the most up-to-date and advanced learning tools that are available. It allows students to use various apps and interactive learning tools to enhance their learning experience to an extent not possible with current instructional tools. NRCA is able to place the most useful technology in students’ hands at all times. iPad integration into classroom instruction allows our teachers to expand their repertoire of instructional modes. Use of ebooks and iBooks allows for the enhancement and interactivities that a traditional book cannot provide. In sum, the NRCA 1:1 iPad Program provides a host of advantages and benefits to students, teachers and parents.

NRCA has invested extensive time and energy in designing a WiFi network that meets the needs of our students and faculty. A full time IT staff ensures that any problems are quickly resolved and do not interfere with learning.

Students will be allowed to use bluetooth keyboards with their iPads, however this and other accessories must be purchased by each individual student.  NRCA will not provide keyboards, earbuds, Apple Pencils or styluses.

As of the fall of 2023 all iPads in grades 4-12 use the 2nd generation of Apple Pencil.

Students in PreK-3rd grade can use a basic stylus. Parents should not purchase an Apple Pencil for students in these grades.

NRCA implements extensive measures to ensure our students’ privacy and safety while they are on our network. Certain apps and URL sites are blocked from use by our system. NRCA maintains sophisticated content filters and firewalls to actively manage the wireless network. Each student already agrees to our Responsible Use Policy as a condition of enrollment. This policy will continue to outline the safety measures that are in place and the practices that we expect of the student.

It is also our job as parents and educators to teach proper use of any internet connected device. We intend to use the opportunity to teach students proper use of technology, consistent with our mission: “Instilling Biblical principles in students’ lives that they might impact their society for Christ.” Notwithstanding these and other efforts, it is important to bear in mind that even though the iPad is NRCA’s property, NRCA is not responsible for how an iPad is used when a student is not on the NRCA campus.

Each student is given an iPad that has been purchased and configured by NRCA.  Each student is also be given a school issued case.

The vast array of iPad software programs and apps make it a valuable tool in any classroom. Students have access to various programs and apps that will assist them in solving problems in science and math courses as well as different programs to enhance their ability to take notes within other courses such as English, the social sciences, and world languages.

Use of the iPad also allows the teacher to better gauge students’ grasp of the material during class so that a teacher may emphasize the material with which students may be struggling.

With the rapid development of e-textbooks, it makes sense for NRCA teachers and students to make use of the array of resources available electronically.

Charging stations should not be necessary. One of the advantages of using the iPad as a 1:1 device is that its battery can last 8-10 hours on a full charge, more than sufficient for a student’s typical needs during the course of our school day.  Our expectation is that a student should come to NRCA every day with his iPad fully charged, so that he will not need to charge it at school.  If a student needs a partial recharge during the school day high school students may charge their iPads at the designated charging stations in the cafeteria.

Yes, each iPad needs to remain in the school issued case.

A student should treat his iPad as he would any other costly possession. All iPads have the students username on the home screen right above the home button for easy identification.

Finally, and most important, each should always take care to keep their iPad secure.  They should never leave it unattended. If a student puts their iPad in their locker, they should make sure that their locker is safely locked.

The iPad is an instructional tool, but one of many that is used in the classroom. Teachers use direct instruction and small group learning to teach interpersonal, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. It is important that students have both face-to-face and digital skill sets. 

Documents and other information that are saved to the iPad should be backed up to OneDrive, and iCloud by the students regularly. Students can also back up their iPads to a home computer. Students are trained on proper file management and backup methods both in classes and via online tutorials.  Individual apps have to backed-up separately.  Please check information on on specific apps through that app developers website.

A student will have the option of having his own personal Apple ID or using a family Apple ID.  The Apple ID will need to registered through NRCA and is completed during the initial set-up process at iPad deployment. This allows NRCA to distribute school approved apps to students with ease. Any additional apps a student or their parents may want to obtain will have to be purchased through the student’s own personal Apple ID at their expense.

Parents who are concerned about their son or daughter using a personal Apple ID should consider requiring their child to share his/her password with them. Further, while a credit card is required to establish an Apple ID, the credit card information may be immediately removed once the Apple ID account is created. It may be replaced with an iTunes gift card balance, providing parents with management over expenses. Finally, parental restrictions can be set on the iPad to prevent installation and/or use of certain apps, music, and podcasts.

According to Federal Regulations (COPPA Act) concerning the amount of information that can be gathered for children under the age of 13, Apple ID’s cannot be created via Family Share on a parent’s Apple device.  If a parent does not have access to an Apple device, then they will need to create a Family Apple ID for the student. These accounts are created by the parent or guardian on behalf of the student. 

Apple Support: Apple ID FAQ

The iPad will be the student’s responsibility. A lost or stolen iPad must be reported to NRCA immediately and should also be reported to the proper authorities if off-campus theft occurs. Any damage due to intentional or unintentional abuse or misuse to the iPad must be reported to NRCA immediately. The family will be responsible for the cost of replacing the iPad if it is lost, stolen, submersion in water or non-accidentally damaged.  Accidental damage or damage caused by a fire or natural disaster will be covered under the school insurance policy, a deductible will be charged and increases with each claim.  

We also strongly recommend downloading the Find My iPad app, allowing you and your student to locate the device should it become lost. Find My iPad shows you the approximate location of your iPad on a map while using a different device. Using a well selected password will additionally help protect your iPad.

NRCA selects textbooks by prioritizing academic quality and value to students. There are few courses for which there are no quality digital textbooks and will require a traditional print book. Over the next few years as older textbooks phase out we may see the addition of more digital textbooks. Teachers review their textbooks and the text’s medium and delivery yearly to ensure that their students have the best possible educational experience.

What Digital Textbooks does NRCA use?

There will be several ways for students to receive tech support for their devices. All of the teachers have been trained and will offer students immediate support in the classroom. Additional support is provided by NRCA IT staff, and students can fill out a Help Desk request at nrca.incidentiq.com.

All NRCA issued iPads will come with the following applications:

Other apps will be added at the teacher’s request after approval from administration. For a more detailed list of app, visit the Approved Apps page.

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