Technology @ JHS

Why iPads?
After extensive research and two pilot projects, we chose iPads because they are easy to use, moderately priced, have excellent battery life, and have the best e-textbooks currently available.

Is Jesuit an "iPad School?"
Jesuit is NOT an “iPad school." Jesuit will remain a Catholic, college-prep high school in the Ignatian tradition which will require all students to add the iPad to their collection of learning tools. We will continue to teach students to engage in deep reflection, to think critically, to solve problems and to express themselves with grace — and to do so within a caring community. When it is time to put the screens down, students will do that, too.

Our students will have the best chance of being “transformational leaders" if their existing technological skills are integrated with a morally and intellectually rigorous Catholic Jesuit education. We need to prepare our students for learning and working in this digital information world. We believe the use of iPads will enhance both teaching and student learning – and will expand the possibilities for creativity, collaboration and exploration.

Will Jesuit provide the iPad?
Yes, Jesuit will provide each student with an iPad when they begin their journey. The school will own all iPads provided to students solely for educational purposes.

Will there be any cost savings by requiring iPads?
We intend to use as many electronic textbooks as appropriate. Electronic books often cost less than traditional textbooks. Assuming we can find or develop appropriate e-texts for courses that use textbooks, we expect families will experience savings over the costs of paper texts. Additionally, iPads will lighten the load in student backpacks, and having schoolwork on one electronic device will help students to stay organized.

Will students and teachers find e-textbooks engaging?
In many cases publishers are choosing to discontinue the revision of classic text books. Instead they are focusing on the more interactive and engaging platform that digital devices can provide. Expect to see the inclusion of video, puzzles, interactive demonstration of problem solutions, and other rich media in books now coming to market. We expect the idea of the textbook to evolve over time to be more student-centric, offering benefits above and beyond the traditional learning medium.

What happens if my iPad is damaged, stolen or lost?
Jesuit students may have a single iPad replaced for the cost of $50 every two years. This includes those that are damaged, lost, stolen, or otherwise not returnable to the school. We will need the damaged device returned or a police report number for every device. After the first device is replaced, the second replacement is half the cost of a similar new iPad. The third replacement for damage, loss and/or theft is full price of the device.

What about families for whom the cost of iPads will present a hardship?
The school is budgeting an increase in financial aid to provide assistance to families that cannot afford to pay the extra tuition costs associated with an iPad. We are committed to keeping tuition accessible for families and will continue to provide as much financial aid as possible for qualified families who need assistance. If you have questions about financial aid, contact financialaid@jesuitportland.org or 503-291-5416.

How long do we expect the iPad to last?
Starting in 2022 we expect the iPads to last four years, or the entire time a student attends Jesuit. In the past, we swapped iPads every two years as the batteries degraded over time and would not hold enough charge by the time they had been extensively used for four years. This has changed over time with improvements in the basic technologies used in tablet devices. 

Will Jesuit teach my student how to use the iPad appropriately?
We will train students to use the iPad, and all technology, responsibly, ethically and productively. Of course, parents will be key partners in this area. Part of the journey through high school is learning to navigate the complexities of the digital world. It will take parents, peers, and teachers to help model and shape their digital habits and behaviors.

Will the iPad distract my child from doing his/her school work?
Many students already experience distractions associated with technology, especially on cellphones and home computers. The iPad makes it easy for a student to surf the internet, check email, send an instant message, play a game, read books and articles, etc. We will work with students to develop self-discipline and make appropriate choices in class and when they are doing homework.

Aren't kids already overexposed to technology and social media?
We are aware of the challenges associated with overexposure or misuse of technology and social media. Our job is to make sure that students understand the responsible use of technology. Your child's teachers will help in that endeavor. Students will be trained to use the right tool at the right time. Sometimes it is appropriate to conduct research online, engage in a simulation, or watch a video of a cell dissection. Sometimes it's important to listen, to participate in or to lead a group discussion. Often it will be invaluable to use an iPad to synthesize streams of information and create dynamic projects. The iPad will help to ensure that all JHS students have the necessary digital tools for their educational journey.

Will the school block my child from using apps or websites?

Jesuit does filter internet connections on all student computers and iPads. We endeavor to keep our devices as open as possible, with safety precautions to ensure that exploration of the web is as safe as possible.

The dynamic nature of the web and technology makes blocking all websites and apps a nearly impossible task. We believe that setting responsible-use standards and enforcing those standards is vital. Parents should set also boundaries for their students with respect to iPads.

Some good ways to establish healthy limits on any technology:

• Set a rule that iPads or laptops are only usable in public rooms like the kitchen or living room.
• Have a technology “off" time in the evening, possibly placing the device on a charger in a public space like a hallway table or kitchen counter.
• Require that your student “friend" you or share passwords for all social media accounts.
• Occasionally “audit" the iPad, taking a look at the apps that your student is using.
• Model appropriate online behavior and technology use in the home. Students are watching what you do, and will assume that yours is the appropriate standard of behavior.
• Discuss with your student what might happen in the case of inappropriate use of technology. What could be the long-term consequences of inappropriate behavior online in your family?
• Highlight news with your student of what has happened with other students who have not used good judgment with technology.

Will there be training or orientation for students?

Incoming freshmen and transfers will be asked to attend one of a number of summer launch sessions. During this session we will be covering the basics of using the iPad at JHS. Additionally there will be further training in classes as we move forward through the year.

For the upcoming 2024-25 school year, all incoming 9th grade students will be assigned an iPad 256GB (10.2"/9th Gen) device for use here at the school and home.

We are requiring that every student purchase and bring to school an acceptable case prior to receiving the iPad. This is to ensure the iPad is properly protected from incidental damage, and to help identify each individual iPad.

Appropriate cases will cover all four corners of the device, and securely hold the iPad in the case while in use (i.e., no sleeves). While we have a list of recommended cases, we encourage students to pick the case that suits their personality. Think about the different ways you will use the iPad; reading a book is different from typing or taking handwritten notes. Pick a case that works for your student's style.

Please think about your student's habits and behaviors when choosing a case. If they are rough and tumble, and tend to inflict heavy wear on their clothes and personal belongings, the same will also hold true for an iPad case or accessory. Also keep your receipts and take note of warranties. If the case wears out early, you may be able to request a free or reduced price replacement.

iPad cases need to be appropriate. Cases or accessories with ads or depictions of drugs or alcohol are not appropriate. Also covers with obscene or out-of-dress-code material will not be acceptable.

A word about screen protectors: There are a number of films and plastic covers for screens marketed currently to protect an iPad's front glass from scratches and other damage. We recommend against using these in favor of a case that includes a cover for the screen when it is stored. iPads are touch-sensitive devices, and we find that protective films and covers reduce the sensitivity and accuracy of the touch interface.

Beyond a case, we also recommend students have the following:

• Stylus – For handwritten notes and drawing.
• Keyboard – Allows for touch typing of longer documents and correspondence.
• Stand – For those cases without an integrated way to prop up the device, a separate stand may be purchased to allow the iPad to be used upright on desks or tables.

The following is a list of examples for each device type. Please take time to examine and determine what works best for you. You do not need to pick off of this list. Any option that can be found in a store or online is fine, so long as the case meets the minimum requirements.

ALL-IN-ONE CASES + KEYBOARD

Folio cases are a protective cover, stand, and keyboard all in one. They fold up into a nice compact package, and generally are very safe. The downside to all-in-one cases with keyboards is that they can be awkward for on-screen reading like a book.

Folio type cases are by far the most common cases used by students.

Please note that at this time there are not a lot of folio cases available. When Apple first releases devices it takes manufacturers a few months to catch up. Please check back during the summer for more options.

These are examples of all-in-one cases:

• Fintie Case - simple and economical
• Logitec Case with Track Pad - uses a direct connect keyboard that does not require charging
• Logitec Rugged Folio - a sturdier option for those who might be prone to breaking things
• ZAGG Rugged Book - quality case with detachable keyboard

KEYBOARDS

Lots of reasonable keyboards are available. Look and feel are important, as well as the fact that your student may be carrying it daily in their backpack. For those students with large hands, they may find a separate full-size keyboard easier to use. Recently added mouse and trackpad support adds more reason to explore this option. Note that one of the new Apple smart keyboards does support iPad; however it is not an appropriate case, as it does not cover the corners.

• Apple Smart Keyboard - will not work as a case, but is a high-end keyboard
• Kensington Keyboard - Apple-like design in an economical keyboard
• Sparin Keyboard and Mouse Combo - new mouse support in this economical option

STYLUS

A stylus is used to write or draw on the iPad screen. Although fingers can be used on the screen, they are not as accurate and efficient as a stylus can be. Make sure you get a stylus that is compatible with the iPad and will not damage the screen. Pay particular attention to the length of the stylus as they come in sizes from 2" to 7"; get one long enough to be held comfortably by your student. For some, a 3-4" stylus is fine. For some of the older students with larger hands, a 7" stylus is more appropriate. As of the iPad 2018, you may also use the Apple Pencil Stylus as well as the Logitech Crayon.

• Apple Pencil - a highly accurate pressure sensitive stylus. Please note that only Generation 1 (round) of the Apple Pencil will work with our iPads. Generation 2  (flat side) of Apple Pencil uses a new technology and only works with Pro versions of the iPad; they will not work with Jesuit iPads.
• Logitech Crayon - very similar to the Apple Pencil
• Jot Pro - highly accurate and more costly. We've had mixed results with these stylus, but they are a step up accuracy-wise.

The JHS Student Use Policy for iPads sets out expectations for care and use of your device. It is not limited to the subjects listed here, as we expect common sense and good judgment to prevail. All students and parents are required to review and sign this form.

The Jesuit High School Responsible Use of Technology Policy applies to all technology resources including, but not limited to: computers, tablets, cell phones, smart watches, video and audio equipment, copy machines, and information storage devices. The use of these resources is a privilege and carries with it certain responsibilities. On campus, all technology resources are to be used for educational purposes only and with good manners. Playing games and other “entertainment activities” not expressly approved by a staff member or administrator are not allowed on campus between the beginning and end of the school day.

 

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