iPad Pre-Orientation: Questions to Consider this Summer

The fall orientation for parents will include discussion of iPad use, a 'tour' of MyD-E and Parent Resource Board, and the oppor tunity to ask questions about issues related to helping your child(ren) make effective use of the iPad for academic work. In the meantime, however, our experience tells us it is helpful for families to have time to think about some general questions in advance of bringing the iPad home.

Even if your child(ren) already uses mobile devices and accesses the Internet regularly, it is our strong feeling that they benefit at this age from continued active parenting in smar t , safe, and ethical Internet use. This acquisition of a new device offers you a chance to give your child(ren) renewed guidance at their current developmental level The summer provides an oppor tunity to work with your child(ren) to set some family ground rules for laptop computer use to help you both enjoy making the iPad par t of your family's collection of useful tools. We hope you will find these "thinking points" helpful as you take advantage of that oppor tunity

● Where is the iPad to be allowed in the house?

● Do I have what I need in my house to suppor t my child’s use of the iPad for academic purposes? (internet access, printing connection, a designated place to charge and spend the night)

● Will I permit recreational use of the iPad? (Although students are not permitted to download non-school applications, they will be able to access the internet and its multiple diversions, especially while at home, away from school supervision )

● If recreational use is allowed, how much and what kind? What about social networking and use of social media?

● How will I have knowledge and oversight of my child’s internet use and on-line behavior?

● How can I suppor t my child in learning how best to present themselves and communicate with others when they are using means such as texting and chatting -- including how to recognize conversations or groups they should exit and how to do so gracefully?

● Does my child know basic internet safety rules?