Parent Technology Survey

Ursuline AcademyResults as of 12/20/2012

(160 responses from parents)

Question 1:

Question 2: Do you have access to the Internet with a wireless connection in your home?

• Of 160 responses, only 1 said NO.

Question 3:

Question 4:

For Q4, the OTHER responses and comments were:

• iphone,• itouch • Kindle fire• If we were to get a MAC laptop before school ends

she would have the ability to bring that.• macs are too expensive to buy• Iphone or Nook. I would also be happy to

purchase an Ipad for school use if it would mean a lighter backpack!

• I would need to purchase another device for my student to bring to school.

• First choice would be a Mac laptop or an iPad with a keyboard.

• Currently None of the above.• None, I don't think it is an asset • Our daughter would be allowed to bring whatever

was mandatory for her learning. • None• Any device needed• Whatever is needed. The weight of the school bag

is ridiculous, unhealthy (spine) and possibly dangerous. (And we buy 2 sets of her heaviest books)

• Whatever technology you recommended as being the best fit for your planned implementation. While we have only desktops in our home, we would be willing to purchase a laptop or iPad for school use.

• would have to be a tablet of some sort• none right now as they "belong" to her parents.

But we will be fine if we have to purchase a device for her to use at school

• None. They are for home use for the entire family. The laptop is not only for my daughter's use

• Not a fan of Apple.• Nook they sometimes tell me they HAVE to bring

the macbook to school, but this makes me very uneasy!

• None but would purchase it for them so they have a dedicated one - wouldn't work to take our household ones

• none not crazy about sending in a computer.• NOOK • Kindle Fire• If we owned a iPad we would allow to be brought

to school• ipod

Question 5:Comments:• Mac laptop• college • Ipads • we just bought new lap tops • We have just recently purchased a Mac

laptop. • As needed; our older son is entering

college. • If you recommend it we will purchase. • not sure at this time, but willing • We are considering a purchase of a laptop

for our daughter in the near future. • new Mac desktop But would be willing to

for school purposes. • I would be happy to purchase a tablet in

lieu of text books. • probably will as the technology evolves • We are purchasing a Mac Pro for Christmas

for Emily possibly At some point • I know they'll need laptops but I will wait

for UA process to see what device will be used by UA

• not sure - maybe But I would be happy to buys her a laptop or i-Pad for school

• Already commented on the prior page, yes we are.

• expensive macbook for college • We just purchased a new Windows laptop

in November - the next device will be a laptop for college in 18 months.

Question 6:

Comments:• Not sure I understand this question - a resource for my

child or others in the UA community? • Rima audy• Barbara Stranberg/ Darby Stranberg • I do not really understand what this question is asking. • Sukaina merali. • Child's name is Sara fazel • I'm not sure I'm qualified to do this! • Micahel Scuderi If necessary. I'm certain she would be the

one support ing me! • Roberto Family • Jay Rao would like to know more about what this entails. • My child is graduating this year so we probably wouldn't

still be at Ursuline when this rolls out. Otherwise we would participate.

• Carolyn Glass• Julie Lynch • Roderick Fraser • I'd have to know more about the time commitment and

who was leading it... my daughter is a senior....... • Robert Lynch, my daughter is Katherine Lynch, 9th grade • Suzie Thurmond • Only because my child is a junior and already has enough

on her plate with grades and prep for college. • Jennifer and Paul Treseler N• ot if I have to supply her with a laptop. • Richard Loder • Anne Lord • Eileen Heffernan • Kathleen Reilly. • I think this is a great idea! • Maybe • Tricia Brady • Scott Hestmark • Connie Martin Kearins

Question 7:

Question 7 Comments

• I think that the books should only be purchased once in a school year - either textbook, or the e-version.

• Start with 7th grade and move up through the grades, these students will be using system the longest

• Your cal but I feel all grades should have equal access. • I really feel that you would know best how this

implementation would affect the student's academics. • It wouldn't make sense to throw out the textbooks halfway

through the year, but if you were implementing the device in addition to printed books, that might work differently.

• Roll out to all ASAP • Many times she has gone to library and found all computers in

use and unable to work on papers or projects until she arrives home that eveing. I

• would be curious to learn more about what other schools have done. I know BC High, only had it started for Sophomores and younger. As our daughter will be a Junior, I would want to ensure she doesn't become 'disconnected' to the UA community if the Juniors/Seniors do not participate. Otherwise, I feel she is learning a great deal without a device. I still need to understand the value add.

• Start Small; Start 3 Experiments; Prototype Rapidly; Fail Fast, Fail Cheap, Learn Quick, Fail Smart; Pour resources and scale fast after learning what works well. That is how innovation and good change management works. I teach this to executives in corporations. Call me if you want help.

• Would roll-out to a small test group in each grade and then when comfortable, roll out to school.

• roll out to all students at once, prior to the school ie the week

before school. I think you should start with 9th grade - still a formative time when your learning could evolve as they reach higher grades; you aren't adding strains to the more stressful college application years in the upper grades; and you have brought in a handful of new girls so it is a level playing field (if you started in the 8th grade many new girls in 9th grade would be behind when they entered).

• maybe just start with the high school girls first for a year then add the 7th and 8th graders a year later

• My only preference would be that I wouldn't want it rolled out mid-year (Option 4). That would be difficult for a child to switch mid-stream.

• Having been part of software/hardware implementations, I would strongly recommend a phased approach. It is more manageable, and the speed of the roll out can be adjusted according to acceptance and system use.

• i'm torn, and maybe showing my age, but i kind of feel like it's one more gizmo keeping them distracted in a distracted age. what happened to good old-fashioned learning. the heavy book situation IS a concern, though, too. This is hard to decide.

• Othes schools may be able to help you how it went with them. • Recommend moving slowly as this will be a big undertaking • fastest method possable • Teacher and members of staff sbe fully training in oerating

these systems • could you better explain what you mean by one-to-one

implementation

Question 8:Comments:•whatever makes sense. •please make it so those with windows based laptops don’t need to purchase new ones •Whatever the school feels would work best •Would not mind purchasing a device that would be used for other purposes at home. But, if only school apps were allowed, then I would prefer that Ursuline purchase. •Would need more information on what has worked or not; Would have immediate concern on upgrades, security, etc. for each option given tablets are on a yearly cycle; won't they become immediately outdated year-to-year? •Not really sure would rely heavily on outcomes at other schools who are ahead of us on this. Any could be ok/ depends on price and would this cost replace the cost of textbooks? •A managed service is the best approach to ensure ubiquity of same applications. •Bulk purchase by UA included in tuition (owned by student) with tech support by UA. •Whatever is easiest to make program successful don’t want to buy after 2 yrs as they would be obsolete after 2 yrs •leasing should be an option for those that can't afford to buy a device. •Keep it simple! What happens should you go the route of student providing their own and they up grade themselves and others cannot upgrade to a newer one but may be required to? How long would the devices be good for as since technology changes so rapidly? Also since the school is buying in bulk would there be a discount should the lease to buy option is available? if leased please include a replacement option for lost or stolen devices and have tech assistant available •Use of a "SandBox" solution where students can have limited control of the systems and Ursuline can control the relevant applications BC High does this...may be a good resource •it's all unneccessary

Question 9:

Q9 Comments:• Ipad PC laptop or Mac laptop only because of the functionality. • Mac ipad• Ipad2 or some type of tablet with keyboard attached• IPad2• Ipads seem to be the best in terms of portability • MacBook with both platforms • newest ipad • windows based lap tops- or something that is not as expensive as a mac

book at over $1200 • Mac laptop and second choice would be iPad. • Mac laptop or iPad. • Apple Ipad or laptop • NOT ipad - I would say some kind of android tablet because they are

cheaper and have more free apps ipad` • My freshman has a PC, do not want to buy another device at this time • Windows based; mac is expensive • Mac iPad2 or 3 • MAC Notebook style /not tablets • iOS or Windows • no preference Apple products • Ipad• Ipad • windows • Mac or Ipad • New iPad • Mac laptop • Apple product • Mac Airbook• tablets smaller and lighter damage less likely • IPad or Windows Laptop • Mac devices I do like • Apple products due to the lack of viruses.

• Ipad • Ipads• Although my daughter already has an iPad, I would not be opposed to

purchasing a laptop. • Apple iPad • IPad • Apple • windows or linux based. • Prefer and iPad or other Apple device.• apple/mac I think the students should be able to use whatever devises they

already own. For exmple, my daughter owns a MAC Laptop - I would NOT want to be required to purchase another device for her.

• largest screen possible sometimes the ipads are really small for textbook viewing. even though they are lighter to carry

• Seems like Apple is the way. My son in college uses his ipad and loves it I am not particularly techy or savvy of the capabilities of these devices.

• If UA is doing the leasing and managing, I think the KISS rule applies.• Just a device that is reliable and does the bare minimum. That said, these

girls are living in an advanced techy world and access to lots of good programming would be advantageous. My husband may have better input than I on this subject!

• Kindle Fire Great product for a much lower price than the Apple products. • MacLaptop • iPad • Macbook Apple laptop or i-Pad • The one that would best benefit the needs of each student.• mac • Newest IPad iPad 3 or newer apples are ultra user friendly • Ipad • Mac iPad or Mac Book • Given the excessive amount of textbooks and other weighty items the

students lug around all day, it should be the lightest option possible.

Question 10:

Question 11:

Q11 Comments• Not essential but would be helpful as they will need to use them in this

manner in college - so it would be good prep and education for them. • Not sure • We believe it is necessary in today's world to keep up with the technology

and we also would like to see our daughter carrying less weight in her backpack.

• I think all students have laptops by age 7 or cant function with the work that is needed.

• I think Ursuline needs to open up the internet. • Ridiculous that kids cant use wireless at school on their laptops. • all classes involve computer use • I'm not sure how the UA team can assess what areas 'need' devices to add

value. • We are incredibly happy with the coursework and challenges currently

presented. • It is essential in their future educational paths and once they choose a field

of study in college and eventually select a career If UA doesn't do it soon, it could affect enrollment. The junior high at St. Catherine's (Norwood) implemented this year. Many people will not want to pay UA tuition to move "backwards".

• Not an essential tool but preferred • it seems to work fine at my sons school and the girls books are just so

heavy • It's the way they will be functioning in the future. • I am not certain it yet needs to be something "at school" but certainly

incorporated in homework, projects, student feedback, etc. • I don’t know if i would say "essential", but the world is moving in that

direction.• I know Students at BC High really like the program and seems to provide a

lot of options for teaching/learning. i think it also aids in organizational skills

• but not strongly • I don't think it is "essential" as she is in grade 7. I am more inclined to think

it willo become necessary in high school • However, in this day & age I am sure that the students would prefer it. • one of my daughters feels like having a device would be a distraction to her

learning. the other daughter isn't available for comment right now. • Consider it optional. In other words, don't view this as some huge need

but ok with doing it if we can see benefits not "essential", but would definitely be helpful and convenient, paticularly for doing homework after school. I dont view a computer device at school as motivating.

• maybe in some classes only• I have to say I am a bit old school and a former high school teacher. For

me, balance in everything. The girls have a lot going on and I think it's wonderful to sit in a class with a real book, underlining key themes and trying to tie ideas together...and where teachers engage all the kids, where no one can "hide" behind a screen. They do this now so readily outside the classroom, that I relish the idea of the freedom of classroom exchange.

• It is a tool, essential in the world today but certainly not a motivating factor.

• Yes, especially if they are out sick they can get the assignments and not have to worry about getting their books brought home, not having to carry the backpacks with all the heavy text books would be great . While essential for the modern world of today I would still hope that teachers will still teach and not rely too much on the use of the technolgy, that they will still interact, keep developing communication skills etc.. much easier than hauling books back and forth from home to school

• Use of this technology is now required and should be utilized as an additional tool in the classroom

• Please no. The beauty of UA is that it's a no nonsense school focusing on the important elements of learning. This technology (at this time anyway) would be very distracting

Question 12: What features or benefits do you consider to be important in using a computer device at school? Please rank these from highest = 1 to lowest = 10

Question 13:

Q13 Comments• not enough hand writing • losing device or it being stolen none - but if you do ipads

it needs to be all or there will be a theft issue for sure. • access to inappropriate content or nonproductive games • Learning is not about "playing" with a toy..old school

thinking I know... • Cost to families in a weak economy; many sacrifices are

already being made • I've heard stories across all of these from other parents.

A very interesting comment I heard was that students were speaking iwth one another far less in common areas of their school as they were all glued to their devices! A huge social implication.

• zipping to the FB page etc. but that already happens! • damage, loss, stolen • None • Only if a student goes online while they should be

studying • Imagine educational apps exponentially increasing -

finding the apps that work is likely a difficult task. • Cheating • already having texting addiction issues at home... • is it good to stare at a screen all day long vs. a book..is it

hard on the eyes....you should talk to eye doctors to get their imput.

• Lost devices are expensive to replace • Certain guidelines need to be in place when using for

school purposes • I believe the students will adapt quite easily but the staff

would need to be willing and able to adapt as well. Upgrading network is imperative. Wireless access to all must be allowed.

• Block access to undesirable content • i think these are all real issues. sometimes you can't stop

progress, though. but is it really progress? • Costin addition to tuition; loss/theft/security issues for

device • Lost work! • Technology will become the teacher. • lost or stolen or broken devices • If it is not planned out well, and controlled the

technology no longer become a education tool expense and preventing theft when not in use

• stay focused on your strengths as a school. You're doing a great job - just look at the SAT scores as proof.

Question 14:

Question 15:

Q15 Comments:• I am unsure how it can be implemented in some traditional "pencil and

paper" applications such as mathe problems. • In theory, the technology sounds great and I love the idea of lighter

backpacks. However my daughter loves actual books. She is able to use certain techniques with her books - she can picture the words on the page to help memorize things. She uses the highligher a lot. This all works really well and I worry that it would be more difficult without the physical book. Perhaps the device could be used as a supplement to the books, not a replacement for actual books.

• Being able to highlight relevant info may impact visual learners • high cost, and TOO MUCH technology in our world already – • I'm not sure what is meant by one-to-one - just that everyone has their

own ipad or laptop - or does it mean that all classes would be centered around this technology. I wouldn't mind if it replaced books, but I wouldn't want it to replace the excellent one to one teaching that is happening now!

• I like the thoughtful approach of learning from the mistakes/challenges of early adopters. Take the time needed to research and don't jump into it. Needs to be done with keeping books as well. More open up the doors to portability and internet

• would like to have access to hard copy of text if desired • My 9th grader would rather read a book on paper vs. an e-reader but

the lighter back pack and reduced costs of materials is a significant benefit

• I value the rigor of an Ursuline education and feel technology would seriously diminish that rigor. Additionally, I work at a school where we have been piloting a one to one model with ipads and I do not feel that they have added anything of great value to student learning. If anything I feel that it takes away from the creative process, independent thinking, and foundational skills that students gain through non digital resources. That's just my opinion.

• I feel comfortable that Ursuline would take a reasoned, planned approach.

• The immediate upside I see are portability, ebooks and possibly costs are lower per year for a device vs. hard books. However what are the hidden costs of paying/implementing the supporting network for the school/adminstration/faculty; training, insurance, etc;. I think many children like to 'write' with pen and paper; I would be concerned if this is stripped away some how; Control during the school day. What would the rules be?

• High level website blocking programs will be necessary. • Again, feel strongly that we need to avail ourselves of the lessons

learned at other local institutions where roll out has or soon will happen.

• general concerns • Yes, issues with the wireless network being overloaded. A phased out

approach should be implemented. Also, becasue technology changes so quickly, the device should be leased. Students should not have administrative rights to add software to the device.

• cost • It could be prohibitive for some families if they had to purchase laptops

themselves • I think technology is here to stay. Many other schools have adopted 1:1

technology - using technology for note taking, submitting homework assignments, leveraging educational/subject matter applications. A thoughtful implementation (even staged) would seemingly be the way to go. Also, full teacher support of program would also be very important.

• wireless not reliable, there are some teachers who cannot yet use edline effectively, this is a serious concern. Theft issues

• Don't feel pressured to act boldly just because other schools are adopting them. The key is to have adoption and acceptance from the teachers along with training workshops, a reliable support infrastructure in place, and integration of them into the curriculum and textbooks being used. Without all of that, they become an add-on, a frustration, or a burden.

Q15 Comments (cont’d)• Unless textbooks become available digitally for download (which they currently

are not) this would just be another thing for students to carry and be accountable for. Digital textbooks are key to this being accepted.

• Technologicial advances have not historically been Ursuline's strong suit...but that has been a personnel issue really...with the right generation and person, you could do it (read: no elderly nuns, no angry weird people who shouldn't be teaching...)

• power outages.......device doesn't work for whatever reason and they can't do their work.

• My 8th grade son is successfully using ipad at bc high. Very happy with how it is going!

• Would want the best educational tools available, ie best text books, that are proven. Would want internet restrictions when utilizing it during school hours etc.

• Some parents are not savvy to all that is available for technology. To be competitive in today's environment, you must be able to move forward and embrace the technology.UA network must be upgraded and need good IT support for this to be successful

• Seems like a big undertaking but it also seems like you are being thoughtful about the process, reaching out to schools that have already implemented and are talking to parents. As a new parent to ursuline, I am fine that you are not "on the cutting edge" with technology. I don't want the technology piece to become more important than the interaction between teacher and student. Right now, technology at home supplements her learning but is not the main focus.

• The cost to me personally is a huge issue • Cost, access to non-educational material, personal information security, device

theft. • Need to be sure that network at UA can support this. Are all textbooks available

as ebooks? What happens if device breaks? Will UA have loaners? • concerns as stated above. also a bit worried about the expense of buying

ebooks, even though it would be great for the girls to have to carry all the heavy books. presently i am able to purchase used books at incredible discounts.

• want to be assured of internet safety issues, and proper use of device • how much would it cost? Will devices become obsolete quickly and need to be

replaced? Would the students be carrying this device around in addition to books, adding to an already heavy backpack?

• My concern is primarily focused on financial constraints - as mentioned in an answer above, my daughter already owns a MAC laptopn, I would not be

pleased if I was required to purchase another device for her in order to meet the requirements of the one-to-one initiative.

• Initially I would like to perhaps see a complimentary or supplementary system- where they do have access to a textbook too . It's hard to switch technology. People get nervous with change and initially there needs to be a "back-up " system so students have access to all tools available. I know that some kids have both hard text books and e book so they don't have to lug the books around.

• Not sure how easy it is to have no book but kids are growing up this way and seem eager. I myself like the tangible but I know from my kids that they don't mind the computer at all.

• It should be done gradually and perhaps start with just freshman next year...of course being sure that teachers are on board and that it could be used in meaningful ways in the classroom.

• Maybe. • Competence of staff/teachers using and instructing students using these

devices. • With any new resources comes some concern it depends if the positive out

weighs the negative and visusversa. If we could limit it for education use only. We are not a family that uses Facebook or other vehicles of that kind and we would not consider using those as way of communication going forward either. We would love to see the accessibility for text books and resource for projects but not for other than what is need for school which in turn might be hard to police.

• Heavy backpacks will not be missed! • I believe it is imperative that Ursuline move forward with this technology as it is

the wave of the near future. Ursuline canot allow the technology to pass it by to the detriment of its students.

• Training and resources are allways a concern • Strength of curriculum and teacher willingness • See B C High comment • Again, recognize your strengths. People, companies and institutions make

serious errors when they start to veer in a direction that is different from their talents. Just think of the actor who decides to be a singer too - sometimes it just is silly. Be very selective about the technology you choose and certainly don't give into peer pressure that if other schools are doing it , UA should too.

• How soon can you make this happen??

Question 16:Jackie Hayes, Grade 7 Claire Gormley grade 8 Stephanie Mowles 12 Melissa Cowell 9 Erin Olson, 8th grade Heather Coken Gabriela Ryan grade10 Maeghan Driscoll gr 8 Meredith Correia grade 8 Darby Stranberg, Grade 7 Emma Hastry Grade 7 Sara Fazel 9 Too much homework - where would she get the time ?Meg Johnson, grade 8 !!! Norah - Grade 7 Briana DiNicola grade 9 Gabriella Di Martino, 7th sydney stegman 9 Isabel Caruso, Grade 10 Shyla Prasad 9 I say yes, but would want to understand what it entails and then ask our daughter. Maybe put those details out to the community and then ask? Isabella Scuderi 7 Maybe. Aine Glavin grade 9 Avery Ambrefe 7 Mackenzie Stueve 8 Naedia Clarke Heddia Djusberg Nicole Ryan, 10th grade Samantha nedder 11 Grace Roberto, Grade 7 Anna Splitz. 10 Killeen Wright 9th grade Maya Rao, 8th Grade Emma Driscoll 8 Hannah Fleming, grade 9 Lauren Crispi - grade 11 Meghan Michalski Grade 9 Casey Lynch, Grade 11 Maria Fraser, grade 10

Lillian Wood - grade 7 Gwendolyn Marquis..grade 10..she's pretty savvy already caroline kerressey 12 Katherine Freeman, Grade 8 Katherine Lynch, 9th grade Meghan McIntyre 7th Emma Luniewicz 8th grade Raegan Thurmond grade 7 Nichole Keough Grade 9 Sydnie Healy (9) Emily Riordan Grade 9 Catherine Treseler, grade 7 Samantha Lord Grade 7 sarah kahler in grade 10Jill Reilly, grade 7 Katrina Rivard - 8th gradeJenna Rasmussen grade 9 I need to discuss with her Delia McDOnough grade 8 no idea what that time commitment entails...would need to know more info. Carolyn Recuepro 9 Jill Reilly Grade 7 Kim Cronin, Grade 10 Kathryn Brady Grade 9 Hestmark Elizabeth Higgins grade 9 Ariana 9th grade Amanda Boyd grade 10 Katherine Kearins grade 10 Elizabeth, Grade 10 Laura McCracken 9th Grade Catherine Rockett grade 10 Amy 10 Julia Bloechl Alexandra Wolfe 11th Ellen Roussel, 11

Question 17: If you have helpful or useful information that will help us in managing this process, please let us know.• I updated my preference to be IPAD after talking to my daughters and also a few

other parents at other schools that use 1 to 1. • I am a Boston Public School Teacher and I am currently involved in an iPad

cadre. This involves a once a month training with an Apple specialist and my first grade students will have up to 4 iPads in the classroom. My work is to integrate the iPad into my lessons and daily duties. In Boston each teacher is given a MacBook with two platforms so everyone is happy. All updates happen through the BPSnetwork and the computer belongs to the school system. We have a central place to bring the computer if there are any issues. I think that all students should receive a training. Troubleshooting for simple issues should be part of that. I don't know howI can help but if I can just let me know. Consuelo Ryan cjcryan@comcast.net.

• in addition to 1:1 computing - I think the communication from the school to parents (electronic or otherwise) needs lots of improvement - for example if your daughter plays sports you never know when practices are, games get changed but not changed on website, for school events reminders are not really sent often and if you try and look things up on the UA website it is very clugy - i.e. try to quickly or easily look up a teachers email or contact info....very hard to find

• Open up the internet for the kids after school so they can do their homework • My son is using the ipad at BCHigh and it has been a great experience. His

backpack is not so heavy and having access to textbooks wherever he goes is a big benefit.

• I guess I would suggest visiting other schools to see effectiveness of model over time. Maybe that's already been done.

• Our older son attends BCH and we've heard conflicting stories from teachers, administrators and students. I would be curious to know who UA is speaking with within each school. I would be mindful that 7th or 8th graders would be far more open to this as they've now only known this. I would press on the social aspect as I hear many boys play games during classes; during freetime; have lost devices, etc. I also would be curious to know if the staff of each school feels it really has added value and how are they measuring that? Thanks for reaching out. We are here to help in anyway! Nancy McAdams

• The variety in devices available to purchase is astounding, therefore to have the same device across each grade level may be more feasible.(The entire school is not practical.Seniors may require more advanced machines than a seventh grade student) This will also be helpful in continuity of classrooom instruction.

• St. Catherine's implemented this program in a very short period of time. Someone there may be able to help advise. From what I can see from experience and professionally, this technology will benefit everyone, unlike textbooks and traditional teaching which is geared almost exclusively to left brain learners.

• I'll be happy to help. • An observation on e-text books.... I am in a profession (tax accounting/law) that

has moved from "hard copy" books to online textbooks and research services. I believe both have their pros/cons (easier to move around a book in hard copy, flag pages etc but easier to search a book in electronic format). Not sure moving to e-textbooks would be the first thing I would recommend converting in the 1:1 program. Other apps and software programs however, could be very useful.

• There are many tools for faculty and staff - Google Drive to organize student papers, Ted-Ed videos, etc. Check out places like Edudemic and ipad summits for insights. And maybe hire an ed school college student intern or student teacher who can help advance this while also piggybacking off the learnings and content being done at places like Roxbury Latin which is experimenting with ipads in grade 8.

• I think BC High did a great job with introducing the IPad and could be an excellent resource

• There is a "one-to-one" class at the Apple Store,,,they do it right...inject the learning process with levity, enthusiasm, and usually genuine interest in passing on their craft.

• I'm happy to connect with Bc high and learn how the program was started etc, • I work at St. Catherine's and the Middle school is all on IPAD's The updated text

books are great and I am sure they would be happy to review the program with you.

• My son uses the iPad at BC High School. Although he has always been somewhat organized he was just commenting the other day while doing his homework that using the iPad "makes it SO easy to stay organized". Just another comment, I support anything that will decrease the weight of my daughters backpack.

• ebooks makes sense. My daughter's back pack, with all of her books, must weigh 50 lbs. That's a lot to carry each day.

• I am sure you have already thought of the potential obstacles to implementing this initiative, but some that come to top of mind are version control of applications, compatibility between MACs and PCs (although MS-Office can be installed on MACs), virus issues, connectivity issues - will a student be able to charge their device at school if battery is low, etc.

• I am happy to see that Ursuline is looking into this and has included parent feedback regarding this.

• Tuition is already expensive enough, but a worthwhile sacrifice for the great eduction my daughter is getting. Either way, parents will have to pay for this and it will cause resentment. If anything, focus on training the students to be proficient in Microsoft Office products. Stick with what you do best and continue to do that.