School offers free iPads to all pupils

A controversial decision by a Mansfield Woodhouse School to spend £280,000 to give each pupil and staff member a free iPad will revolutionise learning and even save money, a headteacher has claimed.
Pupils and staff at Manor Academy have been issued with Ipad's, pictured from left are Chloe Shelton, Emily Shelton, Principal Donna Trusler, Joe Collier and Leon RadfordPupils and staff at Manor Academy have been issued with Ipad's, pictured from left are Chloe Shelton, Emily Shelton, Principal Donna Trusler, Joe Collier and Leon Radford
Pupils and staff at Manor Academy have been issued with Ipad's, pictured from left are Chloe Shelton, Emily Shelton, Principal Donna Trusler, Joe Collier and Leon Radford

Every student and member of staff at the Manor Academy has been offered one of the tablets as part of the Academy’s e-learning Strategy to drive forward its vision of achieving ‘excellence through innovation’.

Donna Trusler, Principal at Manor Academy, believes the scheme will bring learning into the 21st century and ultimately save money for the Academy in a variety of areas such as printing, paper and text books.

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She said: “You don’t need to tell me that the world is changing fast. We are now part of the global digital community and I passionately believe that technology has a massive role to play in the classroom.’’

‘’There are currently over 650,000 apps that can be used to facilitate learning, many of which are free. As a learning resource it is unrivalled; it’s a virtual library, a media suite, art canvas, music studio, laboratory, research and referencing tool – the possibilities truly are endless’’.

‘’We have not only invested in the iPads, but also in a number of Apps which will help students to personalise their learning.

“They will be able toaccess learning materials in and out of the classroom and at any given time.”

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The scheme is costing the Academy as estimated £280,000 over the next three years and the academy has asked parents to contribute £30 a year towards the cost of insurance and a personalised safety case.

A training programme will ensure staff maximise the learning potential of the device. In addition a comprehensive ‘Mobile Device Management’ system will prevent misuse, filter content, tracks the device and ensures that students remain safe.