As part of the 2023 bond package, Coppell ISD has provided students from grades 6-11 with new iPads and styluses that come with newly implemented parental control features.
Coppell High School sophomores and juniors turned in their old devices to receive new ones on Wednesday and Thursday. The new hardware aims to alleviate technology issues of the past.
“The functioning of the old iPads was a struggle,” CISD digital learning coach Julie Bowles said. “There were often frustration points with the device being slow, not connecting to the internet and apps crashing. We need some replacement to make sure we’re staying on the innovative side.”
Costs from missing or damaged hardware at turn-in will be assessed by the Board of Trustees and could result in fees being discharged. The option to purchase device insurance has been reinstated until March 29 to allow students and parents to pay for possible damages to hardware on the reclaimed iPads. Insurance is $15 and covers damages for the rest of the school year.
The iPads also come with simple styluses to replace Apple Pencils. The decision to switch to these new styluses was motivated primarily by financial concerns. First-generation Apple pencils cost almost $100, so frequent damage and losses quickly result in large expenses for the district. The new styluses retail for $29.99, making them a significantly cheaper alternative.
“Our goal is to keep kids safe and teach,” associate principal Zane Porter said. “We have to save money where we can so that we can spend it on other things that elevate safety and education. And if we can get the same functionality for a third of the cost, I think it only makes sense for a district to do that.”
Students are split in their decisions about the new technology. Many covet the better appearance and ease of use but still recognize drawbacks.
“I like the big screen and the camera quality is amazing, but the iPad’s battery health itself isn’t great,” junior Riha Musa said. “You would expect the battery to be a lot better, but I would say it runs out of battery almost as much as our old iPads.”
The new styluses also face mixed student opinion. Some appreciate the styluses for their light weight and their ease of connectivity. Some miss the quality capabilities of the previous Apple Pencils.
“I like the Apple Pencils and I like these styluses generally,” junior Vidhi Patel said. “But compared to the Apple Pencils, the battery isn’t as good, and you have to constantly charge it. Also, pressure sensitivity is big for artists or just in general, and this stylus just doesn’t have it.”
Additionally, the iPads will come with more parental control options. Guardians will be able to limit screen time for applications or restrict websites on their student’s device. These features come from the Coppell District Improvement Plan and Council who work with parents and community members to improve student education.
“Some parents will want more restrictions on their kids than others,” Porter said. “Not everyone agrees with the policies we put out, and this is just one way of trying to give autonomy back to the parents”
The iPad upgrades are coming as a part of a greater technological initiative for CHS. So far the school has upgraded educator Macbooks and replaced outdated security cameras in the schools. There are also plans to upgrade Wi-Fi, markedly in gym areas for digital testing.
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