Mater Dei's iPad Program
Every student and teaching faculty member at Mater Dei utilizes an Apple iPad, a device that enhances our students' learning and overall educational experience, and prepares them for college and beyond.
Mater Dei integrates the iPad into our music, theatre, choral and visual arts programs, as well as our many extracurricular programs. Not only is the iPad a formidable tool in advancing learning, but it also makes the classroom experience more dynamic and engaging for our students.
Mater Dei remains committed to providing its students with the best education possible, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they will need both now and in the future.
iPad Lifecycle
The iPad is refreshed every two years for students. This helps ensure the most current technology is being used in the classroom. The current cycle refreshes on odd years, meaning the next refresh for students will take place in Fall 2025. The iPad is not available for purchase by students at the end of the two year cycle.
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, students will return the iPad after their Sophomore or Senior year (or at the time of a withdrawal), and will receive a new iPad as a Freshman, Junior, or transfer student starting in the 2025-2026 school year. More information will be provided when this gets closer.
iPad Distribution
As a Freshman, or during a refresh year, students will receive their Apple iPad just prior to the first day of school.
2024-2025 School Year Distribution
- Incoming 9th grade students will receive their device at Monarch Connection on 8/8 (or on their first day of school, if they are unable to attend)
- New transfer students will receive their device at Transfer Orientation on 8/9 (or on their first day of school, if they are unable to attend)
- All students will receive a 10th Gen. iPad, Logitech keyboard case, and USB-C charger (all of which must be returned at the end of the lease term). Mater Dei does not provide an Apple Pencil for students to use. The 10th Gen. iPad is compatible with the First Generation Apple Pencil (which requires an adapter for charging) as well as the USB-C Apple Pencil.
At the end of the school year, Senior and Sophomore students will return their iPad, keyboard case, and charger. At this time, students are responsible for backing up and saving any important documents on the iPad for future use. Seniors must return the iPad to receive their graduation materials; sophomores will return the iPad after their last final for the school year. Sophomore students who need an iPad for one or more Summer School classes will have the opportunity to loan one for the summer through the Tech Hub.
Student Restrictions on the iPad
While it may be tempting to download apps for personal use, it is important to remember that the device is for educational purposes only. As such, Mater Dei utilizes a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform, Jamf School, to manage the iPad and restrict the use of unapproved applications or other content on the iPad. Jamf School also manages student wifi access at school, and is used in the classroom to assist teachers with managing devices during class.
Because apps are restricted to an approved list, students are encouraged to use the Jamf School Student app, which is automatically installed on every device, to download apps for their iPad. If there is an educational app that a student would like to have access to on the iPad, it must be approved through the proper channels. To start this process, students can make an app request. The app will be reviewed by the Technology department and Administration, and any approved apps will be added to the approved app list.
Managed Apple ID
Starting with the 2021-2022 School Year, Mater Dei will be managing the Apple IDs provided to students to use on their Mater Dei iPad. This allows Mater Dei to provide better support for students when there is a problem with their iPad or Apple ID. Students receive 200GB of iCloud storage with their new Apple ID, opposed to 5GB provided previously for a personal Apple ID. This also means that any apps or books used for classes at Mater Dei are ultimately owned by the school, and students will not have access to these items after graduation (or if they withdraw).
Having trouble with your Apple ID? See the Tech Hub for support, located inside the library.