1. Background and Scope of the Project 2. Educational Objectives 3. Tablet and Software Specifications 4. Responsibilities of heads of schools 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) I. Tablet Usage Policy 2 P a g e
The Vision of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources is to ensure A Quality Education for all and a Human Resource Development base to transform Mauritius into an intelligent nation state in the vanguard of global progress and innovation. In this context, The Budget Speech 2013 makes the following mention..government will distribute next year, one tablet computer to each and every school boy and girl in Form IV. This entails the purchase of some 20,000 devices. (para 52). PROJECT BACKGROUND The project, which started in 2013 with the elaboration of tablet specifications and initiation of procurement procedures, consists in the provision of Tablet Computers to over 26000 students and educators of Form V in 2014 in all government as well as aided secondary schools; The Tablet Computer selected to implement this project is equipped with pedagogical contents relevant to Forms IV and V curricula, aligned with the teaching of Cambridge GCE O Level syllabi for Mauritius. The tablet computers can be used for educational purposes in both online and offline modes. The Tablet Computers will support the teaching conducted in class though the use of Classroom Management Software to better enable the teacher-learner interaction. 3 P a g e
Security aspects pertaining to internet access and proper usage have been integrated in the form of parental control software on the tablet as well as Access filters through the network. In this project, the MIE will be the parastatal body under the aegis of the Ministry responsible for the empowerment of teachers both in the use of tablet technology in the classroom as well as the development of digital materials. 4 P a g e
2.1 Primary Goals of the Project To induce a paradigm shift in teaching and learning process at Secondary Level. To improve learning by providing students with anytime, anywhere opportunities to become independent learners through technology. An improved pass rate of students at Cambridge SC /GCE O Level through a diversification of pedagogy making use of multimedia tools, hence optimizing government spending in terms of reduced repeaters at SC level. Increase in completion rate of first cycle of secondary education and thereby an increase in the transition rate to upper secondary education and ultimately to higher education and further training. Better preparedness of students and educators for 21 st century skills 2.2 Secondary Goals of the Project Empowerment of teachers to use technology in the classroom. Prepare the knowledge workers of tomorrow. Promote a culture of sharing and collaboration at all levels in schools. 5 P a g e
Tablets to be supplied to Form V in 2014 correspond to the broad specifications in the table below. Make/Model Tablet Colours Main System TABLET PENTA WS100Q BLACK (for students), WHITE (for educators) ARM Cortex-A7 Quad-core, Internal storage : 8 GB Screen Other 10.1 inch Operating System Android 4.2 USB port, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G support, MicroSD slot, Camera Main Security Features - Parental control software - Antivirus - Black listed websites(controlled from network) Educational Tools - iprof Classroom Management - Digital Library with pedagogical contents in various subjects - Other standalone educational apps Supplier - Mauritius Telecom Hotline for after sales services - 8908 - Warranty : 2 years Classroom Management System iprof Monitor is a Classroom Management Software that enables a virtual environment in which teachers and students can collaborate and interact within the classroom through Tablet. This software is preloaded on the Tablets 6 P a g e
Educational Resources Interactive Study materials given in The Digi Library Application are basically various learning objects that are based on Form IV and V curricula. These are divided under different formats like Multimedia, Animations, electronic Presentations, Notes etc. All these formats are available under different subjects. Subjects/Formats Multimedia (audio/video) Application Interactive animation PDF or document (no. of pages) Electronic presentation Total Learning Objects English 10 20 19 6 7 62 French 23 30 12 26 14 105 Mathematics 45 23 143 240 5 456 Subjects under Science Stream Physics 21 15 74 81 4 195 Biology 26 25 29 72 5 157 Subjects under Economics and Social Sciences Principles of Accounts - 26 120 178 4 328 Economics - 15 58 99 4 176 Subjects under Technical Computer Application - 30 6 40 10 86 Design and Technology - 25 24 40 5 94 Subjects under Arts and Humanities Literature in English 3 9 18 12 3 45 Asian Languages (Hindi) 16 5 15 20 1 57 7 P a g e
Applications Tablet PC Guidelines for Heads of School The Education Applications are mainly android applications that are downloaded from Android Market place. Some of the applications are preinstalled and some of them are links through which applications can be downloaded. In total there are 137 applications. Importance of tablet usage policies The successful implementation of this project requires that all those receiving tablets abide strictly to the guidelines set in the Tablet Usage Policy outlined in this document. 8 P a g e
Heads of secondary schools have a key role to play in realizing the objectives set by the Ministry. They are thus expected to put in place a proper structure to ensure distribution of tablets to students and educators and ensure proper monitoring of their usage. Heads of schools are inter alia expected to (i) Distribute Student tablets only to students of Form V in 2014 after : the responsible party has paid the insurance fee of Rs 650(except for those on the SRM-CA list); the responsible party and student have filled in and signed the Pledge for Tablet PC; (ii) Distribute Teacher and keep track of tablets only to educators involved in the teaching of Form V classes in 2014 after : the educator has filled in and signed the Pledge for Tablet PC; (iii) Keep at all times electronic records of student names, ID numbers, responsible parties names and ID numbers, contact details and serial number for each tablet PC supplied to either student or educator at the school; (iv) Raise awareness on the proper use of tablet technology to students and educators by abiding to the Tablet Usage Policy; (v) Ensure that educators are using the tools provided for teaching in Form V and tablets are returned when they are transferred; (vi) Provide information on usage of tablet computers at school to the Ministry whenever required; 9 P a g e
1. What if I already have another model or brand of Tablet? You will be required to use the school issued Tablet for school purposes. This is necessary to ensure that you have a tablet that you will need in your classes. 2. Do I have to participate in the Tablet PC project? Yes. The Tablet PC project forms part of the new pedagogical framework that the Ministry is putting in place for all publicly-funded state and private colleges to progressively emerge into 21 st century educational institutions. 3. What about cover against theft or breakage through carelessness? Your Tablet is very portable and very valuable, making it an attractive target for thieves. Do not leave your Tablet in the building, classroom, lobby, or car unattended. Always know where your Tablet is located! Above all, take your Tablet home every day. A replacement may be provided to you only after an exhaustive investigation is carried out. 4. What will I do without a tablet in my classes if my Tablet unit is being repaired or while I am replacing it if it is lost or stolen? If one is not available or the user is not eligible for a loaner due to disciplinary action, alternate arrangements may be made by the supplier. 5. How do I connect to the Internet at home? These tablets will only connect to wireless networks therefore, if you wish to connect at home, you will first need to make sure you have a wireless network. 6. Will there be facilities to back up the files I create on my Tablet? No. You are responsible for all back up of your personal documents, files, etc. All the Tablets come with a USB Port that users can use to back up their Tablets. 7. What if I want to add options to my Tablet later? Only the Supplier is authorised to add options and upgrades to your Tablet. You may only add physical accessories like a screen protector or cover to help protect your Tablet from damage. 8. What if I want to run another operating system on my Tablet? Only the operating system chosen by the Supplier will be authorised to run on the issued Tablet. 9. What has the Ministry done to help prevent students from going to inappropriate sites? At school, students are subject to the same lock downs and firewall restrictions on the Tablets as they would be on any other school device. When the Tablet is on another network, filtering is still active on the tablet. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the student user and/or parents to monitor use. If students are found violating any school policies using the Tablet, including going to inappropriate sites, they will be subject to disciplinary action by the school. Any inappropriate material on Tablets should be reported to the classroom Educator or school administration immediately upon identification. 10. If the accessories to my Tablet are lost or stolen, how much will it cost to replace them? In the event that Tablet accessories are lost or stolen, you should report the lost or stolen items to the supplier or administration as soon as possible. 11. What types of consequences might I face for breaking any of the rules listed here in this Tablet Usage Policy or my signed contract? Any misuse of the Tablets as listed in the Usage Policy, the signed contract or the school regulations are subject to disciplinary actions. This may include but are not limited to reduced privileges, loss of use of Tablet. All incidents will be reported and kept on file and multiple incidents will result in harsher disciplinary actions. 10 P a g e
Annex : TABLET USAGE POLICY 1. RESPONSIBILITIES Students and Educators are responsible at all times for their Tablet PCs both on and off school premises. Tablet PCs that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the supplier. 1.1 General Precautions No food or drink is allowed next to your Tablet PC while it is in use. Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted carefully into the Tablet PC. Tablet PCs should be shut down or placed in Hibernate or Standby mode before transporting them to conserve battery life. Tablet PCs must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels. Tablet PCs must never be left in a car or any unsupervised area. Students and Educators are responsible for keeping their Tablet PC s battery charged for school each day. 1.2 Carrying Tablet PCs The protective pouch provided with Tablet PCs has sufficient padding to protect the Tablet PC from normal treatment and provide a suitable means for carrying the tablet within the school. The guidelines below should be followed: Tablet PCs should always be within the protective case when carried. The Tablet PCs must be turned off before placing it in the protective case. The power cord should NOT be plugged into the Tablet PC while in the protective case. This will cause damage to the Tablet PC. Protective cases should be used for the sole purpose of carrying your Tablet PC and its power cord. 1.3 Screen Care The Tablet PC screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen. Do not lean on the top of the Tablet PC when it is closed. Do not place anything near the Tablet PC that could put pressure on the screen. Do not place anything in the carrying case that will press against the cover. Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth, or anti-static cloth. 2. USING YOUR TABLET PC AT SCHOOL Tablet PCs are intended for use at school each day. Students and Educators must bring their Tablet PCs to all classes, unless specifically advised not to do so. 2.1 Tablet PC Left at Home Students who repeatedly omit to bring the tablet PCs for classes will be liable to disciplinary action. 2.2 Tablet PC Undergoing Repair In case Tablet PCs are sent for repair, follow procedures specified in the supplier s warranty card. 2.3 Charging Your Tablet PC s Battery Tablet PCs must be brought to school each day in a fully-charged condition. Students and Educators need to charge their Tablet PCs each evening. 2.4 Screensavers Inappropriate images or text involving guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang-related symbols on screensavers will result in severe disciplinary actions. 2.5 Sound Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the Educator for instructional purposes. 11 P a g e
2.6 Deleting Files Students or Educators should not delete any files that they did not create. Deletion of certain files can affect the Tablet PC s performance. 2.7 Music and Programs Students and Educators are responsible for maintaining the integrity of software required for facilitating academic activities. Music is not allowed to be played on the Tablet PC during school hours without permission from the Educator. 2.8 Games Games are not allowed to be played on the Tablet PC during school hours unless the game is educational in nature and permission is granted by the Educator. Disciplinary action for playing nonacademic games in the classroom will be handled according to the school policy. The downloading of games onto the Tablet PC is strictly prohibited and disciplinary action will occur if these are found on student tablets. Students are not allowed to transfer games or any other personal file through network share folders. 2.9 Backup of data It is the student s and Educator s responsibility to backup data regularly and to ensure that work is not lost due to mechanical failure or accidental deletion. 3. SOFTWARE ON TABLET PCs 3.1 Originally Installed Software Tablet PCs come with a standardised image already loaded. These images may not be altered or changed in any way. The software originally installed by the supplier must remain on the Tablet PC in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times. The tablets are also loaded with a variety of other software. From time to time the Ministry may add software applications for use in a particular subject. 3.2 Virus Protection The Tablet PC has anti-virus protection software. This software will scan the internal storage for known viruses on boot up. The virus software will be upgraded from the network. 3.3 Additional Software Only software approved by the Ministry is allowed on the Tablet PC. 3.4 Software Upgrades Upgrade versions of licensed software are available from time to time. Students will be instructed to upgrade their software from the internet periodically. Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a tablet, or the files of another user without the consent of the individual or administrator will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to disciplinary action. All use of the Internet must comply with usage guidelines. Log files are maintained on each Tablet PC with a detailed history of all sites accessed. These files will be reviewed periodically. 3.5 Privacy and Safety Do not go into chat rooms or send chain letters. Do not open, use, or change tablet files that do not belong to you. Do not reveal your full name, phone number, home address, ID number, credit card numbers, password, or passwords of other people. Remember that network storage is not guaranteed to be private or confidential. If you inadvertently access a web site that contains obscene, pornographic or otherwise offensive material, notify an Educator or office staff immediately so that such sites can be blocked from further access. This is not merely a request; it is a responsibility. 3.6 Legal Propriety 12 P a g e
Comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. If you are unsure, ask an Educator or a parent. Plagiarism will be treated as an act of cheating. Give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarised. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music, and text. Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited and violators will be subject to disciplinary action. 3.7 E-mail These guidelines include but are not limited to: Students and Educators should maintain high integrity with regard to e-mail content. Always use appropriate language. Do not transmit language/material that is profane, obscene, abusive, or offensive to others. Do not send mass e-mails, chain letters or spam. Student e-mail is subject to inspection by the school and Ministry at any time. 3.8 Inspection Students may be selected at random to provide their Tablet PC for inspection. 3.9 Consequences The student or Educator in whose name a system account and/or tablet hardware is issued will be responsible at all times for its appropriate use. Non-compliance with the policies will result in disciplinary action. Electronic mail, network usage, and all stored files shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use. The Ministry will cooperate fully with any authority in any investigation concerning or relating to violations of tablet crime laws. 3.10 Tablet Damage: Intentional Damage to the tablet determined to be intentional will be treated as vandalism. The student will be held responsible for financial damages, and turned over to law enforcement. 4 APPROPRIATE & INAPPROPRIATE USAGE 4.1 Safeguarding and Maintaining as an Academic Tool Memory space is limited. Academic content takes precedence over personal files and apps. Students may not use the tablet for non-academic purposes during school hours Logging into another student s tablet is prohibited; Video streaming on the tablet during school is only permitted with an Educator s permission and supervision; 4.2 Illegal Activities Use of the school s internet/e-mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity is prohibited. 4.3 Cameras Students and Educators must use good judgment when using the camera function on the tablet. The student or Educator agrees that the camera will not be used to take inappropriate, illicit or sexually explicit photographs or videos, nor will it be used to embarrass anyone in any way. Any use of the camera in toilets or changing rooms, regardless of intent, will be treated as a serious violation. Use of the camera and microphone are strictly prohibited in the classroom and hallways unless permission is granted by an Educator. 4.4 Jailbreaking Jailbreaking is the process of which removes any limitations placed on the tablet. Once Jailbroken, users are able to download additional applications, extensions and themes that are not otherwise available. Jailbreaking results in a less secure device and is strictly prohibited. 4.5 Inappropriate Access to Materials 13 P a g e
Students may not use the system to access materials that are profane or obscene, that advocates illegal or dangerous acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards others (i.e. hate literature). If a student mistakenly accesses inappropriate information, they should immediately report it to their Educator. This may protect students from any claim that they have intentionally violated the policy. Messages relating to or in support of illegal, inappropriate activities may be reported to the proper authorities. Students will subscribe to only high-quality discussion group mail lists that are relevant to education and/or career development. Students will be supervised while accessing the Internet; however, they are still responsible for their proper use and access. 4.6 Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is the use of digital technologies or mobile devices to harass, threaten, embarrass or torment another student. This can happen both directly and indirectly. In order to avoid this students and Educators will: Identify strategies for dealing with cyberbullying responsibly. Analyse and report any offensive online behaviour or interactions to a trusted adult. Create positive online communities rooted in trust and respect. Think before sending or posting anything. Recognise and identify factors that intensify cyberbullying, including what role they play in escalating or de-escalating online cruelty. Students and Educators will NOT: Publish information that is harmful or embarrassing to others. Facilitate the spreading of rumours via online platforms. Participate in online polls, bash sessions, or other communities that are harmful to others. 4.7 Sexting or other inappropriate online interactions Like cyberbullying, sexting, or the transmission of inappropriate images or messages digitally, can result in conviction in a court of law. Students and Educators will understand the role of digital technologies in relationships. Students and Educators will not actively participate in the sharing of inappropriate photos and/or information of themselves or others. 4.8 Self-Expression and Identity There can be a difference between an online versus offline identity. Students and Educators need to be aware of these differences and realise that how they present themselves online can affect their relationships, sense of self, and reputations. Students and Educators will identify the risks of assuming different personas online and what it means to be genuine in an online context. 4.9 Inappropriate Use Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to, those uses that violate the law, the rules of network etiquette, or that hamper the integrity or security of this tablet/network/internet system or any components that are connected to it. 4.10 Violations of Law Transmission of any material in violation of existing legislation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene material; copyrighted material; plagiarised material; material protected by trade secret; or blog posts, Web posts, or discussion forums/replies posted to the Internet which violate the law. 14 P a g e
4.11 Commercial Use Use of the system for any type of income-generating activity is prohibited. Advertising the sale of products, whether commercial or personal is prohibited. 4.12 Intellectual Property Students and Educators must always respect copyrights and trademarks of third-parties and their ownership claims in images, text, video and audio material, software, information and inventions. The copy, use, or transfer of others materials without appropriate authorisation is not allowed. 5. PROTECTING & STORING YOUR TABLET PC 5.1 Tablet PC Identification Tablet PCs can be identified in the following ways: Record of serial number Individual user account name and password By the supplier using tablet tracking software 5.2 Password Protection Students and Educators are expected to password protect their Tablet PCs by maintaining a network login account and password. Keeping that password confidential is the student s or Educator s responsibility. 6. REPAIRING OR REPLACING YOUR TABLET PC 6.1 Supplier Warranty This tablet is covered by 2 years supplier warranty as part of the purchase price of the equipment. The supplier warrants the Tablet PC from defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty covers normal use, mechanical breakdown, or faulty construction and will provide replacement parts necessary to repair the Tablet PC, or Tablet PC replacement. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, accidents, or tablet viruses. Please report all Tablet PC problems to the supplier s help desk. 6.2 Replacement of tablets in cases of theft, fire or accidental damage The Ministry will provide replacement of Tablet PCs in cases of theft, fire or accidental damage only after exhaustive investigation. Cases of theft or fire should immediately be reported to the closest police station. 7. TABLET PC TECHNICAL SUPPORT The Help Desk is operated by the supplier on 8908. Services provided include the following: Hardware maintenance and repairs Password identification User account support Operating system or software configuration support Application information Re-imaging internal storage Updates and software installations Coordination of warranty repairs Any service not covered by warranty will be chargeable. 15 P a g e