The Empowered Learning project has given every learner from P6 to S6 and every teacher in Edinburgh their own digital device as part of our ambitious and inclusive education strategy, Edinburgh Learns for Life.
39,000 iPads have been issued in a 1:1 roll-out thanks to a £17.6m boost to learning and teaching. In addition to the 1:1 distribution, iPads were issued to P1 to P5 groups on a ratio of 1:5 within each school.
Below are the FAQs around the project. You can also use the Ctrl + F shortcut to find key words or phrases.
Parents and Carers
By giving your child access to an iPad, their teachers can:
- provide more opportunities for your child to be creative and actively engaged in their learning
- help your child communicate and collaborate with their peers
- provide feedback that is more effective at helping your child improve
- provide access to apps that can help your child learn and personalise their learning experience
- give your child schoolwork which is specific to their learning needs
- help your child develop essential skills to prepare them for future study and employment in an increasingly digital world
All P6 to S6 children across the City of Edinburgh have fair and equal access to technology with their own iPad. Edinburgh Learns Digital are continuing to provide opportunities for teachers to learn how to effectively use iPads to support your child in their learning.
What is the rationale behind the Empowered Learning project?
Empowered Learning is aimed at providing fair and equal access to technology for all children across the City of Edinburgh. It will ensure that all children in P6 to S6 will have personal access to digital and online learning materials at home and in class. Giving children an iPad, meets a key part of the 15 outcomes and actions from the Council’s three-year business plan ‘Our Future Council, Our Future City:’ ‘increasing attainment for all and reducing the poverty-related attainment gap.’
The 1:1 programme also reinforces our aim of becoming one of the world’s ‘smartest cities’. Last year Edinburgh was listed in the Smart City of the Year Digital 100 Shortlist following our recent work with CGI and other partners to enhance connectivity and embrace new technologies. In addition, the roll-out met Article 29 (goals of education) for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which highlights the importance of developing every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full.
How will using a 1:1 iPad help my child?
Access to an iPad helps prepare your child for success in our rapidly evolving digital world by:
- enabling increased involvement for parents in their child’s learning processes
- encouraging equality for children across all Edinburgh schools
- developing your child’s curiosity, critical thinking and providing engaging, meaningful experiences in learning using the latest digital technology
- allowing your child to have more personalised and transformative learning experiences enhancing your child’s creativity
- extending your child’s learning and enhancing collaboration within multiple learning environments
- providing access to up-to-date, authentic information from a large variety or sources which can allow your child to publish their work beyond the classroom
- helping to develop your child’s thinking and digital literacy skills which are vital for success in further study and employment in our technology rich society
Why iPads?
The partnership we have with CGI has given us the benefits of having expertise in the IT marketplace who can see trends all across the world. The team researched several devices and platforms that would benefit both teachers and pupils for learning and teaching. The iPad was the most reliable device.
There are several reasons why we chose the iPad as our core device for digital learning and teaching, for example:
- Apple supports the platforms in schools that teachers use on a daily basis
- iPads are cost effective, easy to use, fast, robust and have great battery life
- They provide access to an excellent range of educational tools and functions for each classroom
- The iPad Operating System (iOS) had a wide range of accessibility features and makes it a great device for pupils with additional needs
Will my child use their iPad in every lesson?
This will depend on your child’s specific teachers or classes. The iPad will give your child access to a range of apps to support their learning and deepen their understanding. Your child’s teacher can support your child to use these apps in class in a variety of different ways i.e. your child can show their understanding of their classwork in a number of creative ways such as making a video, using images or by writing or recording a piece of text.
Will my child still use jotters/ textbooks in class?
Empowered Learning is not intended to replace traditional learning tools. Instead, it is used to enhance the learning environment for your child. By using the iPads and apps in a supplementary manner, teachers are helping develop your child’s technology skills, creativity and personalisation of their learning, whilst also continuing to advance other core literacy skills such as reading and writing.
What training have staff undertaken in preparation for 1:1 Empowered Learning?
The City of Edinburgh have been using iPads to support learning and teaching for a number of years. The skills and experience developed during this time has been used to inform and enhance the current training offerings. Staff receive support to incorporate the use of Digital Learning in their lessons. Teachers have access to asynchronous bespoke training sessions to support them in using their iPad and Edinburgh Learns Digital offer a wide range of training for all staff.
Will teachers/the City of Edinburgh Council have full control over the iPad?
All iPads are administered to a Mobile Device Management (MDM) software and have the Apple Classroom app installed. This gives staff full control over their functionality such as freezing/ locking screens, remotely wiping iPads or viewing browsing history etc. This ensures a safe and versatile learning environment that can be tailored to each child.
Can my child use their own device instead?
No, in order to promote a consistent learning environment with as much support as possible, we expect all children to use only the iPad that is issued to them. To fulfil City of Edinburgh Council’s data security policies, the iPads are encrypted and managed via our central Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.
When will my child be issued with an iPad?
We started giving the children and staff their iPads in December 2021. Your child should now have an iPad if they are in P6 or above.
Will there be ‘getting started’ sessions for my child to learn the basics of using the iPad?
‘Getting started’ sessions take place when the iPads are distributed, in which pupils become ‘iPad Guardians’. Your child now has access to online learning courses and skills videos to support them in using their iPad. Staff in schools are also readily available to provide support with the iPads that have been issued to everyone.
Will my child bring their iPad home?
If your child is in P6 to S6, their iPad can be taken home each day unless otherwise agreed. P1 to P5 are in class only.
What responsibilities will my child have for the safe use of the iPad?
With your child now having their iPad, they are responsible for keeping it safe. They must only take it out of their schoolbag when they are in a lesson, as instructed by their teachers, or at home. The provided case for the iPad must always be used to protect it from potential damage. Your child must charge their iPad up every night using the charger supplied and bring it into school each day fully charged. The iPad is designed to be a tool to help your child learn and must only be used in this way. Your child’s responsibilities are outlined in the Home School Agreement and and Responsible Use Agreement, which you, your child and the school will need to sign before your child is issued with their iPad.
What are my responsibilities as a parent/carer?
Parent/carer’s responsibilities are outlined in the Home School Agreement which you, your child and the school will need to sign before your child is issued with their iPad. We would encourage parents/carers to:
- reinforce our messages regarding safe use of technology
- use internet filters to control access to certain web content at home
- remind their child to fully charge their iPad prior to coming into school
- report any breakages or technical issues as soon as possible
More useful information can be found on the Internet Matters website where you can find guides and resources regarding the protection of children on the internet
Do I need to provide WiFi/ internet access at home?
Not necessarily. While it is anticipated that some apps will require internet access, this can be accessed via the iPad in school. If your child requires internet access to complete work, they can access the school internet during school opening hours for instance; before the school day starts, at lunchtime or after school. Apps that do not require an active internet connection can be used anywhere. iPads given to learners will have sufficient memory to store downloaded materials to be used at home too.
What content will there be on the iPads?
Each iPad contains a suite of core education apps specifically selected for the needs of each learner. A fully managed dedicated app store will also allow your child and their teachers to download apps that have been pre-approved for use.
Can my child access the internet on the iPad?
The iPads that have been issued allow your child to access the internet, however, inappropriate sites have been blocked in school by our filtering software to prevent your child from accessing them. In addition, social media websites and apps that could facilitate cyberbullying have been blocked too. Teachers will also encourage the safe use of technology while in class or at home through a variety of lessons throughout the school year.
Are photos or videos allowed to be taken on the iPad?
Your child’s iPad has a built-in camera, but they must only use it to support their learning. Your child must never record or take a photo of anyone without their clear and explicit permission.
What happens if the iPad is damaged, lost or stolen?
Procedures are in place to deal with technical issues and iPads can be remotely locked to prevent access if they are found by someone. If your child’s iPad is damaged, lost or stolen in school then they must immediately tell their teacher or a senior member of staff who will get in touch with someone who can help. If your child’s iPad is lost or stolen at times when contact with the school cannot be achieved such as weekends or holiday periods, then you must immediately report this to the police and then tell your child’s school. An incident number should be obtained from the police.
What support is there is place for teachers?
Staff have been using iPads for their work and with learners for several years. Staff received ongoing support from the Edinburgh Learns Digital to embed the use of high quality Digital Learning in their practice. The sharing of good practice amongst staff has taken place throughout this time, coupled with various in-house workshops. Teachers have regular access to bespoke training sessions to support them in using their iPads effectively and dedicated support teams are available after they have been issued to everyone.
Will I receive any form of support to assist my child with their iPad at home?
There are additional support materials on the Edinburgh Learns Digital website for parents, such as useful links and user guides.
What happens if my child leaves their iPad at home or they forget to charge it?
Your child is expected to bring their iPad with them every day. If they forget their iPad, they will be expected to work using alternative resources; for instance, pencils/paper. However, they must bring their iPad with them the next again day. If they arrive in class with their iPad out of charge, depending on the circumstances, they may be allowed to use a charger during the lesson.
Can my child get a keyboard?
Yes, and any other extra equipment for ease of use can be provided depending on individual learner requirements. Please contact your school if you wish to make a request.
What measures are in place to protect my child’s security online/ prevent cyberbullying? What safety measures are in place? How do I report unsuitable content/behaviour?
All iPads are securely managed and will only have access to pre-approved applications. All apps will have security and privacy assessments before approval. Inappropriate websites will be blocked on the iPad. In addition, social media websites and apps that could facilitate cyberbullying will be blocked too. As part of the school curriculum, teachers also promote the safe use of technology to your child while in class or at home through a variety of lessons both pre-emptively and responsively.
My child spends a lot of time on their personal devices already, how often will the iPads be used?
Empowered Learning aims to promote constructive and practical use of technology in learning environments, providing regular opportunities for modelling and experiencing positive online behaviour. Your child will be using their iPad for digital learning purposes and the choice of how, when and why they are to be used is carefully considered at the planning stage.
If you are concerned about your child’s screen time, you may find this site helpful: https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/screen-time/. Schools may also distribute advice on matters such as this.
What will happen if my child moves or leaves school?
If your child moves to another City of Edinburgh Council school, they will take their charger and iPad in its case to their new school. If your child leaves school permanently, or moves to another authority, they must return the iPad and any accessories to their school.
What about my child’s data and personal information?
For more details around data and personal information, please see:
Education Privacy Notice
Education Digital Learning and Teaching Privacy Notice
Pupil Friendly Privacy Notice
Staff
By giving pupils access to iPads, teachers can:
- provide more opportunities for children to be more creative and actively engaged in their learning
- help children to communicate and collaborate with their peers
- provide feedback that is more effective at helping learners to improve
- provide access to apps that can support learning and personalise their learning experience
- provide schoolwork which is specific to the various learning needs
- help your child develop essential skills to prepare them for future study and employment in an increasingly digital world
All children across the City of Edinburgh now have fair and equal access to technology with their own iPad. We have also provided opportunities for teachers to learn how to effectively use their iPads to support your child in their learning
What is the rationale behind the Empowered Learning project?
Empowered Learning was aimed at supplying fair and equal access to technology for all children across the City of Edinburgh. It has been ensured that all children from P6 to S6 now have personal access to digital and online learning materials at home and in class. Giving children an iPad met a key part of the 15 outcomes and actions from the Council’s three-year business plan ‘Our Future Council, Our Future Council.’ ‘increasing attainment for all and reducing poverty-related attainment gap.’
The 1:1 programme reinforced our aim to become one of the world’s ‘smartest cities’. Last year Edinburgh was listed in the smart city of the year digital 100 shortlist following our recent work with CGI and other partners to enhance connectivity and embrace modern technologies. In addition, the roll-out met Article 29 (goals of education) for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which highlights the importance of developing every child’s personality, talents, and abilities to the full.
Why iPads?
The partnership we have with CGI, our IT service provider, gave us the benefits of having expertise with the IT marketplace who can see trends from all over the world. The team researched several devices and platforms that would benefit the children for learning and picked the iPad as the most reliable device. There are several reasons why we chose the iPads as our Core device for learning and teaching for example:
- iPads are cost effective, easy to use, fast, robust and have great battery life
- They provide access to an excellent range of educational tools and functions
- The iPad Operating System (iOS) has a wide range of accessibility features and makes a great device for pupils with additional support needs
- Apple supports the platforms in the schools that teachers use daily
- This makes it an excellent device to help pupils with additional support needs work more independently and unlock learning to their full capacity
When are networks getting upgraded?
Network health checks were carried out prior across all schools and were upgraded if the network needed extra bandwidth. If issues occur, further checks can be made to ensure that bandwidth is as it should be.
When will teachers and pupils get their iPads?
The roll-out schedule started in December 2021 and was fully completed by March 2023. Teachers were provided with their iPads first, then Secondary schools, followed by Primary and Special schools.
How will I get support?
The Empowered Learning programme has provided bespoke professional learning to all school teaching staff who already use iPads. The Edinburgh Learns Digital team continue to support all settings through a variety of professional learning and bespoke training.
What apps will be available?
The project provides access to a full suite of Apple and Microsoft 365 apps, plus 50 additional curricular apps. There will be a facility to request apps, and these will be reviewed and consulted on with sector and subject specialists.
Are individual iPads really necessary?
The importance of digital technology in the learning environment was outlined by the Scottish Government in their 2016 publication “Enhancing Learning and Teaching Through the Use of Digital Technology: a digital learning and teaching strategy for Scotland”. By providing a personal iPad we have fulfilled our expectations as a local authority and delivered the vision for digital technology in education. A 1:1 rollout has promoted personal development, effective communication and helped expand skillsets to prepare for the future educational needs for learners.
What can the iPad be used for in my class?
The iPad is equipped with a suite of core apps designed for education. In general, the 1:1 roll-out has improved teacher/student dialogue and feedback since learners now have immediate access to an iPad. Increasing dialogue in this manner has allowed work to be shared quickly, in class or as part of homework.
How much control do I have over my learners’ iPads?
All iPads are controlled by Mobile Device Management (MDM) software and have the Apple Classroom app installed. This is supplemented by additional filtering software to provide browsing security. This combination gives staff full control over the learners’ experience and allows mechanisms such as; freezing/locking screens, remotely wiping iPads or viewing browsing history etc. Controlling the iPad is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our learners as well as directing effective learning and teaching experiences.
Will I have iPads to give to new learners at my school?
Yes, all learners will have access to an iPad once they are provided with their Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) if they have come from anywhere out with Scotland. If they have moved from another Edinburgh school, they will come with an iPad. If new to the city, they will be provided with an iPad.
Who will have an iPad?
All learners from P6 to S6 have an individual iPad. Learners from P1 to P5 have access to a shared iPad within the classroom. All school teaching staff each have an iPad to use within their classroom.
How will I access my iPad and its storage?
Your unique Managed Apple ID (MAID) is to access your iPad. Files and data can be stored in Microsoft 365 or iCloud.
What other key learning platforms will I be able to use online?
Microsoft 365 supplies a coherent core platform for the delivery of learning and teaching. There are a range of appropriate apps available on the iPad to meet curricular needs. In addition, learners and staff can access a range of online learning tools where these have been approved for use.
Where do I access professional learning?
Bespoke professional learning is available on myLearning Hub. An initial set of 14 courses have been developed and more courses will be developed in response to emerging needs.
What will happen if I move school within the City of Edinburgh Council?
You will need to wipe and return your iPad and its accessories when leaving. Make sure that anything you want to keep has been saved to your iCloud or Microsoft 365 account. Your school’s Digital Learning Coordinator can support you with this if you need it. You will then be issued with a replacement one by your new school.
What will happen if I leave the City of Edinburgh Council?
You will need to wipe and return your iPad and its accessories when leaving. Make sure that anything you want to keep has been saved to your iCloud or Microsoft 365 account. Your school’s Digital Learning Coordinator can support you with this if you need it. You will then be issued with a replacement one by your new school.
What will happen if I leave the City of Edinburgh Council?
You must wipe and return your iPad and any accessories to your school.
How do I back up my iPad?
You should save all your files in Microsoft 365 or iCloud. This will ensure that your data is safe, secure and compliant.
What about my data and personal information?
For more details around data and personal information, please see:
Education Privacy Notice
Education Digital Learning and Teaching Privacy Notice
Pupil Friendly Privacy Notice
Learners
What is the 1:1 Empowered Learning project?
The Empowered Learning project has given every learner from P6 to S6 and every teacher in Edinburgh their own iPad as part of a bigger project called Edinburgh Learns for Life.
You will be expected to bring the iPad fully charged with you to school to be used in your lessons.
By giving you an iPad to use, your teachers can:
- plan lots of exciting lessons to help you to be creative
- help you communicate and work with your peers
- give you instant feedback in lots of different ways
- give you access to apps that can help you learn in a way that works best for you
- design school work which is specific to your learning needs
- help you develop important skills to prepare you for future study or employment in an increasingly digital world
All learners across the City of Edinburgh will have fair and equal access to technology with their own iPad. We also teach your teachers how to best use iPads to support you in your learning.
How will having an iPad through Empowered Learning help me?
Access to an iPad will help prepare you for success in our rapidly evolving digital world by:
- enabling more parent and carer involvement in your learning
- encouraging equality for learners across all Edinburgh schools
- developing your curiosity, critical thinking
- giving you fun, and meaningful experiences in learning using the latest digital technology
- making your learning personalised and transforming learning experiences
- giving you lots of ways to be creative
- pushing your own learning and giving you new ways to work across classes and even schools
- giving you access to up-to-date, reliable information from a huge variety of sources which will allow you to publish your work beyond the classroom
- helping to develop your thinking and digital literacy skills which are important skills to have in further study and employment in today’s (and your future’s) world
How will I use the iPad in class?
This depends on your specific teachers/classes. The iPad will give you access to a range of apps to support your learning and deepen your understanding. Your teacher can use these apps in class in a variety of different ways. For instance: you could show your understanding of your classwork in a number of more creative ways such as by making a video on Clips, using images or by writing or even recording a piece of text.
Why iPads?
There are several reasons why we have chosen to give you an iPad. We’ve been using iPads in City of Edinburgh Council schools for over 9 years so lots of your teachers have been using them in class for a long time. The iPad is easy to use, fast, reliable and has great battery life. iPads can give access to an excellent range of educational tools for you to use in class. Our previous research has revealed that you could benefit from deeper, more creative and more effective learning by using an iPad.
Who is responsible for the iPad?
When you receive your iPad, you are responsible for it and keeping it safe. You should always keep your iPad in the case your school give you to protect it from potential damage. You should only take it out of your school bag when you are in a lesson, as instructed by your teachers, or at home. You will need to charge up your iPad every night using the charger that your school gave you and bring it into school each day fully charged.
Can I use my own device instead?
No, to promote a consistent learning environment with as much support as possible, we expect you to use only the iPad that is given to you by the school. To make sure that the City of Edinburgh Council’s data security policies are followed properly , the iPads are encrypted and managed via central Mobile Device Management (MDM) software with appropriate web filtering in place. This is to help keep you safe.
When will I be issued with an iPad?
We started giving the children and staff their iPads in December 2021. You should now have an iPad if you are in P6 or above.
Will there be ‘getting started’ sessions for me to learn the basics of the iPad?
‘Getting started’ sessions take place when iPads are handed out. You will then have access to a lots of online digital skills videos, if you need them.
Can I take the iPad home with me?
Ideally yes, many learners will take their iPad home to support continued home learning. However some primary schools may wish to introduce home use gradually to ensure appropriate skills and support is in place.
Do my Parents/Carers need to contribute to the cost of the iPad?
The City of Edinburgh Council will not ask Parents/Carers to pay towards the costs of your iPad. Any apps that you may use on your iPad are free to download.
What are my responsibilities for the safe use of the iPad?
When you receive your iPad, you are responsible for it and keeping it safe. You must only take it out of your schoolbag when you are in a lesson, as instructed by your teachers, or at home. The provided case for the iPad must be used at all times to protect the iPad from potential damage. You will need to charge up your iPad every night using the charger supplied. The iPad is designed to be a tool to help you learn and must only be used in this way.
What apps will be available?
You will have access to a set of Apple and Microsoft 365 apps plus 75 additional curricular apps. These can be downloaded from the Self Service app on your iPad.
Can I access the internet on the iPad?
Yes. The iPads software will provide you with access to learning resources and appropriate content both in school and at home.
Are photos or videos allowed to be taken on the iPad?
Your iPad has a built-in camera which can be used to support learning. You must never record or take a photo of anyone without their clear and explicit permission first.
What happens if the iPad is damaged, lost or stolen?
If your iPad is damaged, lost or stolen in school, then you must immediately tell your teacher or a senior member of staff who will get in touch with someone who can help. If your iPad is lost or stolen at the weekend or during the holidays, then you or your parent/carer must immediately report this to the police and then tell your school. An incident number should be obtained from the police.
Depending on the circumstances, your parent/carer may be asked to pay towards the repair or replacement of the iPad.
Can I get a keyboard or pencil?
Keyboards and pencils are not going to be given to all learners. For some of you it might be decided that having these would help you, so will work out a way to make sure you have them. You can choose to use their own personal accessories, for example; keyboard, stylus. These should be for the purpose of learning and are used at the owners risk.
What should I do If I leave my iPad at home or I forget to charge it?
You will be expected to bring the iPad with you every day. If you forget your iPad, then you will be expected to work using something else; for instance using pencils/paper. However, you must bring your iPad with you the next again day.
What measures are in place to protect my security/ prevent cyberbullying?
All iPads are securely managed and you will only have access to pre-approved apps. All apps will have security and privacy checks before approval. Inappropriate websites will be blocked on your iPad. In addition, social media websites and apps that could facilitate cyberbullying will be blocked too. Teachers will also give you lessons to encourage the safe use of technology while in class or at home.
Will my teachers have control over the iPad?
Yes, your teacher and your school have full control. This will allow them to freeze/ lock your screen, wipe the iPad, and they can also view browsing history if they need to.
Can I access social media on the iPad?
No. Social media websites/ apps and other inappropriate sites will be blocked.
Can I use a different charger or case with the iPad?
No. Please use the charger and case you were given by the school.
What will happen if I move to another school in the City of Edinburgh Council or leave school?
If you move to another City of Edinburgh Council school, you will take your iPad, case and charger with you. If you move to a school that is not in Edinburgh or if you leave school altogether, you must return your iPad and any accessories to your school.
What happens if I break the Home School Agreement?
You, your parent/carer and your school will need to sign the Home School Agreement before you are issued with your iPad. If your break this agreement, then your school will handle this. Sanctions can include having your iPad temporarily or permanently removed.
What about my data and personal information?
For more details around your data and personal information, please see:
Pupil Friendly Privacy Notice
Personal Information and Pupil Data – Video
Edinburgh Learns Digital | City of Edinburgh Council 