Learning with Technology

Digital Media & Citizenship

The goal of our digital media and citizenship program is to empower students to collaborate, communicate, create and operate in a variety of online and offline contexts. At ASIJ we frame digital media and citizenship learning using four traits: respectful, responsible, safe and honest. At each grade level we teach a series of lessons on what each trait looks like, as well as capitalizing on impromptu learning experiences that address contemporary issues.

As a parent it is natural to have concerns about your child’s online and offline experiences. We encourage you to visit the Common Sense Media website to find age-appropriate guidelines for having those difficult yet important conversations, and to create a family media agreement for your family's tech use at home. Healthy Children offers great ideas for family agreements.

The website Cyber Safe Kids also offers great practical advice for parents, and the Net Family News blog offers some sage ideas on working with children and technology.

Our best piece of advice for parents who ask us how to help their child make good choices at home is to be a model for the behavior you wish to see in your child. Adam Grant's New York Times article is a brilliantly written explanation of the research that supports the power of modeling in changing behavior over the long term.
For more support you can access our workshop slideshows for:
Click the buttons below to see the relative grade level posters.

What is the Process?

Hardware Requirements

Device

10.2" WiFi iPad (8th generation) 128GB
​The 128GB iPad 10.2" WiFi is the model that we purchase at ASIJ for teachers and school leaders to use.  We feel it has sufficient capacity to hold images and video.  It is an affordable device that should still be highly usable over the course of four years.  If your child is entering 2nd grade with a new 128GB 10.2" WiFi iPad, we predict that it will still be serving their educational needs when they leave 5th grade.

We don't recommend either the iPad mini or iPad Air due to the fact that the 64GB models do not have enough storage space and the extra features of the 256GB models do not justify the significant cost increase.
​
We don't recommend either of the iPad Pro models due to the extra cost, larger size and features we will not utilize.

Headsets

Over ear or in ear are suitable. The images are suggestions only.
​Make sure your child's headset has a microphone to record voice.
Avoid Bluetooth headphones, the built-in microphones are not adequate.

JBuddies Studio

with microphone $19.99

ETY-KIDS 3

with microphone $59.00

Covers

Below are excellent options for iPad covers. If you purchase a different cover
​make sure it is durable and protects the iPad's corners.

Nutkase 
Cross Strap

Honeycase 
Extreme Duty

Poetic GraphGRIP iPad mini Case

i-Blason ArmorBox Kido Series

How-to

Look at the different categories below to help you set up your child's iPad with our step-by-step tutorials

Core App List

Below is a list of core apps that are used for multiple grade levels. Clicking on the icon will direct you to the app store to purchase the app. In addition, please see the grade specific app lists to make sure your child has everything they need at school.
Updated August 18, 2021

Grade Specific Apps

In addition to the core app list please also download your child's grade level list from the options below.

Japanese Apps

Japanese as a Foreign Language

Heritage Japanese
Grades 1 and 2
Grades 3 through 5
Grades 1 and 2
Grades 3 through 5

FAQs

Q. What iPad model should I purchase for my child?

The 128GB iPad 10.2" WiFi is the model that we purchase at ASIJ for teachers and school leaders to use.  We feel it has sufficient capacity to hold images and video.  It is an affordable device that should still be highly usable over the course of four years.  If your child is entering 2nd grade with a new 128GB 10.2" WiFi iPad, we predict that it will still be serving their educational needs when they leave 5th grade. We don't recommend either the iPad mini or iPad Air due to the fact that the 64GB models do not have enough storage space and the extra features of the 256GB models do not justify the significant cost increase. We don't recommend either of the iPad Pro models due to the extra cost, larger size and features we will not utilize.
Q. When and how often do kids use iPads?

We use iPads in class when they are the best learning tool for the task. This means there may be days where the iPad is used for several tasks and days where it is not used at all.

Additionally, to foster ethical use, social development, and allow for greater face-to-face interaction we have the following guidelines in place:
  • enjoy a device-free recess unless reading eBooks in the ES library
  • teachers guide and supervise all work on iPads
  • keep digital messaging and phone calls for times outside school hours​
Q. Is there a warranty plan for iPad?

Yes. There are three options available:
  • One-year warranty program available through Apple. 
  • Additional warranty coverage available with AppleCare+. Includes up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling, each subject to a service fee.
  • Third-party insurance.
Q. Where can I get help if my child’s iPad has problems?

We have a help desk located in the ES that you and your child can access at any time.
Q. What if the ASIJ help desk can’t fix the iPad problem?

We have a loaner program for students whose iPads are under repair. To use a loaner while your child's iPad is being repaired your child must present a receipt from the Apple Store and sign for a loaner iPad which means he/she will accept responsibility for that loaner device during the time it is being used.

Apple Support links for more information