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"iCan't afford school iPad" 03.05.12

by Linda McGrory

A CASH-strapped father fears he will have to borrow from the Credit Union if his local secondary school goes ahead with plans to introduce iPads this year.
Carndonagh Community School in Co Donegal recently hosted an information meeting to discuss proposals to introduce tablet computers for 180 first year pupils in September. But not all parents are happy going the e-book route.
"The cost of the iPad system is €750, according to information that we recently received from the school. For anyone not getting a book grant this is practically unaffordable. I am still in a job but my wages have been cut. I will not be in receipt of a book grant which apparently may also be used to help pay for an iPad," said the man, who did not want his child identified.
He has two more children due to start secondary school in the coming years and says he cannot afford to buy three hand-held computers.
He also feared that e-books licences would have to be renewed after a fixed period, weakening the argument that they are more cost-effective in the long run than buying new editions of textbooks.
Paul Fiorentini, principal of the 972-pupil Carndonagh Community School, said the school had not made a final decision on introducing tablet computers.
"We acknowledge the financial commitment this entails and we wouldn't undertake it lightly.
“We have sent a survey to all of the parents of the incoming first years and they have been invited to respond to us with their views. We haven't made a final decision yet," said Mr Fiorentini.
He said parents were told that the new pupils would have the option of using either textbooks or e-books. However, those against the proposal say children want to blend in.
Paul Fiorentini.
“My child does not want to be different to anyone else in the class and therefore wants us to buy an iPad. I feel that I will now have little option but to look for another Credit Union loan to finance this ridiculous idea. I have been in touch with a number of other parents who feel the same way about this issue but who did not feel comfortable mentioning their concerns at the information evening,” he added.
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