If you’re looking to deploy iPads in education, you may think that it’s just a matter of expense and storage. Those things are big, but they’re not the biggest problems you’ll face. In fact, this is one of those situations where money is the least of your troubles.
I was chatting with an Edudemic reader this week who wanted to know a few tips and tricks about deploying iPads in his classroom this coming school year. I figured it might be helpful to share the results of this conversation with the rest of the Edudemic readers. After all, this site is all about sharing and learning together.
How many devices can use one Apple ID?
This is a question that pops up all the time. But no one seems to mention it! They just talk about how snazzy iCloud is or how easy it is to do XYZ.
But long story short, you can only have ten (10) devices per Apple ID. That means you’ll need 3 separate Apple IDs to deploy a classroom of up to 30 iPads. Want to use some iPads and some iPod Touches? Each counts as a device.
How do I store all these various devices?
There’s more to storing all these devices than just locking them away in a cabinet you already have. You’ll need top-notch security for your investment considering these iPads are designed to be ultra-portable. In other words, they’ll have legs if they’re left out.
In order to properly store, you’ll also want to have the iPads, Macbooks, iPod Touches, Android devices, etc. all charging at the same time. We’ve discussed this in great detail in the past.
Source: Flickr
What if we lose a device?
One of the first apps I always recommend installing / setting up is both Find My iPhone and Find My Friends. With Apple’s new iOS 6 coming out soon, Find My Friends is going to be even more robust. You can register all your devices and track their whereabouts right on a handy map in real-time. Lock down these apps so they can’t be deleted or changed and you’re one step closer to keeping track of everything.
When one of the dots on the map strays too far from the rest of the pack, you’ve got a problem. But you also know exactly where to start looking.
However, if the device has already been erased or not connected to the web, it’s time to start looking the old-fashioned way: asking around and retracing your steps.
What apps should be installed?
Other than the security apps (Find My Friends, Find My iPhone), I’d recommend only installing free apps at the beginning.
You don’t want to invest even more money into this project when there’s a chance the apps you choose may end up going unused. You’re better off waiting to see what the demand is and then making your purchase decisions based on this. It’s cost-effective and easier on the person deploying all the devices too.
What are some simple ways to get started?
The options here are limitless and, honestly, a bit confusing. Instead of rattling off a list of ways to use iPads in your classroom, I’ll let Tom Barrett and his crowdsourced slideshow of ideas do it for you. There are dozens of slides here that give you some brief but useful ideas on what to do once the iPads are up and running.
