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What is an iPad?
 This device probably needs no introduction nowadays, but it is a tablet computer made by Apple that was first introduced in 2010. It is now on its 4th version, as well as there being a ‘mini’ version available since 2012. iPads are becoming increasingly more popular in schools as a mobile teaching/learning device. They can run apps, access the internet, record sound and much more. iPads feature forward and rear facing cameras which can be used for video or stills (except for the first generation of iPads that have no camera.)
Use in Schools
 Any mobile device, when used effectively on a one-to-one basis, provides an opportunity for independent and personalised learning. A growing number of schools around the county are using iPads in the classroom, mainly at primary level. Because of the wide range of apps available, and the functionality of the iPad, there is a wide range of potential uses, for example:
- Internet access for research (eg: mobile versions of Britannica, Wikipedia etc.)
- Specific educational apps for spelling, maths etc
- Drawing and animation apps
- Watching video / listening to educational podcasts
- Taking photographs and videos, and editing them
- Voice recording for revision, inclusion. Make podcasts etc
- Word games and puzzles
- Revision apps
- Video Conferencing
- Read an ebook
- Use certain games for inspiration for creative writing, eg Epic Citadel
- Learn the keys of a piano with a virtual keyboard
- Use as a classroom voting system
- Calendar
- Creative tools such as picture book makers
- Sound monitor, calculator, stopwatch, countdown timers and other tools
- Download an atlas, predict the weather, Google Earth etc.
Apps
Apps
An “App” is a program that runs on the iPad (or other device.) They are downloadable from the Apple App Store, either directly to the device or to a computer running iTunes, from where the app can be copied over to the devices.
Many apps are free and prices for paid-for apps start at 69p. There are hundreds of thousands of apps available and around 67,000 of these are categorised under education (June 2012.)
Finding suitable apps can be difficult simply because there are so many to choose from. There are some useful independent sites on the web that review and suggest useful apps for education use (see additional information below.)
To get started, you might want to look at this list, which also includes links to other sites.
Information about how you can set up iTunes accounts without a credit card can be found here:
Important Information about App Licensing
The Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP) is now available in the UK which means schools can purchase iPad and iPod apps in volume, without the complications around multiple licensing which have existed in the past.
Schools using iOS devices should now enrol for the program so that they can start to purchase apps in this way. To understand the process we suggest you download and read the Apple iOS Education Deployment Guide which is available below
Although this guide was written for the U.S., much of the information is now relevant to UK schools. Page 22 onwards explains the VPP. Please also see the links below.
Enrolment involves one person in the school becoming the Programme Manager, and as many people as necessary becoming Programme Facilitators. The manager and facilitator can be the same person. Facilitators can log into the education app store and purchase apps in volume. Following the purchase, a list of codes is sent to the facilitator, which can be used to deploy the apps and as proof of purchase. A credit card is required to purchase apps in volume.
For more information, see these links:
If you know any apps that are excellent for education, please contact
Chris Carter to let him know! Please include details of how you use it in your school. Thank you.
Email:chris.carter@hertscc.gov.uk
Device Management & Other Considerations
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Classroom system with Parasync
and Macbook, used to manage
the ipods. |
In order to effectively introduce the use of iPads into your school, you should consider these points:
- Wifi
If you want to access the internet etc. with your iPads you will need a robust wireless system in place capable of supporting the number of devices you have concurrently. A professional wireless survey is advised.
- Charging
Off the shelf, iPads come with a charger with which you can charge the individual devices from the mains. If you have multiple devices you will need a solution to charge them all at once. A number of these are available. Some of these also enable you to connect all your devices to a computer via a single USB cable.
- Syncing
Apps can be downloaded to a computer running the iTunes program, and then synced to the iPad. The same goes for videos and other media you may wish to put on the devices. Connecting up your iPads one by one to sync with iTunes will be time consuming so a multiple charging and syncing solution is advisable. It is possible to sync iPads wirelessly though it is useful to also have a wired system in place..
- eSafety
Devices connected through the school wifi will receive filtered internet access in the same way your other computers do. However, be aware that many social networking and communication apps are available, and it may be possible, for example, to upload photos and videos to the internet from the device. There are a limited range of security options preventing access to the internet, deleting apps, explicit content and more.
- Collecting work
Depending on what sort of work the children have been doing, collecting it all in from each and marking it can be a challenge as by default the iPads will not have access to shared areas on your Windows network, and apps may not facilitate the saving of work to specific folders, instead saving the work within the app itself. A number of sharing solutions have become available as the popularity of iPads has increased.
- Networking
Be aware that the iPads will not by default be able to access shared drives on your network etc.
- Advertising
Be aware that free apps are often supported by adverts within the app.
- Headphones
You can turn the sound off on the iPad but in many apps the sound is useful. Therefore you might need personal headphones or ear-buds for each learner. Keep these in labelled bags so they don’t get mixed up.
- Printing
It may be difficult to print from the iPad to any printers you may have in school, unless they are wireless printers that support Apple’s Airprint technology. Depending on your equipment and/or set-up, it may be necessary to send the work from the iPad to a computer on your network in order to print, by email for example. Alternatively, 3rd party software is available that can enable printing from iPads to different types of printer.
- Connection to projectors
iPads can be connected to projectors for use as whole-class teaching tools, and for sharing pupil work. This can be done via a VGA adaptor, or even wirelessly using Apple TV, or 3rd party software which you run on the computer connected to a projector, and then wirelessly connect your iPad to that computer. Wireless ‘mirroring’ is a powerful use of the device which enables lots of possibilities. Not every app supports being projected, though most do.
- Multiple Device Management
There are a number of ways of setting up and managing multiple iPads. Smaller numbers can be managed from a Windows computer, but for larger numbers you may want to consider getting a Mac computer or a Mac Mini Server, which gives greater functionality for managing your devices, and easier scalability if you are increasing your numbers of iPads in the future.
- Security
Consider how you will store and mark the devices.
- Initial Setup
School IT System Support (SITSS) offer a set-up service to help you get started. This can include configuring all iPads for internet access, installing a range of free apps, setting up security features and much more. For further information, download the information sheet here:
- SITSS - Managing the configuration of your iOS devices (164kb/pdf)
- Training
The Hertfordshire ICT Advisers have an Apple Distinguished Educator in the team and can provide bespoke training for your school or other education setting in the use of iPads and iPods, both within and beyond Hertfordshire. Please contact Chris Carter for more information, email: chris.carter@hertscc.gov.uk
iPod Touch
 The iPod Touch is a smaller touch-screen device which is similar to the iPad in many ways. Because of its smaller size it is more mobile than an iPad, and it also features the camera and voice recorder functionality (4th generation models and later.) It lends itself well to very mobile applications, and game/quiz style activities such as mental maths practice. It does not lend itself so well to ‘higher end’ applications such as video editing and creating multimedia digital books. It is, of course, also not so easy to share one between two, for example. Much of the information on this page, including the essential considerations, also applies to iPod Touch devices.
Where can I buy iPads or iPods for my school?
There number of Apple education specialist resellers in the UK that deal directly with schools. They can also supply multi-charging and syncing units, Mac Mini Servers etc.
Further Information
iPad information from Apple:
iPod information from Apple:
Appslist with links to other sites that suggest educational apps:
SITSS iPad/iPod setup service. Get your devices fully set up and ready to use in the classroom:
If you are interested in finding out more about the use of iPads or iPods, please contact:
Chris Carter
eDevelopments Adviser
Email: chris.carter@hertscc.gov.uk
Tel: 01438 843918
Disclaimer: images used on this page are for illustration purposes only and do not represent any recommendation.
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