iPad in Education
/groups/ipadpilot/search/index.rss?tag=hotlist/groups/ipadpilot/search/?tag=hotWhat’s HotHotListHot!?tag=hot4/groups/ipadpilot/sidebar/HotListlandermMelissa McBride2012-04-11 17:47:10+00:002012-04-11 17:47:10updated10shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 18:17:50+00:002011-11-04 18:17:50updated9Added tag - hotshoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 18:17:48+00:002011-11-04 18:17:48addTag8shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 18:04:55+00:002011-11-04 18:04:55updated7shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 18:04:40+00:002011-11-04 18:04:40updated6shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 17:54:07+00:002011-11-04 17:54:07updated5shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 17:52:18+00:002011-11-04 17:52:18updated4shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 17:52:01+00:002011-11-04 17:52:01updated3shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 17:43:31+00:002011-11-04 17:43:31updated2First createdshoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-04 17:34:20+00:002011-11-04 17:34:20created1wiki2012-04-11T17:47:10+00:00groups/ipadpilot/wiki/ecc7fFalseAccessing School District Email/groups/ipadpilot/wiki/ecc7f/Accessing_School_District_Email.htmlMelissa McBride10 updatesAccessing School District Email
There are four possible scenarios to accessing your email from the iPad. Find your scenario and follow the directions to set up your email. The ...Falselanderm2012-04-11T17:47:10+00:00shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2012-04-11 17:30:43+00:002012-04-11 17:30:43updated36shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2012-04-11 17:29:44+00:002012-04-11 17:29:44updated35shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2012-02-09 13:35:51+00:002012-02-09 13:35:51updated34shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-12-08 14:04:33+00:002011-12-08 14:04:33updated33landermMelissa McBride2011-12-06 15:05:59+00:002011-12-06 15:05:59updated32shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-30 23:01:43+00:002011-11-30 23:01:43updated31shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-28 14:36:55+00:002011-09-28 14:36:55updated30shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-28 14:22:22+00:002011-09-28 14:22:22updated29shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-28 13:44:51+00:002011-09-28 13:44:51updated28shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-20 17:26:58+00:002011-09-20 17:26:58updated27shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-19 14:07:16+00:002011-09-19 14:07:16updated26shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-15 18:45:38+00:002011-09-15 18:45:38updated25shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-15 18:44:49+00:002011-09-15 18:44:49updated24shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-15 18:43:24+00:002011-09-15 18:43:24updated23shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-14 19:22:03+00:002011-09-14 19:22:03updated22shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-14 19:20:00+00:002011-09-14 19:20:00updated21landermMelissa McBride2011-06-01 15:49:40+00:002011-06-01 15:49:40updated20landermMelissa McBride2011-06-01 15:46:19+00:002011-06-01 15:46:19updated19landermMelissa McBride2011-06-01 15:45:13+00:002011-06-01 15:45:13updated18landermMelissa McBride2011-05-17 14:50:08+00:002011-05-17 14:50:08updated17shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-05-02 18:05:24+00:002011-05-02 18:05:24updated16shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-25 18:17:31+00:002011-04-25 18:17:31updated15Added tag - hotlandermMelissa McBride2011-04-25 18:17:31+00:002011-04-25 18:17:31addTag14landermMelissa McBride2011-04-20 14:36:05+00:002011-04-20 14:36:05updated13shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 16:37:18+00:002011-04-19 16:37:18updated12shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 16:35:13+00:002011-04-19 16:35:13updated11shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:35:44+00:002011-04-19 15:35:44updated10shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:28:23+00:002011-04-19 15:28:23updated9shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:13:37+00:002011-04-19 15:13:37updated8shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:13:11+00:002011-04-19 15:13:11updated7shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:13:05+00:002011-04-19 15:13:05updated6shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:03:40+00:002011-04-19 15:03:40updated5shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 14:58:30+00:002011-04-19 14:58:30updated4landermMelissa McBride2011-04-19 14:58:03+00:002011-04-19 14:58:03updated3shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 14:53:28+00:002011-04-19 14:53:28updated2First createdshoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 14:51:59+00:002011-04-19 14:51:59created1wiki2012-04-11T17:30:43+00:00groups/ipadpilot/wiki/ee47fFalseConsidering Purchasing an iPad?/groups/ipadpilot/wiki/ee47f/Considering_Purchasing_an_iPad.htmlJohn Shoemaker36 updatesConsidering Purchasing an iPad?
If your school is considering purchasing iPads, please use this guide to ensure it is the correct device for your situation. This is a living doc...Falseshoemaker2012-04-11T17:30:43+00:00shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2012-04-10 15:00:24+00:002012-04-10 15:00:24updated35shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-15 19:10:08+00:002011-11-15 19:10:08updated34shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-15 19:08:14+00:002011-11-15 19:08:14updated33shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-11-15 19:07:25+00:002011-11-15 19:07:25updated32shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-10-07 15:48:05+00:002011-10-07 15:48:05updated31kolberlLee Kolbert2011-10-07 14:30:14+00:002011-10-07 14:30:14updated30shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-09-14 19:14:25+00:002011-09-14 19:14:25updated29shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-27 18:26:15+00:002011-04-27 18:26:15updated28shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-27 18:25:07+00:002011-04-27 18:25:07updated27shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-27 18:22:48+00:002011-04-27 18:22:48updated26shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-27 14:39:54+00:002011-04-27 14:39:54updated25landermMelissa McBride2011-04-27 14:31:59+00:002011-04-27 14:31:59updated24shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-26 11:41:46+00:002011-04-26 11:41:46updated23shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-26 11:41:19+00:002011-04-26 11:41:19updated22shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-26 11:39:58+00:002011-04-26 11:39:58updated21rolandbBruce Roland2011-04-25 19:20:35+00:002011-04-25 19:20:35updated20rolandbBruce Roland2011-04-25 18:50:33+00:002011-04-25 18:50:33updated19shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-25 18:17:56+00:002011-04-25 18:17:56updated18shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-25 18:17:09+00:002011-04-25 18:17:09updated17Added tag - hotlandermMelissa McBride2011-04-25 18:17:08+00:002011-04-25 18:17:08addTag16landermMelissa McBride2011-04-20 15:25:05+00:002011-04-20 15:25:05updated15landermMelissa McBride2011-04-20 15:24:14+00:002011-04-20 15:24:14updated14landermMelissa McBride2011-04-20 15:13:03+00:002011-04-20 15:13:03updated13landermMelissa McBride2011-04-20 15:09:56+00:002011-04-20 15:09:56updated12landermMelissa McBride2011-04-20 15:09:10+00:002011-04-20 15:09:10updated11landermMelissa McBride2011-04-20 14:51:00+00:002011-04-20 14:51:00updated10shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 16:41:18+00:002011-04-19 16:41:18updated9shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 16:37:42+00:002011-04-19 16:37:42updated8shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 16:27:27+00:002011-04-19 16:27:27updated7shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 16:23:43+00:002011-04-19 16:23:43updated6shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:47:14+00:002011-04-19 15:47:14updated5shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:46:59+00:002011-04-19 15:46:59updated4shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:38:00+00:002011-04-19 15:38:00updated3shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:37:25+00:002011-04-19 15:37:25updated2First createdshoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-04-19 15:36:49+00:002011-04-19 15:36:49created1wiki2012-04-10T15:00:24+00:00groups/ipadpilot/wiki/bd2b8FalseWhich Device Should I Purchase?/groups/ipadpilot/wiki/bd2b8/Which_Device_Should_I_Purchase.htmlJohn Shoemaker35 updatesWhich Device Should I Purchase?
Use this page to determine which device would best meet the needs at your school site.
For in-depth information on purchasing the iPad, please clic...Falseshoemaker2012-04-10T15:00:24+00:00shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-05-02 18:01:55+00:002011-05-02 18:01:55updated6shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-05-02 18:01:01+00:002011-05-02 18:01:01updated5shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-05-02 17:57:11+00:002011-05-02 17:57:11updated4Added tag - hotshoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-05-02 17:57:10+00:002011-05-02 17:57:10addTag3shoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-05-02 17:56:08+00:002011-05-02 17:56:08updated2First createdshoemakerJohn Shoemaker2011-05-02 17:56:02+00:002011-05-02 17:56:02created1weblog2011-05-02T18:01:55+00:00groups/ipadpilot/weblog/c8f62FalseUpdating Multiple iOS Devices Simultaneously/groups/ipadpilot/weblog/c8f62/Updating_Multiple_iOS_Devices_Simultaneously.htmlJohn Shoemaker6 updatesUpdating Multiple iOS Devices Simultaneously
Updates are inevitable. In fact, we had just gotten two carts updated to the most recent iOS Firmware when the next day a new update was out. If ...Falseshoemaker2011-05-02T18:01:55+00:00hot/groups/ipadpilot/search/index.rss?sort=modifiedDate&kind=all&sortDirection=reverse&excludePages=wiki/welcomelist/groups/ipadpilot/search/?sort=modifiedDate&kind=all&sortDirection=reverse&excludePages=wiki/welcomeRecent ChangesRecentChangesListUpdates?sort=modifiedDate&kind=all&sortDirection=reverse&excludePages=wiki/welcome0/groups/ipadpilot/sidebar/RecentChangesListmodifiedDateallRecent ChangesRecentChangesListUpdateswiki/welcomeNo recent changes.reverse5searchlist/groups/ipadpilot/calendar/Upcoming EventsUpcomingEventsListEvents1Getting events…
This page will house information on best practices of getting the iPad's ready for deployment to the schools.
We have to admit that initial set up is seeming like it is going to be the most intense part of the process. It is a lot of work to get everything ready for the classroom. Below is information on each part of the our initial set up prior to the devices going out to the schools.
Cart Unboxing
For this pilot, we purchased the Bretford Mobility Carts for MacBook + iPad that will hold up to 30 units. The cart are large, extremely sturdy, and very secure. They come with dual doors (one set in the front and one in the back). Both doors can be pad locked (you set the code) with the included locks. In addition, for additional security, they include a wall mount that allows you to lock the cart to a wall using the included hardware. This is a very nice feature. The cart includes intelligent power which charges all of the devices at once or rapid charge which only charges the first 10 bays. There are also two power plugs. One on the top of the unit and one just underneath the top which will be extremely convenient for plugging the laptop into. Each bay is numbered which helps with overall organization of the units. This will be helpful in the classroom especially for our teachers have to collect and distribute each period. Finally, the cart has a small shelf above the devices which will be nice to store the 'syncing' computer, toolbox and any other needed adapters. Overall, it looks like this cart, while a little pricey, is worth the money.
Unboxing the cart was pretty easy. It arrives on a pallet with big straps holding the box onto the pallet. As suggested by our IT support, we did not cut the strap, rather worked them off the box. This way, after the cart is set up, we can put the box back on top, put the straps back on, and easily transport the cart to the school site. This is a very good suggestion if you are setting up the carts somewhere other than where they will be implemented. In total we have 4 carts.
iPad
iPad Unboxing
The iPads arrived to us in boxes of 10. Each box had 10 individually boxed iPads and a box that includes sync cables and small power bricks. Each iPad had to be removed from the main box and its individual box. The iPads are also covered in a cellophane wrap that needed to be removed.
Labeling/Organization
Before we moved on, we had to come up with a label and organization system. After reviewing other district's organizational ideas for iPods and iPads, we decided to use the letter/number combination. Each cart has its own
letter (A, B, C, D). Each iPad inside of that cart is then given a number (1, 2, 3, 4. . .). This system seemed the
most logical because it allows for growth and easy management for us, since they will be deployed at 4 different school sites. We decided, because of the number of devices, to generate barcode labels of the serial number and iPad number (see picture). This allows for easy inventory using a bar code scanner. We created the barcode labels using the Dymo Labelwriter software and printed them on the Dymo Labelwriter printer. In addition, we purchased iPad cases from Amazon.com. The prices change every day on there, but we got them for only $3 each! It ended up being a good deal. We weren't sure if we could order 210 cases for checkout at Amazon, but it went right through. The cases are pretty rugged silicone. They seem like a good case for the price. We wanted an easy way to identify each iPad, so we put the iPad number on the outside of the case with a silver Sharpie paint marker. A colleague said that these cases were great because when moving the carts around, the iPads will not move or slide with the case on them. We will also made wallpaper for each iPad with the number on it. More information on that later.
Registration and Initial Sync
Once the iPad is unboxed, it has to be plugged into iTunes to be registered. For our first cart, we set everything up and did this step last. It is our recommendation that this step be the first thing that is done. Trying to sync in the cart once everything is set up proved to be a hassle. Once you plug the iPad into the computer, the iPad registration comes up. Here, you have to log in or create an Apple ID. For the pilot purpose, we created one account per cart. This account becomes property of the school even if the devices are removed from the school. After you log in with your iTunes Account, the fields are pre-populated with information and you just have to hit submit. Next you choose a name for the iPad and the automatic sync settings. We chose to sync apps automatically but not to sync music automatically. We had several different issues during registration that were solved by some IT Staff. We kept getting certificate errors. We learned that the laptops we were syncing from did not have the root certificate. Once it was installed, everything worked perfectly.
Updating to 4.2
Directly after registration and the initial sync, we had to update the iPads to 4.2. This is by far the longest, and most tedious process thus far. Luckily, I had read Fraser Speirs' blog post on Rolling out 4.2. His suggestion was to manually upgrade the software. To do so, you have to have a copy of the iPad 4.2 software. After a Google search, we found one on a Jailbreak website. Once you have that file, you just hold down left option and click update. Rather than download the update file, because it would have to download that file for EVERY iPad, this allows you to choose an update file from your hard drive. Choose the file and the iPad updates. During the update process we encountered most of our errors. About 30 - 40% of the time, the iPads could not be updated and had to be restored. iTunes would give an error and just say it needed to be restored. There were no error codes. It would then put the iPad into recovery mode where you had to option click the restore button and restore from the file. It was rather frustrating and added a lot of extra time to the task. Part of the problem with updating is that you can only update one iPad at a time. This lengthens the time tenfold. You are able to register and do the initial sync while another iPad is updating, so we had two iPads connected at a time, one registering and one updating.
Cart Setup
Back of the Cart
While the iPads were registering, syncing, and updating, we were setting up the back side of the cart. The Bretford carts are wired for power by using the power bricks that come with the iPads. All you have to do is remove the duckhead from the power brick and plug the brick into the power wire in the back of the cart. After we put all of the power bricks in, we noticed a mess. This cart is sold by Bretford as a MacBook + iPad cart. It is clearly a MacBook cart. The slots in the back for the power bricks are designed for the MacBook power brick, not the tiny iPad power brick. Due to this, the power bricks were every which way in the cart, making it look like chaos. The Bretford carts are not sync carts; meaning they will not sync the iPads. We are installing USB hubs
to sync. (More on that later.) Because of the mess of wires, we decided to get mounting tape to mount the power bricks in the cart. We also turned the power brick around so the USB cable was facing outward, making it easier to plug and unplug when the teacher wants to sync the devices. This organization makes it look nicer and we hope it will function better in the real world. We do have to admit, the mounting tape is nice, but it is not always perfect. The USB cable is fed through a small hole to the front of the cart. It is clear this cart was not redesigned because the round holes are meant for the magsafe power cables and not for the iPad USB cable. The wider end of the USB cable does not fit easily through the hole.For the Bretford iPad Cart - please reference this guide for syncing.
***I put the power supplies in "sideways" they fit snugly but you don't have to jam them in*** They fit nice and neatly and don't move around. (Randy Lavery)
USB Hubs
Front of the Cart
Wireless Access Points
USB Hubs
The biggest downfall of the Bretford Cart is that it does not support syncing. Because of this, we needed a way to easily connect all of the iPads to iTunes to sync applications. We decided to mount four USB hubs in the cart. In order to save money, we were unable to purchase another 220 syncing cables, so the teachers will have to unplug the USB cable from the power brick and plug it into the USB hub. This is not the best case scenario, but for the pilot purposes it will work. We used the same mounting tape as the power brick mounting tape to mount the USB hubs. (Picture coming soon). Each of the USB hubs has its own power supply. We decided to run the cables up the sides of the cart and cable tie them to the top of the cart. We put a power strip on the top of the cart. This power strip plugs into the power port on top. The power strips will have four USB hubs and the computer plugged into it.
Front of the Cart
After putting the USB cable through the hole to the front, there is not much else to do. There is a hook at the top of each slot that holds the cable in place. Once each cable is in, there is a plastic piece that slides to hold the cables securely in place. We put the iPads in top first so the USB port was facing out. This will make it easier for each iPad to be plugged in at the end of the day.
Wireless Access Points
More information coming soon
Comments
John Shoemaker
Oct 26, 2011
Hi Jennifer! We are working on updating to iOS 5 now. It seems like it is going to take some time to accomplish. The cart helps you manage the iPad when syncing the devices. When restoring, you can still only restore 1 iPad at a time.
Jennifer (unauthenticated)
Oct 26, 2011
Does having the cart help as far as setting up the iPads? Yes, they have to registered one at a time, but does the cart help to push out a back up restore image? How did the iOS 5 update go?
Vero (unauthenticated)
Oct 24, 2011
This article is wonderful!
Thank you for posting such an incredibly detailed (and visual) article.
Many, many thanks!
Vicki from Ohio (unauthenticated)
Mar 14, 2011
Thank you so much for this. We are on our final year of the ARRA II D Grant for Technology. I could've used your website a year ago! Everything you have shared is what we have found to be true also. Can't wait to check back and see what all you have found! Thank you again!
ccs (unauthenticated)
Mar 13, 2011
Thank you for this article. We are also in the process of getting a cart full of iPads. This was so helpful. I look forward to read more!
André Spang (unauthenticated)
Mar 13, 2011
I wish you succes and luck with your pilot. We are aleready "live" for just 2 Months and it is GREAT! "We" are a school (highschool" in Cologne, Germany.. And here is our blog about our pilot: http://ipadkas.wordpress.com
(Sorry, it is all in Germany, but maybe google-translation helps. At least you can see some pics and our transportation system and apps. One remark: iPad is going to change education!
Mark (unauthenticated)
Feb 2, 2011
Thank you for posting this! My school is about to start an iPad pilot, and your info. really helps.