There’s no doubt that iPads are fantastic devices and when you buy one for personal use it can be relatively simple to get it working straight out of the box yourself.
However, when it comes to deploying iPads in education environments it’s a different story. There are several factors that need to be taken into account for you to have a smooth and successful rollout. Let’s take a look at each one:
Define Your Goals
Before you do anything, you need to be clear on what you want to achieve when you deploy iPads in schools. Sure, you want to provide staff and students with the latest technology, but why? Is it to aid learning and improve grades in particular subjects? To better prepare students for employment when they leave school? To allow teachers to work more efficiently and effectively?
By setting out goals that are agreed by all the stakeholders you can clearly define the parameters for success. This will also help to inform you on how many devices you need to buy and how they are going to be deployed. This is essential for ensuring effective iPad deployment strategies and seamless integration into your school’s infrastructure.
App and Device Management
With clear goals defined you can decide which applications to install on your iPads. The last thing you want to do is allow staff and students to install apps themselves - it will lead to cluttered devices potentially suffering performance issues if they are overloaded, not to mention all the distracting games that are available!
Once you have agreed on the necessary applications you should invest in a mobile device management (MDM) solution. You could task someone with setting all your iPads up individually, but this would be a very time-consuming exercise prone to human error. A good MDM solution will not only automate the initial rollout of your devices but also allow you to keep track of them and manage them on an ongoing basis - installing updates and new applications as required. Your MDM will allow you to integrate with Apple School Manager and the Apple Store so that you can enrol the iPads themselves and install apps seamlessly. Connecting The Device Enrolment Program (DEP) will also help your school deploy and configure Apple devices defined by your school and classroom needs. To help educators and IT staff effectively manage iPads, Apple offers a variety of training programmes, workshops, and online resources. These resources cover essential topics like iPad classroom management, iPad configuration best practices, and ongoing support.
Training
Don’t make the mistake of thinking teachers don’t need any training before they use your new iPads. Yes, they will probably have used similar devices previously, but not necessarily in an educational scenario.
Once you’ve defined the goals that you want to achieve through the rollout, you should devise a training plan to ensure you make the best use of your investment. At the outset, teachers should undergo training on each of the applications that they plan to install and how they can best use them to encourage and improve student learning. There should also be training plans for any new staff that join and regular reviews of new updates and applications to assess if new training is required. Training programmes available for teachers include hands-on workshops, online tutorials, and virtual classrooms. These cover the benefits of using iPads in education, EdTech integration, and specific training on how to use educational apps.
Benefits of Using iPads in Education
iPads offer a wide range of benefits for schools, all the way from improving student engagement to giving you access to a wide variety of digital resources. Here are some of the main benefits of iPads for schools:
Better Student Engagement
iPads make learning more interactive and engaging through multimedia lessons, games, and quizzes that capture students' attention.
Access to Educational Apps
Students gain access to various different educational apps, helping them improve skills in various subjects such as maths, science, and language.
Support for Remote Learning
iPads enable students to continue their education from home or any remote location, ensuring uninterrupted learning even outside the classroom.
Efficient Device Management
With help from Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, schools can easily manage iPads, ensuring proper configuration, security, and app deployment.
Real-Time Collaboration
iPads promote real-time collaboration among students and teachers, allowing seamless sharing of ideas, assignments, and feedback.
Speak to the Experts
Why try to do it all yourself when there are experts available who’ve seen it all and done it all before? Buying a fleet of iPads is a significant investment that can easily be wasted if they’re not set up and managed in the right way.
At Counterpoint, our consultants will work with you from the very beginning of your project to help you define your goals and ensure your iPad deployment is a success. As an Apple education supplier, we offer options to lease school iPads and also discounts on bulk purchases and our MDM solution can be tailored to your specific needs.
Get in touch today and let us protect your investment and help you deliver the best experience for your staff and students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if an iPad isn’t connecting to the network?
Check the Wi-Fi signal and ensure the password is correct. Restart the iPad and verify settings through your Mobile Device Management for Education platform. If the issue persists, reset network settings in Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and try reconnecting.
Can I deploy apps to multiple iPads at once?
Yes, using an iPad management solution like MDM, you can deploy apps to multiple iPads simultaneously. This ensures all devices receive the necessary digital learning resources quickly and consistently, reducing the need for manual setup across the fleet.
How do I manage iPads to prevent students from accessing non-educational apps?
With MDM, you can enforce iPad classroom management by restricting non-educational apps, locking devices into specific educational apps, and monitoring usage. This prevents distractions and ensures students only access the approved digital learning resources during class.
Are there warranties available for school iPads?
Yes, Apple offers extended warranties, including AppleCare+, which covers repairs, accidental damage, and technical support. These warranties protect your iPads and help avoid disruptions in EdTech integration and daily classroom activities caused by hardware failures.
How can I track and manage iPads remotely?
Through MDM, you can remotely track iPad locations, push updates, and monitor usage. This ensures effective iPad configuration best practices, allowing administrators to maintain security and functionality without needing physical access to the devices.
What training is available for teachers to help them use iPads effectively in the classroom?
Apple offers workshops, online tutorials, and virtual classrooms covering iPad classroom management, EdTech integration, and the use of educational apps. These training programmes help teachers maximise the benefits of using iPads in education and enhance student learning.
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