Getting Started with Apple iOS Devices

Foreword

Educators worldwide are exploring tools and environments to develop skills for success in school, work, and life. Many are successfully using mobile devices like iPad and iPod touch in their classrooms. These iOS devices offer flexibility to address diverse learning needs, support second language learners, engage struggling students, and advance professional development. Their portability allows learning anytime, anywhere. iPad and iPod touch can efficiently deliver academic content, and their seamless integration with Apple's iOS and iTunes makes it easy to provide textual, auditory, and visual resources. They also serve as productivity tools for administrative tasks, offering quick internet access and presentation capabilities with apps like Keynote. This guide aims to help educators create an environment for anytime, anywhere learning, covering the basics of iPad, iPod touch, and iTunes, and how to set up, maintain, and manage these devices in the classroom, along with curriculum ideas. Using these tools puts the power to teach and learn into the hands of both educators and students.

Kathy Shirley
Technology and Media Services Director
Escondido Union School District
Escondido, California

Overview

About iOS Devices for Education

iPad and iPod touch are user-friendly iOS devices with numerous classroom applications. Students use them to interact with educational apps, watch videos, listen to audio, view primary source images, read textbooks, conduct research, and create content. These devices facilitate communication (email), organization (notes, calendars, contacts), and access to a vast array of educational apps from the App Store, enhancing engagement in subjects like science, language, math, and history.

Students can capture photos and videos, use FaceTime for video calls, and edit content with iMovie. Productivity apps like Keynote, Pages, and Numbers enable the creation of presentations, documents, and spreadsheets. Content can be easily shared between apps and with teachers and peers. Devices can connect to external displays for class-wide viewing. Content can be loaded via Wi-Fi or USB connection, with iTunes managing organization, syncing, and recharging. This guide covers features relevant to iOS 7 and later models of iPad, iPad mini, and iPod touch 5th generation. Device selection should consider student needs, such as the portability of iPad mini for younger students or the larger screen of iPad for content creation.

For detailed specifications, visit www.apple.com/ipad and www.apple.com/ipod.

Why iPad and iPod touch for Education?

• Familiarity and Ease of Use: Like other Apple devices, they are intuitive and engaging for students. The Multi-Touch screen allows for easy interaction with content.
• Portability and Accessibility: Students can learn anytime, anywhere, with instant-on capabilities and long battery life.
• Personalization: Devices can be customized with playlists, accessibility features, and support for over 30 languages, catering to individual learning styles and needs. Students can access content repeatedly for mastery.
• Engagement: iOS devices promote active student participation and focus on the learning process, allowing students to create their own content.
• iTunes U: Provides access to a vast online collection of free educational content, including courses, lectures, videos, podcasts, and audiobooks, accessible via the iTunes U app.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi enables internet access and connection to wireless printers. Bluetooth allows connection to peripherals like digital microscopes and keyboards.
• App Store: Offers a wide range of educational apps for exploring subjects, reinforcing learning, and fostering creativity.
• Reading Experience: iBooks and interactive book apps offer features like dictionaries, search, highlighting, and text-to-speech for enhanced reading.
• Productivity Tools: Built-in apps facilitate note-taking, scheduling, browsing, emailing, and more.
• Accessibility Features: Built-in features and apps address special needs, including visual and auditory impairments.

iTunes at a Glance

iTunes is an application for organizing and playing digital audio and video content, offering an easy-to-use interface for managing content on iPad and iPod touch. It can sync with a computer's iTunes library automatically. iTunes also connects to the iTunes Store for downloading content like academic materials from iTunes U, apps, books, podcasts, music, movies, and TV shows. iTunes is compatible with Mac and PC and is available as a free download at www.apple.com/itunes/download. Content can be added from the iTunes Store, computer files, or CDs. Playlists can be created for organization and portfolio building. Accessing the iTunes Store is done via the iTunes window when connected to the internet.

Managing iOS Devices and iTunes for Student Use

Getting Students Up to Speed

While most students are familiar with iPad and iPod touch, instruction may be needed for accessing content, using Multi-Touch books, or managing audiobooks. Demonstrating iTunes and other relevant apps is also beneficial.

Volume Purchase of Apps

The Volume Purchase Program (VPP) simplifies bulk purchasing and distribution of apps and books for institutions. Educational institutions can receive discounts on apps. iBooks Store purchases are also available via VPP, with users redeeming books through their personal iTunes accounts. More information is available at www.apple.com/education/volume-purchase-program.

Setting Up the School's iOS Devices

Devices can be configured and managed manually, using Apple Configurator (a free Mac app), or via a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. Manual setup is simple but time-consuming for many devices. Apple Configurator streamlines configuration for multiple devices. MDM solutions, like Apple's Profile Manager, offer centralized management of apps, configurations, restrictions, and accounts for numerous devices. Third-party MDM solutions are also available. Further details on deployment tools are at apple.com/education/it, and on OS X Server and Profile Manager at www.apple.com/osx/server.

Distributing iOS Content to Student Users

Content can be distributed via managed distribution through an MDM solution or through redeemable content codes. Managed distribution allows quick app and book deployment, with the ability to reassign apps. Redeemable codes are provided in a spreadsheet, with ownership granted to the Apple ID that redeems them.

Using AirDrop to Share Content

AirDrop allows quick sharing of content like photos and videos between iOS devices. It requires iOS 7 or later, an iCloud account, and devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

Keeping Track of Student iOS Devices

Asset tagging is recommended for tracking devices. A sign-in/sign-out sheet can help manage shared devices. Numbering devices and using consistent naming conventions aids management. Checkout kits containing devices, headphones, and cables can be assembled.

Sharing iOS Devices

Devices can be shared by assigning one device to a group of students for project-based learning or using an audio splitter for two students to share. Devices can also be passed among students for audio recording, with each student stating their name for identification.

Tools to Aid Assessment

Guided Access, an iOS 7 accessibility feature, helps students focus by limiting device use to a single app, disabling the Home button, and restricting touch input. MDM tools can enable teachers to remotely lock devices into specific apps for assessments, ensuring all students are on the same activity.

Mobile Learning Solutions

Apple offers systems like the iPad Learning Lab, which includes a set of iPads and a Bretford PowerSync Cart for storage, charging, and syncing. Alternative solutions include the Bretford PowerSync Roller 10 and PowerSync Station 20 for managing multiple devices. These can be purchased preconfigured or built to specific needs.

Viewing Content with Apple TV

Apple TV allows sharing of iOS device or Mac content (photos, videos, iTunes U content) on an HDTV or display. Content can be mirrored wirelessly via AirPlay when devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Apple TV can be managed via MDM, and schools can use MDM to prompt students to mirror their screens. Learn more at www.apple.com/appletv.

Using Apps on iPad and iPod touch

iPad and iPod touch come with built-in apps that support teaching and learning. The App Store offers additional educational apps, many of which are free. The iLife and iWork apps are also included.

Using Built-in Apps

Students can use built-in apps for listening to audio, viewing video, browsing the internet, taking notes, calculating, emailing, managing calendars, and more.

• Videos: View downloaded videos from iTunes, including iTunes U content, feature films, TV shows, and podcasts. iMovie-created movies can also be viewed. Videos play in widescreen on iPod touch and can be viewed in portrait or landscape on iPad.
• Camera: Capture photos and HD video with the built-in iSight camera. Features include advanced optics, auto white balance, and face detection. Photos can be edited with the Camera app or iPhoto, and videos with iMovie. Photos can be shared via AirDrop, email, or iCloud, and used as wallpaper.
• Photos: View, edit, and organize photos. Photos can be organized into albums, viewed as a slideshow, and shared.
• Safari: A tool for research with Wi-Fi connectivity. Features include tabs for multiple pages, a reading list, and PDF viewing. The Reader feature removes ads for focused reading. Bookmarks can be added and synced. Websites can be viewed in portrait or landscape, with pinch-to-zoom functionality.
• Notes: Create, read, and revise notes. Notes can be emailed, copied, and pasted into other documents. Notes sync with iCloud across devices.
• Mail: Send and receive email, photos, and movies. The Mail app offers writing assistance like spell check.
• Calendar: Manage dates and schedules. Events can be entered and edited directly. Students can use it for project planning with alerts. Calendars can be synced from Mac or Outlook.
• FaceTime: Conduct video calls with other Apple devices.
• Contacts: Add and sync contact information from various sources like iCloud, Mac Calendar, Google, Outlook, or Exchange.
• Settings: Customize device settings such as wallpaper, brightness, text size, network, accessibility, email, web, books, music, video, and photos. Security features like auto-lock and passcodes can be set.
• Maps: Provides detailed maps, satellite photos, and street views for global locations. Includes Flyover for 3D views and traffic information.
• Music: Access audio collections, playlists, artists, songs, and audiobooks. Includes iTunes Radio.
• Reminders: Create to-do lists with dates and priority levels, and check off completed items.
• Newsstand: Access newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
• Photo Booth (iPad): Take photos and apply effects. Photos are saved in the Camera Roll and can be shared.
• Calculator (iPod touch): Perform calculations with an onscreen interface. Rotates to a scientific calculator.
• Clock: Set alarms, use a stopwatch, and timer. View world clocks.
• Voice Memos (iPod touch): Record audio files, sync to iTunes, or share via email.

Adding Apps from the App Store

Thousands of educational apps are available on the App Store, covering all subjects and learning stages. Examples include: Explain Everything, Britannica Kids, Frog Dissection, Starfall ABCs, Puppet Pals, Motion Math Zoom, eClicker Presenter/Audience, WolframAlpha, Algebra Touch, The Elements, GeoBee Challenge, iHomework, and Proloquo2Go. Apps can be downloaded via iTunes on a computer or directly to the device. An iTunes Store account is required, but credit card information is not necessary for free items.

Institutions can purchase apps in volume via the App Store Volume Purchase Program. Apps can be organized into folders on the device by touching and holding an app and dragging it onto another.

Finding and Using Additional Education Content

iOS devices, iTunes U, and iTunes offer access to valuable educational resources, including apps, iBooks Textbooks, podcasts, audiobooks, music, and videos. This section details content types and how to use them.

Finding Content on iTunes U

iTunes U is a large online catalog of free educational content, featuring over 750,000 media files from colleges, universities, and educational institutions worldwide. Content spans K-12 and higher education, including speeches, tutorials, science movies, and professional development resources. Notable content providers include Khan Academy, KQED, and the Tennessee Department of Education. iTunes U also offers collections like Primary Sources from the Library of Congress. Entire courses, such as Chemistry and Precalculus, are also available.

Content can be accessed via the iTunes U app on iPad/iPod touch or iTunes on a computer. The iTunes U app allows browsing, searching, and downloading content. On a computer, iTunes Store provides access to iTunes U content, categorized by Courses, Materials, Episodes, and Collections.

Reading Books on iPad and iPod touch

iPad and iPod touch offer an engaging way for students to read books from the iBooks Store, iBooks Textbooks, or interactive apps. The iBooks app allows reading on iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. The iBooks Store has over two million books, including public domain titles. Students can customize their reading experience with features like dictionary lookups, font adjustments, search, highlighting, and text-to-speech. Interactive book apps from the App Store are also available. The Education category on the iBooks Store offers curated collections for educators.

Locating and Listening to Audiobooks

Audiobooks are available for purchase from the iBooks Store. iTunes U also offers hundreds of public domain audiobooks. Audiobooks can be imported from CDs into iTunes and synced to devices. Audiobooks can be played at different speeds. The device remembers the listening position.

Locating Movies, Music, Speeches, and Other Media

Beyond podcasts and audiobooks, users can access other media via the iTunes Store to enhance curriculum, including documentaries, TV shows, speeches, and music. iTunes Radio provides access to streamed radio stations.

Creating Your Own Content

In addition to content from iTunes U, the App Store, and iBooks Store, users can create their own content using apps on iOS devices or Macs.

Creating Content on an iOS Device

Possibilities include creating movies with iMovie, music with GarageBand, presentations with Keynote, documents with Pages, spreadsheets with Numbers, and recorded audio. These apps are included with new iOS devices and Macs.

• Making Movies with iPad and iPod touch: Film and edit movies using the built-in HD camera. iMovie allows adding themes, music, photos, titles, narration, and transitions. Content can be shared via AirDrop, iMovie Theatre, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, CNN iReport, email, Messages, or transferred to a computer.
• Making Music with GarageBand: Create music using Touch Instruments, guitar amps, and effects. Students can play and record together in jam sessions. GarageBand offers an eight-track recording studio and loops. Compositions can be exported to iTunes or shared via email. It's also compatible with GarageBand on Mac.
• Taking and Editing Photos: Use Camera and Photos apps to take, edit, organize, and share photos. iPhoto offers additional editing tools. Photos can be shared via AirDrop, iCloud, or used as wallpaper.
• Creating and Sharing Presentations, Documents, and Spreadsheets: iWork apps (Keynote, Numbers, Pages) facilitate creation of presentations, spreadsheets, and documents. Keynote allows for themes, text, charts, tables, photos, artwork, and movies. Numbers supports tables, charts, text, images, and videos. Pages allows creation of reports, essays, and newsletters with templates, spell check, and dictionary lookup. Files can be shared via AirDrop, email, WebDAV, or iTunes.
• Using iPod touch and iPad for Voice Recording: Record memos, lectures, interviews, and discussions. Voice Memos app on iPod touch, or third-party apps on iPad, can capture audio. Recordings can be shared via email or posted online. Audio files can be reviewed in iTunes, edited in GarageBand, or used in projects.

Creating Content on a Mac for Use on an iOS Device

Mac computers can be used to create content like Multi-Touch books with iBooks Author, multimedia projects with iLife apps (iMovie, iPhoto, GarageBand), and presentations/documents with iWork apps.

Producing Multi-Touch Books with iBooks Author

iBooks Author is a free Mac app for creating interactive Multi-Touch books. Templates are available, and users can add text, images, videos, audio, Keynote presentations, interactive images, and 3D images. Books can be shared in iBooks format, printed, emailed, or exported as PDF.

Producing Digital Content with iLife and iWork Apps

iLife and iWork apps on Mac can create content transferable to iOS devices. Projects can be started on iOS devices and polished on Mac, or vice versa.

Creating and Sharing ePub and PDF Documents

The Pages app allows creation of ePub or PDF documents, which can combine text with multimedia elements. These documents appear in the iBooks bookshelf.

Sending Text to iTunes

A service called "Add to iTunes as a Spoken Track" converts selected text into an audio file in iTunes, which can then be synced to an iOS device.

Adding Content to an iOS Device

Content can be added directly to iPad or iPod touch, or via iTunes on a computer. iCloud synchronizes content across devices. Users can add apps via the App Store, media via the iTunes Store, educational content via iTunes U, and books via iBooks. Newsstand adds magazines and journals.

Using iCloud to Access Content

iCloud synchronizes purchased music, email, photos, calendars, contacts, notes, and documents across devices. Edits are automatically updated. Photo Stream allows photos taken on a field trip to appear on a computer or be shared via AirPlay and Apple TV. More information is available at www.apple.com/icloud.

Using iTunes on a Computer to Add Content

Upon connecting an iPad or iPod touch to a computer, Setup Assistant guides users through naming the device and selecting sync settings. iTunes can sync music, books, podcasts, iTunes U content, movies, TV shows, apps, photos, contacts, notes, calendars, email settings, and bookmarks. Sync settings can be automatic or manual. The method of syncing may vary based on classroom setup (e.g., one-to-one initiative vs. shared devices). Users can select specific content categories (Music, Movies, Photos, Info, Apps) to sync. After applying settings, iTunes loads the device. Content recorded or downloaded on the device syncs back to iTunes.

Accessibility and iOS Devices

Apple's iOS devices include built-in accessibility features and learning aids to accommodate students with special needs. More information is available at www.apple.com/accessibility/ios.

Vision

Features for visually impaired students include:

• Invert Colors: Displays screen as a photonegative.
• VoiceOver: Gesture-based screen reader that describes onscreen content and supports over 30 languages and braille displays.
• Zoom: Magnifies screen content up to 500%.
• Larger Type: Increases text size in alerts and apps.
• Bold Text: Displays text in bold.
• Increase Contrast: Enhances text contrast.

These settings can be managed via Settings > General > Accessibility or within iTunes. The Triple-click Home option allows quick toggling of Zoom, VoiceOver, or Invert Colors. Voice Control is also available for iPod touch. Siri, the intelligent assistant, integrates with VoiceOver for voice commands and responses. Physical buttons are designed for easy navigation.

Hearing

Features for deaf or hard-of-hearing users include closed captioning and subtitles in iTunes and the Videos app. Special accessible captions (SDH) can be enabled. Mono audio routes audio to both earbuds for users with limited hearing in one ear. Third-party accessories like hearing aid-compatible loops and wireless headsets are also available.

Physical and Motor Skills

The touchscreen is operated with simple contact. A stylus can be used. Sleep/Wake and Volume buttons are designed for ease of use. AssistiveTouch helps users with difficulty touching the screen or buttons, allowing gestures via adaptive accessories or on its own. It can be toggled by triple-clicking the Home button. Voice Control on iPod touch allows voice commands for music playback. Custom shortcuts can be created for frequently used words or phrases. Mac accessibility options are also available.

Apps for All Learning Styles

Guided Access helps students with autism or attention challenges focus by limiting device use to a single app. iBooks from Apple Inc. offers customizable reading experiences and works with VoiceOver. Dragon Dictation transcribes spoken words into text. Proloquo2Go is an AAC system for students with communication difficulties. Sign 4 Me is a sign language translator. soundAMP R amplifies external sound. iSeeClearly helps readers discern small text. Pocket Artic provides articulation drills with auditory feedback.

Enhancing Learning with iOS Devices

iPad and iPod touch offer numerous ways to support teaching and learning.

Increasing Language Skills

Devices assist with vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and language skills. Apps like SpellBoard, Pearson GrammarPrep, and Word Wit are useful. iTunes U offers resources like Grammar Grater podcasts. Students can create customized flash cards.

Improving the Written Word

Support for the writing process includes mind-mapping apps (Popplet, MindNode) for planning, and Pages for creating assignments with templates, spell check, and dictionary lookup. Apps like StoryKit allow creation of electronic storybooks. Essay Czar provides essay assistance. iTunes U offers resources on the writing process. Creating books with iBooks Author on Mac is also highlighted.

Building Reading Fluency

iBooks Textbooks and interactive apps like Milly, Molly and the Bike Ride aid reading fluency. Listening to audiobooks provides reinforcement. Students can record themselves for practice and create digital portfolios. Text from audio files can be displayed alongside playback.

Learning World Languages

Apps like Byki and uTalk, interactive books, and translator apps help with language practice. iTunes U and iTunes Store offer audiobooks, podcasts, and videos for language learning. Word Lens translates printed words instantly via the camera.

Increasing Reading Comprehension

iBooks features like dictionaries, search, and highlighting aid comprehension. Interactive book apps provide enhanced understanding. Notes app and Safari can be used for research and note-taking during reading.

When and Where in the World

Support for history and social studies is provided through iTunes U resources, including films of historical events and presidential recordings. Interactive game apps like GeoBee Challenge and The Oregon Trail are available. Apps for finding historical information are also listed.

Mobile Math

Devices support math learning through apps for practice, customization, and analysis. Apps like Math Bingo, MathBoard, and Motion Math HD help with skills practice. Algebra Touch and NineGaps challenge critical thinking. iTunes U offers math resources like Khan Academy videos.

A Deeper Look at Science

iOS devices enrich science teaching with interactive tools and resources. Students can conduct scientific explorations using digital tools like PASCO Probeware. Resources include The Elements, Solar Walk, and science iBooks Textbooks. iTunes U offers science content, and apps like iMovie can be used for lab experiment instructions and data collection.

Exploring Art and Music

Devices are useful for creating and learning art and music. Painting and drawing apps are available. Photo editing apps are also listed. Art collections can be viewed via apps, and iTunes U offers art-related talks. GarageBand allows music creation, and other music apps are available. iTunes U provides resources for music theory and composition.

Enhancing Productivity for Educators

iPad and iPod touch offer versatile tools for educators. Voice recording can be used for observations and communication with families. Apps like Mail, Notes, Reminders, Newsstand, and Calendar aid daily tasks. iCloud provides access to documents across devices. iBooks Author is a tool for creating classroom materials. iTunes U Course Manager helps organize course content. Various apps support school information systems, polling, and attendance tracking. Professional development content can be accessed on the go.

Resources for professional development are available from iTunes U and the iTunes Store. Links are provided for Edutopia, Stanford University, and the University of South Florida.

Accessories for iPad and iPod touch

Various accessories enhance device use, including cables for TV connection, headphones, speakers, cases, and power adapters. External speakers are useful for class playback. The iPad Dock provides access to ports. Apple TV allows content viewing and playback control via the Remote app. Details on accessories are at www.apple.com/ipad/accessories and www.apple.com/ipod/accessories.

Resources

Apple provides extensive online resources for learning about iPad, iPod touch, and iTunes, including tutorials, lesson plans, and more.

• Apple Websites:
• Learning with iPad: www.apple.com/education/ipad
• General Resources for Teachers and Administrators: www.apple.com/education/ipad/resources
• Apps for Learning: www.apple.com/education/ipad/apps-books-and-more
• Education Collections: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=549872333&mt=8
• Apps for Every Grade: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMultiRoom?fcId=664694610
• iTunes:
• iOS: Syncing with iTunes: support.apple.com/kb/HT1386
• iPad:
• Videos and other information: www.apple.com/ipad
• iPad Support: www.apple.com/support/ipad
• iPod touch:
• Information about features: www.apple.com/ipodtouch
• iPod touch Support: www.apple.com/support/ipodtouch
• iTunes U:
• iTunes U overview: www.apple.com/apps/itunes-u/index.html
• iTunes U Collections: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=395458516&ign-mscache=1
• iTunes U Guidelines: Creating a Course: images.apple.com/support/itunes-u/docs/iTunesU_Course_Guidelines_011912.pdf
• iTunes U Support Communities: discussions.apple.com/community/itunes_u/
• iTunes U Course Manager tutorial: www.apple.com/education/tutorials/#itunes-u-course-manager
• iTunes Support: www.apple.com/support/itunes
• Accessibility:
• Accessibility information: www.apple.com/accessibility
• Apple Special Education: www.apple.com/education/special-education
• Creativity Apps for iOS and for Mac: www.apple.com/creativity-apps/ios
• Apple Professional Development: Download the Apple Professional Development Catalog.