Six Techniques and Tips for iPads in the Primary Classroom

Over at EmergingEdTech, Kelly Walsh has some great strategies for managing a class set of iPads as a shared resource in K-2.

Franklin Academy K-2 campus uses multiple mobile iPad carts containing 30 iPads each. Each of the 30 iPads in a cart set is configured to sign in to a shared account for iCloud and Google Drive for that cart.

In Franklin Academy’s Kindergarten through 2nd grade classrooms, teachers have built a workflow for their shared-use iPad carts around three key components: iCloud, Google Drive, and specific management procedures. iPads are not a reward or a distraction in these classes, but tools for learning and content creation, with the ability to share students’ digital creations with teachers and parents.

What I like the most about this (apart from the technical simplicity required to achieve effective teaching and learning) is the balance between ‘tech-based’ and ‘human-based’ components:

• iCloud Contacts
• iCloud Photostream
• Google Drive
• Rules
• Technical Skills
• Staff Procedures

Examples like this go to show that although the iPad is at its most powerful when being ‘owned’ by the user, it can still be just as empowering in the classroom as a shared device.