1:1 iPad FAQ
1. Which iPad is best for student use?
If you already own an iPad with a camera (iPad 2 or newer), no need to purchase a new one. Download and test out the list of required apps. Make sure they run smoothly on your iPad.
If you plan to purchase an iPad consider the following 3 things: Price, storage capacity, and screen size.
2. Can we use an iPad 1?
An iPad 2 or higher is recommended for the classroom work environment. They have a built-in camera and many of the apps run more smoothly. The iPad 1 is less stable and crashes with some of the apps were are going to be using. Also iPad 1s cannot update to the newest version of the apps and operating system.
3. What if we do not have internet connection at home?
Students will have access to our school wifi network throughout the day, before and after school as well as during Extended Care. Please also check with your local library or bookstore as many locations offer free wifi connection. Also, consider checking with your phone service or cable company for deals on an internet bundle with your service.
4. What are the recommended apps?
Here is a link to recommended iPad apps.
5. Help! I can't find my iPad.
6. Do we need to set up an iTunes account/Apple ID?
Class of 2014: Students under the BYOD iPad program will be bringing their own iPads from home so they will need to have a pre-existing Apple ID to download necessary apps. As a suggestion, set up a separate Apple ID without a credit card.
Class of 2015 and beyond: Students will be given an Apple ID account. Students may continue to use this iTunes account even after they have graduated from STM.
Suggestion: You may purchase an Apple iTunes or App gift card to purchase apps and books. Your local retail stores, such as Target, Best Buy and Safeway, often offer a discount on these gift cards. Just buy the minimum amount as many of the educational apps we will be using in school are free. For more information, download the Parents Guide - Apple ID for Students.
7. What is the difference between an Apple iTunes gift card, an App Store card, and an iBookstore card?
Nothing. Both the iTunes gift card and App Store cards may be used to purchase apps, books, music. The dollar amount will be loaded into your iTunes account so when you purchase an app, book, or music, it will automatically deducted from your iTunes account.
10. What is the difference between an iTunes account and Apple ID?
The Apple ID is the username of your iTunes account.
11. Is it necessary to get a keyboard for the iPad?
Have your child use the iPad for two weeks to get adjusted to using the device. It will give them a chance to get comfortable with the device and time to figure out what they will mostly use the iPad for. You may consider purchasing an iPad case with a built-in keyboard but it is often expensive and heavy.
12. Do we need a case or cover for the iPad?
Yes. Every student iPad even BYOD devices need to have a case to protect the front, back, and corners of the iPad. This will help shield the iPad from damage and make it more distinguishable from other student devices. Consider shopping online to get the best price and widest selection. Many retail stores price match with Amazon.com with identical items if you do not want to wait or pay for shipping.
If you have additional questions, email our Technology Coordinator, Becky Wong, at bwong@stmsf.org.
If you already own an iPad with a camera (iPad 2 or newer), no need to purchase a new one. Download and test out the list of required apps. Make sure they run smoothly on your iPad.
If you plan to purchase an iPad consider the following 3 things: Price, storage capacity, and screen size.
- Price: Don't pay full price for your iPad. No need to go straight to the Apple Store as they never offer a discount on their iPads. Try your local retail store such as Target, Best Buy or Walmart. Many devices are on sale or offer a gift card with purchase. Target offers 5% off if you have a Target RedCard.
- Storage capacity: All base model iPads come with 16gb storage. This should be sufficient for school use. Purchasing a 32gb device will be $100 more but it will allow students the opportunity to save more apps, pictures, videos and documents. Watch About.com's video on How Much Storage Do You Need on an iPad for more information.
- Screen size: The iPad comes in three sizes - the 7.9 in. iPad mini, 9.7 inch full sized iPad and the larger 12.9 inch iPad Pro. It is about $100-400 difference between the three models. Consider spending the extra $100 on larger storage over a larger screen. Also the iPad mini is lighter and more travel size.
- No need to purchase an iPad at the Apple Store, but have your child go to the Apple Store and check out all the iPads to compare the screen size and weight of the devices.
- Review and comparison the features of all the available iPad models at http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/
- Purchase an iPad mini with Retina display instead of an iPad 2. They are both the same price but the iPad mini with Retina display is faster, has a better screen resolution and camera.
- Consider purchasing the iPad mini with Retina display instead of the iPad Air unless your child likes to type on a bigger screen. The iPad Air is faster but it is also $100 more and heavier.
- Purchase the wifi model only. There's no need to purchase a device with cellular service.
2. Can we use an iPad 1?
An iPad 2 or higher is recommended for the classroom work environment. They have a built-in camera and many of the apps run more smoothly. The iPad 1 is less stable and crashes with some of the apps were are going to be using. Also iPad 1s cannot update to the newest version of the apps and operating system.
3. What if we do not have internet connection at home?
Students will have access to our school wifi network throughout the day, before and after school as well as during Extended Care. Please also check with your local library or bookstore as many locations offer free wifi connection. Also, consider checking with your phone service or cable company for deals on an internet bundle with your service.
4. What are the recommended apps?
Here is a link to recommended iPad apps.
5. Help! I can't find my iPad.
- Log into www.iCloud.com with student Apple ID and password.
- Click "Find my iPhone."
- Select your device and choose "Play sound."
- You also have the option to put your missing device on "Lost Mode" or "Erase iPad."
- Keep in mind that the Find My iPhone app must be installed and the app must be turned on along with an internet connection.
6. Do we need to set up an iTunes account/Apple ID?
Class of 2014: Students under the BYOD iPad program will be bringing their own iPads from home so they will need to have a pre-existing Apple ID to download necessary apps. As a suggestion, set up a separate Apple ID without a credit card.
Class of 2015 and beyond: Students will be given an Apple ID account. Students may continue to use this iTunes account even after they have graduated from STM.
Suggestion: You may purchase an Apple iTunes or App gift card to purchase apps and books. Your local retail stores, such as Target, Best Buy and Safeway, often offer a discount on these gift cards. Just buy the minimum amount as many of the educational apps we will be using in school are free. For more information, download the Parents Guide - Apple ID for Students.
7. What is the difference between an Apple iTunes gift card, an App Store card, and an iBookstore card?
Nothing. Both the iTunes gift card and App Store cards may be used to purchase apps, books, music. The dollar amount will be loaded into your iTunes account so when you purchase an app, book, or music, it will automatically deducted from your iTunes account.
10. What is the difference between an iTunes account and Apple ID?
The Apple ID is the username of your iTunes account.
11. Is it necessary to get a keyboard for the iPad?
Have your child use the iPad for two weeks to get adjusted to using the device. It will give them a chance to get comfortable with the device and time to figure out what they will mostly use the iPad for. You may consider purchasing an iPad case with a built-in keyboard but it is often expensive and heavy.
12. Do we need a case or cover for the iPad?
Yes. Every student iPad even BYOD devices need to have a case to protect the front, back, and corners of the iPad. This will help shield the iPad from damage and make it more distinguishable from other student devices. Consider shopping online to get the best price and widest selection. Many retail stores price match with Amazon.com with identical items if you do not want to wait or pay for shipping.
If you have additional questions, email our Technology Coordinator, Becky Wong, at bwong@stmsf.org.
