ipadsync

** Syncing iPads in the Library ** Librarians may choose to manage their iPads differently than other teachers. Classroom teachers often desire that all of their iPads be configured identically while librarians may want their iPads to have different apps on various devices. Issues may arise related to:


 * Expensive book apps that are only needed on one iPad of the set
 * Apps that are appropriate to specific grade levels on certain devices
 * iBook accounts linked to specific devices

**Apple FAQ Related to Management of iPads in the Library **
 * Definitions: **

**Apple ID** - The ID is used to redeem/download content from the iTunes or App Store. The Apple ID is embedded in the downloaded item and is the "owner" of the licensed copy of that item.

**iTunes Library** - The iTunes application on a Mac/PC stores everything here.

**User Account** - This is the account on the local computer (not iOS device). Some schools create different user accounts on the computer, each with their own iTunes library (and, therefore, content). Even though they have different libraries/user accounts, they can all contain items redeemed/downloaded with the same Apple ID.


 * FAQs for Librarians: **

A: There are thee models from which to choose: (1) A full set of multiple devices configured identically and synced to a common library on a Mac OR (2) uniquely configured devices OR (3) smaller groups of iPads configured identically and synced with various unique libraries.
 * Q: What are my choices in managing the syncing of a number of iPads for the Library? **

A: If you plan to use the iPads with common apps that are available to everyone, the first model is the best choice. (See Jennie Magiera's directions for syncing with a Bretford PowerSync cart.) If you need for each iPad to be configured differently, the second model is best. If you anticipate purchasing book apps or grade band-specific productivity apps and don't need many copies of the same app, the second model is more time intensive to manage, but will be a more budget-conscious model. The third option is a compromise between the first two options that allows some cloning of devices within smaller groups. For example, a librarian may have 32 iPads and decide to create four smaller groups of eight devices that are identical. One group of iPads may contain books and apps targeted to Pre-K > 1, another group for grades 2 > 3, etc. Groups of iPads may also be defined by their functions, such as research, productivity, eReaders, etc.
 * Q: How can I decide which configuration is right for my library? **

A: In this case, each iPad or set of iPads must be configured differently within iTunes. Apple recommends that each iPad have its own unique name. When each device will be unique, there is no reason to sync to a computer. Instead, load the apps directly onto each device via the Apps Store app.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q: If I decide to go with uniquely configured devices, how do I set up the iPads to have different configurations? **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">If the intention is to create smaller groups of identical devices, follow this procedure.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">A: You can use the Volume Purchasing Program (VPP) to receive discount pricing on apps. Unlike home accounts that can be downloaded into up to five devices, for school accounts, one app is purchased per device. Fortunately, when using the Apps Store VPP, you can simply purchase sufficient copies of each app, yet redeem only one code on the sync computer and sync to multiple devices, if you prefer. The key is making sure you've purchased enough legal instances of each app for all devices on which the app is installed. Refer to the iTunes Terms and Conditions for details on usage and licensing.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q: What do I need to know about adding apps to the iPads? **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">A. iBooks cannot be purchased through the VPP. Instead, you can purchase iTunes gift cards through Oracle to buy iBooks. You likely won't want to purchase multiple copies of the same book for each device. In that case, Apple recommends that you download the book to each individual device separately.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q. How can I use iBooks on my library's iPads? **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">A. See the iOS5 Deployment Guide and the Apple in Education Resource Guide.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q. Where can I get more information about managing iPads? **