Ipad Updates and Configurator

Our school is very well resourced with Ipads, laptops and Imacs at a ratio of around 1:2, not including the BYOD taken into account - thanks to our Principal @timl27. (He is one of those Principals who asks, "What do you need and why? He then goes about finding solutions to how we can fund that.) But with that many devices in the school comes the problem of maintenance and trouble shooting.

We have recently worked our way through the minefield that is Ipad Configurator (a tool in persistence strengthening and problem solving), not just in the setup and installation but also with the recent upheaval of a major IOS update as well.

This week I sent an email to our staff that explained the process of updating the apps that have needed them after the summer break. I thought I'd share this in case it is helpful for other schools. Who knows.. it may save getting tech support in and save someone some of their IT budget.

Hi Team,

There are a number of updates to install on your ipads that will need to be done this week - our class has found that quite a few apps are 'glitchy' (a good word for broken...) since the latest IOS 7 update and won't work without these updates especially the following

 - doodlecast pro

 - educreations

S0 - it is crucial that these are taken to the imac ipad hub and plugged in through the configurator.

Here are some handy hints for getting this done. (If with any of these steps you need a hand I'm happy to run you through it sometime - just see me to arrange a time.)

1. Take the ipads to the desk. 

   - I've found that with the new covers these just stack up nicely in a pile without having to use the rack. Leave the rack in your room to save unplugging things.

2. Run each ipad through the latest IOS update BEFORE you plug them into the imac. This can be done after plugged in but takes 5 times longer. Make sure the update is completed before plugging in.

    - settings  / general / software update - click on update now.

3. Plug them into the imac cords. Click on 'trust this computer' if the ipad asks you to.

4. Leave them to run the updates until the configurator tells you they are finished. The configurator should look like the attached pic while they are updating. Unplug and run the next 6.

This is a very good time to give them a wipe (there is a cloth and spray on the desk - spray on the cloth and then wipe.)

Also - there are some spare screen covers on the desk to apply if you have some without them. The instructions are on the back of the packets. It's important to keep the glass as protected as possible for when we return them after this year's lease.

Thanks everyone! I know it takes time but is part of the responsibility of having such a fantastic resource in our classrooms! Again - see me if you would like to be shown face 2 face. I'm happy to even run a workshop after school sometime if people would like.

Mark