What do you do when you do not have an iPad for every student in the classroom? This is a question we get a lot. One solution is to use the iPad as a single center or station in the classroom. Check out the video below and be sure to see our entire schedule of summer classes on using iPads in the classroom on onlinepd.teq.com

Here are 3 tips when implementing iPads as centers or stations in the classroom:

1. Be clear and concise with the goal at each iPad center.

Provide written instructions at each iPad center that include the expectations of the student for each app the student should be using. If possible, provide a QR code that connects to a video or written instructions explaining the center’s activity. This is great because at any time the student can refer back to the directions without having to ask the teacher.

2. Organize apps in folders appropriate for each iPad station.

If you expect a student to use 3 specific apps for a center, put those 3 apps together in a folder. This is a great visual cue for the student to find that center’s appropriate apps as well as cut down time locating the apps on the iPad.

3. Use the Guided Access that is built into iOS 6 on the iPad.

Guided Access allows you to “lock” a student into an app by disabling the home button. This is great to keep the students on task and stop them from exploring whatever else is on the iPad. Guided Access also lets you customize what parts of the iPad screen the student is able to interact with. If there is a part of an app that you do not want the student to be able to touch (like for in-app purchases), you have that ability.