The iPads are set up to serve as mini-laptops (loan period to 30 days to match the laptops) and are pre-loaded with academic focused applications, including Word, Excel, OneNote, Canvas, WebEx, Firefox and Chrome.

  • It is NOT possible for users to add or remove apps from an iPad.
    • LockDown Browser is NOT installed (and can't be)--mention this to students during the checkout process
  • If a patron needs to access their iCloud files, they can do so from icloud.com.

Check out & Set-up ​​​​​​​

  • Patrons will need to fill out a green equipment form the first time each semester that they borrow an iPad
  • Best practice is to make sure the patron is set up before they leave--there are instructions with each iPad. 
  • The important thing to tell the patron is if they log out or turn off the iPad all their app logins will be cleared. 
    • This isn’t terrible since everything is cloud based but logging back in to things might be annoying.
  • Initial log into Microsoft 365 can be very slow but does improve after the initial connection

Returns: please set it aside for Systems. 

  • The iPads need to be re-set before going back in circulation.

Other things to be aware of:

  • Users CANNOT log into their Apple account.
    • So even though Apple apps such as FreeForm, Notes, iBooks, and the AppStore are installed, it is not possible for a user to log into their Apple account.
    • Apple makes it very hard to remove these apps, they will still display. 
  • The control of where apps appear in the “desktop” is not particularly strong. That means when a new user “logs into” the iPad for the first time some apps may land outside of the folder they were placed in.  
  • The Bluetooth keyboard that is integrated into iPad case should automatically connect. There are instructions on how to connect it if that does not happen or if it gets disconnected.
  • It will not be uncommon for apps to start updating after a user is set up.  When this happens will depend on how frequently the apps themselves get up updated and how long the iPad sits unused.