How can I have students turn in completed work so that I can retrieve it? Also they need to save their work in a file that only they can get into...is that possible on the iPad?
iPad 2
That depends entirely on the app you're using. We don't have nearly enough information to even begin to guess.
If you're talking about a document-creation program such as Pages, everything is automatically saved as you go. If each student has an iPad, and they've locked it with a password, then nobody else can get in - apart from that, there's no per-user security (it's a one-user device).
To "hand in" ... well, that depends a lot on your IT infrastructure. They can email you a file, for one thing.
It sounds a little like you've handed out iPads to students without really working out how they're going to use them. Right?
Matt
I am a teacher who will be using iPads with the student to teach science. I am new to the iPad world and looking forward on how to use it effectively with my class. I will be having 2 different classes with different students using them and will not be able to password lock them. I was wondering if there is an app that acts like a filing cabinet where students can just drop their work into and I will be able to retrieve it....or am I going to have to set up email accounts for all my students so they can email me their work? I am very green at this and could use a lot of help. Thanks all in advance!!
Interesting problem! Since there are two different classes and different student users for each iPad (correct?) I'm going to assume that YOU are the primary user for the iPad--that is, that they are all syncing with your computer and your iTunes account.
And that any email accounts on the iPad would be your accounts.
If each student has an iPad, and they've locked it with a password, then nobody else can get in - apart from that, there's no per-user security (it's a one-user device).
So, my assumption is that YOU are the official User on all the iPads. They are just using them on your account. (Which means, BTW, that you'll have to put some parental controls in place like disabling ITunes downloads and application purchases.
If you're the user---
First, remember that the iPad doesn't have a central "Finder" like file structure. Documents must be associated with an application (although versions of them can exist in more than one application).
Normally, I'd have students email me their work. Email is often the easiest and quickest way to get a document off the iPad. Are these iPads going to have WiFi internet access?
Other options include DropBox, which is what I use most to get MY documents from my iPad to my DropBox account, which syncs with both my iPad and my laptop computer. And an app like Save2 PDF, which allows you to virtually "print" most anything from an iPad app to a PDF format, which is stored in the Save2PDF application OR can be moved to DropBox.
Here's where I'm stuck: All the document "saving"/"filing" and transmittal routes I can think of would mean that students would have access to each other's work (since it would be "your" DropBox and "your" email and when they are using it they are "you")--and that may not be a great idea for a class situation, unless you intend to have them collaborate!
If they only have access to the iPad during a class period and don't take them home, I'm wondering about setting up a new email account for the iPads and having them email their work to you, if only because it's fast and because, once you retrieve their submission from the server, you could delete their messages.
Another possibility, and this is something I'll be doing in my University drawing classes, is that you could set up a wireless Air Print printer in the classroom and have each student print off his/her work. This may not be practical if you have a ton of students and not a lot of time, but it's certainly an option.
I'm sure someone else will weigh in. Meanwhile, let me ponder this . . . .
Elizabeth...thanks for the info! I think I can get the students to set up email accounts through google doc and I will have them email me. I have looked into air print and will be purchasing a printer that will support that. We are setup for wifi at our school. I have a drop box account and plan to use it to "pass" out the assignments.
I will have a MacBook to sync all of my iPads and will put on parental controls to limit the students access to iTunes and other things. That brings up another question.... Is there any way to monitor the iPad use, app or program on the MacBook, so I can "see" what the students are doing. I know there is some programs that work wirelessly but will they work with the iPad?
I have no idea about a monitoring program for the iPad. I want to say "no" but that's just because of my assumptions about iOS and not from ANY knowledge whatsoever.
I have the HP Envy which is an Air Print printer. I got that one because it has a compact form factor (not light, though!). I love it, and it also scans to an SD card or flash drive and makes photocopies. Very useful!
I am trying to get my University to purchase iPads for a course of mine (they would be checked out for the semester). I believe that the iPad can significantly enhance student learning. But the logistics of managing a classes with them can be daunting.
Here's a link to an iPad pilot program at the University of Oklahoma:
And there's a Faculty Learning Community on using the iPad at Indiana University:
There is no iPad monitoring program, I'm afraid.
A good way to get started is to visit the iPad Educator's Ning - lots of discussions on there about the practical aspects of deploying iPads with students, from both teachers and "techies". It was created right around the time the iPad1 was released, so you'll get people who have had experience as well as those trying them out. Another resource is the EdTech Listserv.
Thanks, Pogo! That's a great resource.
Need students to save work on iPad...How?
