[ipad] Ipad2

[Geek_of_HeathMount]

All

This has probably been asked already, but I couldn't find it looking through the various posts on here. The school is thinking of deploying Ipad's to all staff, as you can imagine the staff all very pleased with this. However, there is a problem that prevents this from happening and as yet I haven't seen a device/docking station that gets round this.

 

The problem is the iPad only has one port, so you can either connect a USB device or a VGA or what ever, but not two devices at the same. For example, the school uses Promethean Boards which require a USB connection to the PC/Mac and then you need a VGA/DVI connection for the projector.

 

Has anyone seen an old fashioned port replicator that will solve my problems??

Edited May 7, 2011 by ZeroHour

[Tallwood_6]

Why do you need a USB connection for the IWB when there isn't a client for IOS?

I'd have thought the biggest problem will be managing this many devices.

[FN-GM]

This should be really in this forum

Netbooks, PDA and Phones

 

iPads are not Macs There is even a prefix for iPads in there

[Jamo]

Can I ask what drives this need for iPads in schools? When compared to a full featured laptop they fall down significantly and I would think that as a classroom teaching tool the iPad would be far past its original design goal and would not perform tasks which we would require from them.

 

One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of flash support, and the increasing amount of online educational resources which rely on it.

[rbelson]

Hi,

 

As Tallwood_6 mentions, the iPad can only interface with an IWB to output its display and as such there would be no reason to connect the iPad via USB to the IWB as I am unaware that the pens used with an IWB can control an iPad. Even if it could, the difference in finesse between an IWB and the multi touch on an iPad would quickly show.

 

The traditional configuration of an IWB and a connected PC is a relatively expensive and '1 trick pony' solution. An iPad connected to a projector running any one of the drawing (Penultimate, SketchBook Pro etc), presentation (Keynote etc) and classroom voting and interaction apps (iResponse etc) offers a much more flexible setup. Not to mention much the huge number of free apps available.

 

With the use of AirDisplay and a Mac the iPad can be used as a wireless touchscreen display for the Mac (running which ever software under which ever OS you would like) that can be passed around the class for a personalised experience for students. This has huge benefits for those students with impairments that affect their involvement with an IWB led lesson.

 

I can strongly recommend the excellent article written by Fraser Speirs - Fraser Speirs - Blog - iPad as Digital*Whiteboard

 

We (as Apple Education specialists) spend a lot of time with schools helping them understand the benefits of the iPad and how it differs from laptops/netbooks. Sure, there are things that an iPad can’t do compared to these traditional devices, however the compelling discussion is around the genuinely unique benefits the iPad (and I'm sure tablets from other manufacturers once they come to maturity) offers students and teachers.

 

Feel free to contact me if you would like any advice or would like to be put in touch with other schools who have adopted the iPad from day one and have a great deal of valuable experience they are happy to share.

 

It certainly is an exciting time for IT in education and I believe the iPad is an incredibly versatile and wide-ranging teaching and learning tool.

Edited May 7, 2011 by rbelson

[dhicks]

For example, the school uses Promethean Boards which require a USB connection to the PC/Mac and then you need a VGA/DVI connection for the projector.

 

Connect a desktop PC to the IWB, projector and network, then connect the iPad to your wireless network and use any VNC-based app to control the cursor on the PC. There are a number of iPad apps available (not sure exactly as I still haven't managed to get hold of an iPad) and you should just need to install a VNC server on the PC. I've got an automated install script somewhere that installs a VNC server on a workstation and updates a central point with connection details.

[Geek_of_HeathMount]

Just to clarify the USB connection is to power the IWB, hence the need for a USB connection. I do like the idea of using a PC and VNC, however, that would mean too much kit on the teachers desks.

[Tallwood_6]

What's the point in powering the IWB through the iPad if you cant actually use any of the functionality!

[dhicks]

that would mean too much kit on the teachers desks.

 

The PC doesn't need to be on the teacher's desk, it can be anywhere that's convenient - a small PC screwed to the wall would be ideal.