Apple is making it easier for schools to offer iPads to students

posted by Alan F. / Mar 08, 2015, 8:34 AM

Apple is making it easier for schools to offer iPads to students

One of the biggest obstacles that makes it hard for Apple to hand out iPads to students is the requirement that Apple ID's are needed to download and install apps on the tablets. This slows down the process of setting up the tablets for each individual student. But Apple has sent out an email to one of its educational partners that says that it will allow schools to "assign and distribute apps to a device without an Apple ID. As currently planned, this will greatly reduce the number of steps needed to setup a device."

Schools will still be in charge of creating and managing Apple IDs on behalf of students so that they can access iCloud. This would eliminate the task of trying to obtain parental consent for students under the age of 13 to receive an Apple ID. At the same time, schools will be able to make sure that students aren't installing games on their tablet, or adding content that is not age-appropriate.

The bottom line here is to make things easier for schools to "enroll, manage and support" a large distribution of iPads to students. Reducing the number of steps required to not only set up the devices, but to actually distribute them, is bound to make this a less onerous program for schools and school districts which are already buried under pointless paperwork. And for the students, it gives them a learning tool that can not only help with their school work, but could also motivate and inspire them.

"To simplify large deployments, including one-to-one and shared use, we want to make app distribution even easier. Today, Apple IDs are required in order to deliver apps and books to students. We are working to change this in the fall by allowing schools to assign and distribute apps to a device without an Apple ID. As currently planned, this will greatly reduce the number of steps needed to setup a device. This change should eliminate the need to create generic Apple IDs solely for the purposes of getting content onto iPad. Schools will also have the option to prevent students from making personal purchases without approval."-Apple email

The new procedures are expected to take effect for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year.

source: 9to5Mac via Engadget

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51 Comments

1. B-power

Posts: 258; Member since: Feb 22, 2014

Ipads are way too pricey outside of the US. That's the problem.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 8:41 AM 6

6. Awalker

Posts: 1977; Member since: Aug 15, 2013

They're pricey in the US too compared to other tablets.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:02 AM 8

24. LebronJamesFanboy

Posts: 671; Member since: Mar 23, 2013

They are not pricey for what you're getting. Also, iPads hold their value very well. Over December, I sold my iPad 3 for 250 bucks after getting my iPad Air 2.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 12:34 PM 3

28. palmguy

Posts: 982; Member since: Mar 22, 2011

"Hold their value very well" Buy low, sell high. If you pay more to begin with, TA DA, you haven't come out ahead much buying the next more expensive model. My $.02

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 1:10 PM 3

49. cripton805

Posts: 1485; Member since: Mar 18, 2012

I dont think schools care about resale. And kids dont need anything fancy. They need to do their work instead of flashing around an Apple logo.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 2:54 PM 1

61. tacarat

Posts: 854; Member since: Apr 22, 2013

Sometimes that says more about the buyer than the product. Did they know that iPad 3 may only have a year or two of support left? Or that a new iPad with a full warranty would have been just a little bit more?

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 7:31 PM 0

62. mrej201

Posts: 226; Member since: Feb 04, 2015

I qas in my doctor office now they are using android because they new soft ware doesn't support the medic software to see record and send prescription to the pharmacy I told just get a note 4 and drop that asus tablet

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 7:43 PM 0

2. farrid

Posts: 35; Member since: Jun 20, 2014

Too pricey. Now that all the schools have switched over to android and have discovered freedom from iTunes or expandable memory option along with drag and dropping files to the device why should anyone in their right mind choose apple. Also let's talk about all the cheaper options that go along with it like Chromecast in place of apple tv. Yeah I won't own another apple again ever. They have seen their best days now long gone. RIP Steve J. It's not you its who you left behind.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 8:50 AM 12

4. darkkjedii

Posts: 31058; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

^^^^^

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 9:03 AM 4

18. -box-

Posts: 3991; Member since: Jan 04, 2012

Not just android tablets, Windows - full Windows, not RT - tablets as well. Under $200 for name-brand 7"-8"-class tablets with 2GB of RAM, 32GB+ storage, expandable memory, full USB slot(s), 8-12 hour battery life, and built-in Windows security and user account control benefits which have been tried and true for decades.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 12:16 PM 1

72. farrid

Posts: 35; Member since: Jun 20, 2014

Yes your right about price point but windows keeps changing their minds about what they are going to do as a strategy plan and compatibility across their own platform. Too much uncertainty when buying a windows tablet. I would wait till they roll out windows 10 tablets and see what models they will extend it to.

posted on Mar 11, 2015, 7:56 AM 0

3. NichoIasOliver

Posts: 13; Member since: Dec 26, 2014

Too much of a distraction for children, they're already too spoiled Technology of all kinds must be banned from classroom once and for all good ol' pen and paper will do it Wait wot? No JK The last statement is true though in my country

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 9:02 AM 0

11. theguy2345

Posts: 1216; Member since: Jun 24, 2014

I agree. Tech in the classroom is a huge distraction, as well as the teachers doing whatever they want with it.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:25 AM 0

48. UglyFrank

Posts: 2194; Member since: Jan 23, 2014

It really isn't, I've witnessed iPads in schools and it is a great research tool. It helps with independent study and is easier than carrying a laptop or signing into a nearby computer.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 2:15 PM 0

60. theguy2345

Posts: 1216; Member since: Jun 24, 2014

I've also seen tech in schools with chromebooks. There is tons of cheating, no one pays attention, and they are constantly being broken.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 6:46 PM 0

5. TimCook

Posts: 450; Member since: Oct 23, 2014

The iPad is perfect for education... I suggest iPads and Macs to every school in the world. Students should enjoy the best of the best

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 9:39 AM 2

7. namesib

Posts: 97; Member since: Feb 08, 2015

You know OSX is trash when Apple themselves provide a feature to install Windows on Macs. This is the same company that says everything they produce is the best thing sinced sliced bread. Awful, overpriced hardware and awful, featureless, unsupported software. No wonder they're completely overlooked by the overwhelming majority of businesses. Sure, it looks nice, but when you actually need to get some work done Windows is the only option.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:03 AM 8

8. Awalker

Posts: 1977; Member since: Aug 15, 2013

As long as they're giving it away for free. It would be a good investment in a child's future.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:04 AM 0

9. NotAGeek

Posts: 279; Member since: Jan 26, 2014

Apple products teach students that brand or logo is more important than features or value

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:09 AM 5

10. sip1995

Posts: 1771; Member since: Feb 07, 2014

Nope, they aren't perfect for education since some programs are still not available.....I mean really programs not apps.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:22 AM 3

20. -box-

Posts: 3991; Member since: Jan 04, 2012

Trolls like you make me miss the down-vote button.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 12:22 PM 2

73. farrid

Posts: 35; Member since: Jun 20, 2014

I see you have nothing constructive to say and can only think to name call. Ignorant! Must be because you know he or she s right!

posted on Mar 11, 2015, 8:02 AM 0

42. darkkjedii

Posts: 31058; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

TIM, while I may not agree with everything you say, you have the right to post what you want, just like these trolls that call you a troll. Post away, and the hell with them, and their whack ass opinions. What the hell are they gonna do about it anyway, whine in a post?

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 1:50 PM 1

57. TimCook

Posts: 450; Member since: Oct 23, 2014

Tbh, many times my fanboysm takes over, just like it does with many people in here but I have never said to anyone to go and die... This Bernulli user must have lost his mind.. Or maybe he is just angry because I keep owning him all the time.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 4:09 PM 0

58. darkkjedii

Posts: 31058; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

Could be right bro. Hell with em.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 4:19 PM 0

43. Scottl878

Posts: 6; Member since: Jan 29, 2015

Macs don't offer many games tho

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 1:51 PM 1

12. TAMARETTE

Posts: 182; Member since: Jun 15, 2014

It's like nicotine. Get them hooked young before they're smart enough to think for themselves.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:25 AM 3

13. NichoIasOliver

Posts: 13; Member since: Dec 26, 2014

All children under the age of 10 shouldn't play with gadgets whatsoever, stick to your legos, kids.

posted on Mar 08, 2015, 10:31 AM 3

14. darkkjedii

Posts: 31058; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

NASA, MLB, NFL, tons of hospitals, and colleges use iPads. Even with its market share less than it used to be, it's still #1. Just use whati use, do what you do, and be who you be. :D