In 1978, Apple computers were first introduced in schools as part of the Minnesota Computing Consortium. Since then, they’ve been a consistent leader in school devices. In 2010, they again revolutionized technology in the classroom with introduction of the iPad.
iPads remain a popular choice for one-to-one computing programs. Whether your school is using these devices for the first time or have been using them for years, follow these helpful iPad tips for students.
Connect to Wifi
When using your device at home for the first time, you will need to connect your iPad to Wifi. First, Wifi needs to be enabled in settings (Settings > Wifi > Turn Wifi On).
After Wifi is turned on, tap Wifi on the left side of the screen, toggle on, select your network, and enter password (if required). If your network is hidden, click other and enter credentials (name of network, security type, and password).
Touch ID Button Functionality
As the name indicates, the Touch ID button easily unlocks your iPad with your fingerprint. It also brings you back to the home screen with one press of the button. Activate Siri by long pressing or press twice to activate App Switcher.
Accessing the Home Screen
If using an iPad pro, swipe up quickly from the bottom of the screen to return home. For other iPads, press the Touch ID button.
Editing the Dock
Your dock is your hub and is divided in two parts: permanent apps live on the left side of the dock while most recent apps display on the right. The apps on the left side are the default unless you edit them. To add an app to the left side of your dock, long press the app until it jiggles, then drag it into the dock. To remove an app, the same rules apply—long press until it jiggles and drag the app to your home screen.
Dock capacity can vary based on iPad model, but generally, the dock can hold ten plus apps. Folders can also be moved to the dock.
Add/Remove Shortcuts
For your most frequently visited websites, you can easily add a shortcut to your home screen. Go to the website in Safari and click the share icon. From there, click Add to Home Screen.
To remove a shortcut, simply long press on the shortcut until it jiggles, then press the X.
Accessing Google Drive Files
You no longer have to download each individual Google Workspace app to access files. Now, this can all be done through Safari. Simply open Safari and go to Google. If not logged in to your Google account, log in by clicking the icon in the upper right and entering your username and password. Then click the waffle icon (nine squares) and click Drive to access your files.
You can also download the Google Drive app for quick and easy access.
Split Your Screen
If you want to have to apps display side by side on your screen, this tip is for you. Open the first app you want to display. With that app open, access the dock by pulling up from the bottom of the screen, then long press the second app you want to display. The second app will appear as a floating window. Flick the second app down to split the screen.
Taking & Editing a Screenshot
Taking a screenshot is as easy as pressing two buttons at the same time. On an iPad with Face ID, press the top and volume up bottoms to capture your screen. On an iPad with Touch ID, press the home and side buttons at the same time to take the screenshot. Tap the screenshot thumbnail to edit and share, or swipe left to dismiss it.
Use App Switcher to View Open Windows & Apps
To view open apps and easily jump between them, use App Switcher. For iPad Pro models after 2018, swipe up on the long white bar in the bottom middle of the screen until it displays your open apps. For other iPad models, press the home button twice to access App Switcher.
App Switcher lets you easily close open window and apps by swiping up on their thumbnails.
Access Essential Controls with Control Center
Control Center gives easy access to essential controls like flashlight, volume, and screen brightness. To access Control Center, swipe down from the battery icon.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Boost Productivity
If you’re using a keyboard with your iPad, keyboard shortcuts are a great way to quickly move about your iPad. Here are four common shortcuts:
Cmd + H – return to home screen
Cmd + Space – spotlight search
Cmd + shift + 3 – screenshot of entire screen
Cmd + shift + 4 – partial screenshot
To see specific keyboard shortcuts in a particular app, long press the command key.
Use Dictation
Using dictation, or typing with your voice, is easy. Using the on-screen keyboard, press the microphone button to the left of the space bar. Your iPad will now type what you say until you press the button in the bottom middle of the screen.
Be sure that the microphone button is enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Enable Dictation.
General Troubleshooting
If your iPad is behaving squirrely, here are a few easy tips to get it right as rain:
- Restart your iPad – completely power iPad off, and then turn back on
- Check Wifi connection
- Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Updates (Note: be sure to check with your school’s tech director before completing an update)
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