Three Tips For Schools Making First iPad Purchases

Last year our school implemented iPad minis in the classroom for the first time. Due to the talents of our teachers, the devices helped create a rich learning environment. Another post reflects on reasons why the devices became effective learning tools.  This post details the process we went through to get devices to the classroom.

Below are three tips for educators buying school iPads for the first time.
1.) Device Purchases:
 Work with Apple directly. You will get the best value if you purchase devices in ten packs. To do this you must enroll in the volume purchase program for educators. This process is not too cumbersome but it takes some time, so start early.
2.) App Purchases:
Plan your app purchases. The time spent enrolling in the volume purchasing program will pay off in purchasing apps. Schools enrolled in the program can purchase apps for a reduced rate when purchasing more than twenty apps. The best way to do this is to purchase a voucher card. The physical card will come in the mail and has a code. When you redeem the code online, Apple emails a spread sheet with individual redemption codes for each app purchase. Our school set up an Apple ID, which is not tied to a credit card (a good practice for many reasons).  All of our student devices used the same apple ID to load the apps.
3.) Questions:
Don't be afraid to call your apple representative with questions. Once you've made contact with the representative for your area, be sure to save the direct phone number. Calling the Apple's toll free number will always put you in contact with friendly folks, but they will most likely have to transfer you to the representative who works only with schools to help you.