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As part of the iFisher Next Generation Learning Initiative, the University deploys iPads to the campus community. To find out who qualifies for an iPad, click the link above. Below are a number of resources to support the effective use of these devices for teaching and learning purposes.
Looking for information on the latest software updates? Check out the What's New page.
Undergraduate Students: new Undergraduate students will typically receive their iPad during the beginning of their first semester.
The Fisher Apple Academy offers faculty a engaging way to build your confidence and skills with the iPad. All staff who receive an iPad are required to complete four training sessions designed to help you get the most out of your device. To explore upcoming Apple Academy sessions and iPad trainings on the Workshops & Events calendar.
iPad User Guide: Apple has documentation on how to get started, customize settings and multitask apps on your device.
Apple Pencil Guide: Get the most out of your transformational tool by annotating, drawing and more.
What's New - iOS 26 highlights and improvements.
Smart Strategies For Using Your iPad: Discover practical, efficient ways to get the most out of your device.
iPad Email Essentials & Calendar Management - Mastering the basics of email and calendar on your iPad.
For help managing storage, you can review the iPad Storage Solutions for tips on freeing space on your device, or explore Mastering Digital Storage Across Platforms for strategies on organizing files on iPad, using OneDrive, Google Drive, and iCloud.
There are several Fisher-specific tutorials provided on the DePeters Family Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence's YuJa Channel.
You can easily share your iPad screen with your in-person class using Apple AirPlay (Screen Mirroring).
Similarly to working on a computer, it is critical for instructors to be aware of when they are sharing their screens to prevent the sharing of sensitive information. While sharing your screen on your iPad, you will see a blue monitor icon next to the battery. You can also use the Pic Mute button on the podium to temporarily mute what you are sharing.
To share your screen on your iPad:
Go to the podium and turn on Apple TV (some podiums may say Apple TV and some may just have an Apple icon) and the projector.
On your iPad, go to your Control Center (swipe down from the top right of your iPad screen) and select the Screen Mirroring option.
Select the classroom you're currently in (this should prompt a code to appear on the projector screen).
Enter the code projected on the screen into your iPad.
Hit your home button and you should now be sharing your screen over AirPlay.
Using AirDrop (whether that's in Apple Classroom or not) with Notability, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, etc. will usually AirDrop a copy of the file to the students in the class. You can AirDrop a link from Safari which will send students to a website.
If you're working on a document together with students or other faculty/staff, you would either want to Collaborate (available in Pages, Keynote, and Numbers) or Share (Google Drive or One Drive).
How to Collaborate with Apple Products (example is for Pages, but is the same for all Apple Products)
Notability Know-How: Enhance your note-taking abilities by learning all you can do in this digital notebook, from customization to organization.
Freeform: A digital whiteboard app that provides an infinite canvas for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and collaborating.
Microsoft Whiteboard is recommended to be used in a web browser (not the app) to provide a flexible and creative canvas for users to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate in real time.
Zoom Whiteboard is an interactive whiteboard that can be used without a Zoom meeting. Your Zoom app has the ability to create a whiteboard and send to your students so they can collaborate, whether they are remote or in the classroom.
Faculty can use Apple Classroom. Our documentation shows you how to create, add students, use Classroom, and end class on your iPad.
Students, here are instructions on how to join a Classroom set up by an instructor.
If students are having trouble connecting:
Start by ensuring that you have Bluetooth turned on and are connected to the same Wifi (should be the secure campus Wifi).
Make sure the invite window is open, students can't join Classroom unless the invite window is open on the instructor's iPad.
Ensure that the iPad is on iOS15 or higher.
If the previous steps don't work, contact the OIT Service Desk.
Fisher Apple Academy: The Fisher Apple Academy 1.0 and 2.0 provide faculty with the skills to use iPads in the teaching and learning process. Staff receiving an iPad are required to attend four training sessions to get the most out of the iPad. Check our workshops and events page for upcoming offerings.
Apple Education Community Forum: See how other educators are building foundational skills with iPads, integrating lessons with Apple technology and how to inspire your students with iOS apps.
The Learning Center: Apple offers badges and certificates to be earned on mastering your iPad. There are a series of additional training modules, above and beyond those included in the Fisher Apple Academy, that you can explore to enhance and grow your skillset.
Found on the Discover Page in Brightspace, students have access to additional iPad resources through the iFisher Academy - Student Resources, a self-paced resource. The organization helps students with the following areas:
Account Setup
Customizations and Optimizations
Apps and Tools
Maintaining Your iPad
What if my Apple Pencil is not working? Start by plugging your Pencil into the charging port on your iPad. While the Pencil is plugged in, go into Settings and Bluetooth and check to see if your Pencil is connected. Apple has other connection recommendations depending on the type of Pencil.
Prevent Cross-Site Tracking - For issues with links and external learning tools, make sure you turn OFF cross-site tracking.
Review Apple's support documentation - For questions or issues with iCloud or Apple ID
OIT Service Desk/ iCardinal Office - report hardware related issues.
Safety and Security Office - report lost or stolen iPads.