Numbering iPads

[ldenson8]

I am working with a school that just received a set of iPads. Can anyone share ideas on how to inventory/label/number these devices? I found something on how to set the wallpaper with a number on the iPod, but nothing on the iPad. Please share ideas.

[Jeremy Dorn]

The iPad wallpaper works much the same as the iPod Touch. One way would be to load a custom background image with the iPad's name/number as part of the image. This background could at base be the school logo/mascot. I would also suggest having a variant lock screen image as well. Actually putting the school logo and contact information here would also be good along with any internal inventory or tracking number.

 

As for any stickers and such, I'd actually suggest just to the right or left of the front camera along the bezel. In personal usage I've noticed this is often my least handled spot on the device. While it may be tempting to put stickers on the back this area gets handled a great deal by users.

 

This again IMO bring's up Apples #1 problem in my book when it comes it iPads in Eduction. Way better admin controls and lockouts. There is no good way to lock student (user) out of the ability to change the backgrounds.

 

Just FYI in case students get creative the serial number can always be found in Settings > General > Serial Number. It is also in the fine print just above the dock connector on the backside.

[ldenson8]

Thank you so much for responding. I love the idea. Thanks....
Jeremy Dorn said:

The iPad wallpaper works much the same as the iPod Touch. One way would be to load a custom background image with the iPad's name/number as part of the image. This background could at base be the school logo/mascot. I would also suggest having a variant lock screen image as well. Actually putting the school logo and contact information here would also be good along with any internal inventory or tracking number.

 

As for any stickers and such, I'd actually suggest just to the right or left of the front camera along the bezel. In personal usage I've noticed this is often my least handled spot on the device. While it may be tempting to put stickers on the back this area gets handled a great deal by users.

 

This again IMO bring's up Apples #1 problem in my book when it comes it iPads in Eduction. Way better admin controls and lockouts. There is no good way to lock student (user) out of the ability to change the backgrounds.

 

Just FYI in case students get creative the serial number can always be found in Settings > General > Serial Number. It is also in the fine print just above the dock connector on the backside.

[Leah Lacrosse]

Hi.
I can share what I did. It may give you an idea. ;)
My school purchased 26 iPads for my science classroom last July. I have 5th graders that were going to use them. So, I wanted the students to have a personal connection with their iPad that they would be using daily fir 45 minutes. So, what I did was use a google spreadsheet to track their serial codes and school asset tags. You can use a scanner for the barcodes directly into a google spreadsheet.

I gave each iPad a muppet character name...like Miss Piggy, Animal, etc. I used a web pic of the muppet as the background and screen lock for each muppet/iPad. What I noticed happened with this approach is that my students really connected with their iPad. They were VERY possessive with them...for the 45 minutes each day, that was THEIR muppet. They handled them carefully. The students made sure that they were always plugged in to charge. And, they just showed an honest investment in their iPad. So, even though it took a couple extra steps, I saw the payoff in the long run.
Now, I have named my older iPod touches, Alvin and the chipmunks. The library set of 5 iPads that I set up are the Ninja Turtles and Splinter. The special Ed set are Dr. Suess characters and Care Bears. And, our next set of iPad 2 that I just set up this summer are Marval Comic heroes. You could go with any theme.
So, you can see the potential.

[Jeremy Dorn]

That is brilliant. I will have look into something similar for you school laptops. Perhaps with a bit of personification the student's wont be as apt to pick key's off keyboards.

Leah Lacrosse said:

muppets

[Leah Lacrosse]

I have to give credit for the muppet idea to a Mr. Gary Larizza. He was my tech director at the time. He knew that I name EVERYTHING! My smart board set up with computer, board, and projector is Larry, Curly, and Moe. My mac mini is the Puppet Master. My cars are all George. So, he gave me a life line on that. :). With a huge district, you may run into a bit of trouble. But, it works for us as a slow roll out mode.

[Richard Roberts]

Alternatively however not as creatively as characters, you could get good quality metallic stickers that are laser printed with name, serial number etc. I have done this and it sticks down very well on the PU cover I use. Very easy identification without having to turn on the device or open any cover. You can do it a number of ways, and even get logo's printed as well if you want. When they all look the same, this is the easiest way to quickly identify them.

[Mercedes Martinez]

Does anyone have a good suggestion for an App that I can use to create a simple background for numbering the ipads?