Profile syncing 300 ipads

[Lorrie Applebey]

Hello all,

 

Our district is working on a Kindergarten iPad initiative.  I've set up a "master" ipad with applications neatly sorted into folders (ABCs, Sight Words, Numbers, etc.).  I can backup and restore, but that will take an insane amount of time for 300 ipads.  Bredford Cart syncing also requires you to manage each individually (thought it will auto sync once established).

 

How can I create new folders and manage apps, music, and PDF distributions efficiently?

 

Thanks,

Lorrie

[David Gavin]

If you want to keep the folder structure and organization of your apps there is no other possibility for now than an iTunes restore. You can accelerate the progress by multiplying the Macs with a master. Distributing media files can be done over a web server, for which you create an icon an the iPad.

[Sam Gliksman]

Check out some of the mobile device management options. Casper Suite from jamf software is a popular program.

[Melissa Scott]

Hi,

We are using the Bredford Carts and one macbook to sync the (17 carts, 400 iPads). We are also using Casper to manage iPads and be able to "push" apps through self service. Hope this helps.

Melissa

 

[Terice Schneider]

We are deploying 700 iPads to middle schoolers, and we purchased JAMF Casper to help us manage and deploy apps to all of them.

It works but users actually go to the App Store to download them to the iPad. The only paid apps available to them are the ones you pre-select and manage. The downside is that they can get to the free apps once they are in the app store.

We're working on a plan for all of this. I'll share as we go along!

Terice Schneider

Instructional Technology Coordinator

Belton ISD

Belton, Texas

[Sam Gliksman]

Hi Melissa,

Can you please explain how you distinguish between when and how you use Casper wirelessly versus cabled syncing with the carts?

 

Also, are you keeping one image for all your iPads or separating them by grade and use?

 

Thanks,

Sam

Melissa Scott said:

Hi,

We are using the Bredford Carts and one macbook to sync the (17 carts, 400 iPads). We are also using Casper to manage iPads and be able to "push" apps through self service. Hope this helps.

Melissa

 

[Melissa Scott]

Hi,

The plan is to use Casper for iOS updates and for apps that are purchased for all the iPads. We will cable sync or push to self service when it is a grade level that is in need of an app. For lack of a better term we created an "image" for grades jk-1 and another for 2-4. We are starting with about 30 apps. For management purposes we will be taking app requests at the beginning of the month and syncing the last week of the month.Hopefully this will have teachers plan out and test apps before they request for their grade.

Melissa

[Eric Mahan]

The Bretford cart works nicely to manage single classroom configurations, but we have been working with ways to manage that process centrally.  By using a tool that can sync multiple iPads in a central location (or share it in multiple classrooms), we save money and have better control of content.  We can then use charging carts (or even old carts) in classrooms, sharing the syncing.

 

We just saw a press release about a 49-port USB hub that can be placed on a desk in a service depot, IT center or library and used to up to 49 iPads at the same time.  You can also carry it from room to room.  http://tinyurl.com/DS-49-hub

 

There are some other resources for this strategy at www.ipadcarts.com.