Title: Is there more to this iPad phenomenon?
Course: iPads for Middle School Teachers > Section: Module 2

Of course there is... Now the fun begins! Let's find and install apps that will make the iPad work for you.

Is that all there is??

Absolutely not! Now that you are a pro navigating around the iPad, it is time to explore some of the 100,000+ apps available for download to meet the specific needs of your class.

...but first, let's get set up

PCSB set up directions

Since you are using Pinellas County equipment, there are some specific directions on how to set up an iTunes account to use on the iPads. To set up a free iTunes account without a credit card, follow the directions linked to this module titled "Setting up a PCSB iTunes account". You will have to do this on a laptop (at this time) but once you have your account established, you will be able to login to iTunes on the iPad.

After establishing your account using the directions, go to settings on the iPad, tap on "Store" and tap on "Sign In". Tap on Use Existing Apple ID" and login with your PCSB account.

If you ever want to use your personal iTunes account to purchase apps, go to Settings, click on "Apple ID: xxxx@pcsb.org" and then login with your personal account. Remember, if you use your personal iTunes account, you will have to attach your personal credit card and if you purchase any apps, they will have to come out of that account. You will not be reimbursed for any purchases but they will be yours to use if you purchase your own iPad.

Now that you are set up, let the fun begin...

Finding apps and installing them

Let's return to Safari and the iPad User's guide. The App Store section does a great job walking you step by step through the App Store process. One quick tip... Remember, the iPad will allow you to "quick switch" between apps. This will help you while you are trying out the steps in the User Guide and using the App Store app. After you have opened the App Store app, it is easy to move between the App Store and the Safari User Guide:

To quick switch between apps:

- Double click on the "Home" button. (it is the only button on the front of the iPad)
- You will see the most recently used apps at the bottom of the screen
- Tap on the app you want to go to (App Store)
- To go back to the User Guide, double click on the home button and switch back to Safari.

Download some apps you think you could use in your classroom. Also, download the following FREE apps, we will use them in the next module (if they are no longer free, please let me know):

- iPad Apps:
  - iBooks by Apple (this might already be installed on your iPad)
  - Common Core Standards by MasteryConnect
- iPhone App
  - ISTE Mobile (this is in beta and a little glitchy and also not optimized for the iPad ... but the information is still useful.)

iBooks... offline reading

Now that you have iBooks on your iPad, you can also install a User Guide that you can access when you are offline.

- Open iBooks
- Tap on the "Store" button at the top of the screen
- Search iPad
- The iPad User Guide of iOS by Apple is the Safari User Guide in book form.
  - Drag the slider at the bottom of the page to switch between chapters. Slide it over to iBooks to learn more about how iBooks works.

While you are in the iBooks Store, look for more free books. Many books that are in the Public Domain are available through the iBook Store. Search for your favorite classics (H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, Homer ... just to name a few) Some have been republished and are not free but many are.

Summary

There are literally 100s of thousands of apps in the App Store. Many are free, many are less than a coffee at Starbucks or a package of Post-it notes at Staples. Once your iTunes account is established it is very easy to find and install new apps. Quick and easy directions are in the iPad User Guide in Safari.

Not only apps but also books are free for the download. Find FREE app (or book) that works for you then share it in the forum titled "Find an app". Tell why you chose that app, Then read the other posts and download at least one recommendation. Respond to the forum and tell how you could use that app in your classroom.