Title: How do I use this shiny, new gadget?
Course: iPads for Middle School Teachers > Section: Module 1

Now that you have it in your hands, how do you make it work?

Let me introduce you to your iPad

When you first picked up this shiny new iPad, I'm sure you wondered how you were going to make this newfangled gadget work (OK, maybe that was me) but once you know what it can do for you, how to navigate around it and how to personalize it to make it do what you want it to do, you will find it to be a "Magical" tool.

To start off with, let's go directly to the source. This site is mostly a advertisement from Apple but it will give you an idea of what the iPad can do for you. (When the video is done, click on the back arrow to come back to this page)

http://www.apple.com/ipad/

How do you get around the iPad? Click on the arrow below to go to the next chapter or go to the left navigation bar and go to "Getting around"

Getting around

Hopefully, you have already found the Safari app (if you are using your iPad now, you are already in Safari to access this course) If you haven't, the icon looks like a compass rose with a blue background and it is probably located at the bottom, in the "dock"

After you have launched the Safari app, go to the bookmarks (the icon looks like an open book and it is beside the address field) and open the iPad User Guide. This is your "Go To" place for how to use your iPad. (If you are having trouble locating it, click on this link to launch Safari and the User Guide: http://help.apple.com/ipad/4/interface/
(FYI: If you are using your iPad, you can switch back and forth between this course and the User's Guide using the arrows at the top of the Safari browser.)

- At a Glance: will show you the basic equipment (be aware that if they refer to "Sim cards" or "Wi-Fi+3G" or "EDGE"... we don't have those models. Those are the models that have cellular service)
  - iPad Apps gives a good overview of the preinstalled apps
  - The Onscreen Keyboard section is also very useful
- "Getting started" has important information...
  - An important note: In the Cleaning iPad section they tell you how to clean your iPad. Remember, Don't use and cleaners or abrasives to clean your iPad. If you can't clean it with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth, see your tech coordinator.

Take some time looking over the tips in iPad User Guide. If you ever need anything, the guide is there, in your Safari bookmarks, whenever you are online. There are some offline User guides also... and most of them are free :) We will download and install some in the next module "Is there more to this iPad phenomenon?"

...but don't go there yet, the next chapter is more about the preinstalled apps. (click on the next arrow below)

Using the Installed "Apps"

The iPad uses "Apps" to get everything done. The basic, preinstalled apps include Safari, Notes, iPod, iTunes, the App Store, Photos, Contacts, Maps, Settings and a few other apps. We'll look at some in this module.

The Safari iPad User Guide does a great job showing how to use the preinstalled apps that come with the iPad. Wander through and learn how to use Safari, Notes, Maps, iPod, and iTunes to get started. We will be setting up an account and using the App Store in the next Module so don't jump in there quite yet.

Summary

The iPad is an exciting and some call "Magical" tablet computer. iPad 2's camera and long battery life and the wealth of resources available to the iPad will engage students in ways laptop computers can't.

The iPad comes with several preinstalled apps that are easy to use and could be incorporated in the curriculum right out of the box. Safari's iPad User Guide is a "first stop" resource to find out how to use the tools on your iPad.

There are hundreds of great resources on the web. Many are focused on the needs of educators. Your "assignment" is to find a site with useful information that you can share with your colleagues. Post the URL of the site in the forum "iPad online resources" and share something that intrigued you on the site. Read the other posts, explore the resources other teachers have shared and post your ideas on how the tips could be used in your classroom.