iPads for Teaching & Learning

NEW Fall 2023 Instructor iPads are available for loan!

About the program

The iPads for Teaching and Learning Program investigates the extent to which the use of iPads can impact teaching, learning, and research when applied in the service of specific goals. Each quarter, the program committee chooses a select number of Stanford faculty and instructor projects to support. In addition to iPads and Apple Pencils, awardees receive software and instructional, technical, and logistical support for the duration of the project. Lessons learned are shared with the larger Stanford community through the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Why iPads?

The iPad combines powerful hardware features (touch interface, Wi-Fi, a camera, and a high-resolution screen) with over 500,000 native iPad apps available in the App Store, allowing awardees to customize their iPads to create engaging pedagogically and disciplinarily relevant learning experiences.

Instructors

Annotate slides during lecture presentations
Annotate, grade, and provide feedback on student work
Host collaborative online review sessions
Conduct remote office hours through web conferencing
Produce screen casts and instructional videos
Record lectures for reflection, feedback, and improvement

Classroom

Manage and organize class notes
Collaborate during activities study sessions
Utilize apps and features for digital art creation, LiDAR scanning, and more.
Improved accessibility for students and TAs

Application Process

Apply Now

Eligibility

All Stanford faculty members, instructors, and teaching assistants are encouraged to apply. Students using devices for coursework should visit the Tech Desk at Lathrop Library.

When to Apply

Proposals for multiple iPads to be used by a group of people such as students enrolled in a course or program, a research study, or event should be submitted by the following due dates.

Due dates for iPad program applications by quarter
Quarter (Academic Year)	Proposals Due*	Awardees Notified
Autumn 2023	August 30, 2023	September 7, 2023
Winter 2023	November 20, 2023	December 4, 2023
Spring 2024	March 6, 2024	March 15, 2024
Summer 2024	May 31, 2024	June 7, 2024

Proposals for individual iPads to be used by individual faculty members, instructors, or teaching assistants may be submitted at any time. However, as individual iPads are allocated from remaining inventory after group devices are set aside, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals close to the start of each quarter.

Selection Criteria

In service of the program's goal of investigating if, and in what ways, iPads impact teaching, learning, and research at Stanford, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that effectively:

Describe their course learning or research goals.
Describe how an iPad will help them achieve their goals.
Describe their plans for meaningfully integrating an iPad into their course, classroom activity, workshop, or research project.
Describe how they will determine if the iPad has an impact on achieving their course, workshop, or research learning goals.

Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by the program committee. Reviewers will rate each proposal based on how thoroughly the applicant addressed the selection criteria. The proposals with the highest overall ratings will be approved in order from highest to lowest until all of the iPads are allocated.

Evaluation Requirements

Applicants agree to participate in the program’s evaluation process including:

Completing a summative survey about your experience using an iPad to support your goals.
Distributing our summative survey at the end of the project period to your students and/or instructors.
Applicants and participating students must sign a liability form during the checkout process to take responsibility for any lost, damaged, or locked iPads and peripherals.

Awarded Resources

While some instructors specify their project’s hardware and software needs in the initial application, this is not a requirement. The Center for Teaching and Learning’s Academic Technology Specialists will consult with applicants to select appropriate technology for the project or course. Inventory is updated regularly, so please inquire about specific devices, specs, or applications not listed here.

Hardware

iPad models available for loan beginning in Fall 2023:

iPad Air Gen 4

10.9”, 256 GB, A14 bionic

iPad Air Gen 5

10.9”, 64 GB, M1

iPad Pro Gen 3

11", 128 GB, M1

iPad Pro 2018 (Legacy)

12.9”, 256 GB, A10X Fusion

Each iPad is bundled with a protective case, charging cord, 20v brick, and a Gen2 Apple Pencil (Gen1 for legacy iPad Pros). Gen 3 Pros are reserved for projects requiring specific use cases eg. LiDar. If your project or course requires a Pro, please make a note in your application.

Software

Software preloaded on the device is customizable to fit the user’s need, but unless otherwise requested, pre-loaded applications will include:

Stanford Mobile
Duo Mobile
Zoom
Slack
Notability
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere Presenter
Jamboard
Apple Support
Canvas Teacher
Canvas Student
Google Drive
Google Chrome
Google Docs
Google Sheets
Google Slides
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook

Users may also log into an Apple ID on the device to download their own iOS apps and save data to iCloud.

Support

Instructional support: Award recipients will meet with our Academic Technology Specialist team to discuss pedagogically sound and learner-centered approaches to integrating iPads into your course.

Technical support: Our team will assist with the testing and customization of your iPads.

Logistical support: Our team will help schedule your checkout and return dates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum loan period for individual iPads? Can I request an extension?

Individual iPads can be loaned for up to one year, with extension options in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarter. All devices must be returned after Spring quarter in June so that our team can run updates and maintenance, replace older devices with newer models, and plan for the next round of project proposals. We do set aside a select number of devices for loan over Summer quarter, so instead of requesting an extension, you may return your old device and submit a new application.

I just submitted a proposal. When can I expect to hear from the committee?

Proposals for multiple iPads have set notification dates – please see above section. For individual iPad applications, you can expect to hear from us within 2-5 business days. Turn-around time is typically shorter in the weeks leading up to a new quarter than in the middle of a quarter.

When can I pick up or return my device? What are your open hours?

Open pick-up events are scheduled around the beginning of each quarter and return events around the end of each quarter with dates and times posted on our webpage and in email reminders. Outside of these events, pick-ups and returns are scheduled by appointment only at oncehub. Appointment slots are available 2-3 weeks in advance and the booking page is updated with new times weekly.

I am not an instructor. Can I apply for an iPad through the iPads for Teaching Program?

Stanford staff are encouraged to apply for use cases that involve instruction – ie. for use in a training program or when leading a workshop. Instructors may request devices for use by students for the duration of a specific course or project, but we cannot fulfill individual student requests for extensions or new device loans. Students in need of hardware should visit Lathrop Library Tech Desk.

Can you install a paid iOS app?

Some paid apps are covered in cases where they are supported and necessary to the success of the course or project. Please note that pre-installed apps are provisioned on the devices, not the user, and any paid version will not be available to the user on a different device when the iPad is returned.

Can I log in to my own Apple ID?

Yes! We encourage you to sign in to your apple ID and use your own apps when possible. Backing up your data to iCloud regularly will prevent loss of data and make the process of returning and picking up new devices much easier. Please remember to log out of your Apple ID before you return your iPad!

Do you loan out keyboards, dongles, and other accessories?

We have a small number of keyboards that fit the legacy 12.9 in iPad Pros as well as a handful of dongles, adapters, and tripods that we can loan on request.

I need troubleshooting support. Who do I contact?

You can contact iPadsforTeaching@stanford.edu for questions about your device, network connectivity on the iPad, or issues with accessories.

Can I request other hardware – OWL, Catchbox, microphones, etc.?

Yes – though the loan program for these types of hardware operates differently from the iPads for Teaching Program. While we have hundreds of iPads that can be loaned out for up to a year, we typically carry only a handful of these other technologies. Therefore, we loan them out as a testing service. Loan to test and see if the device would work for your program. Typical loan time is about 3 weeks.

Are your devices Jamf compliant?

Our iPads are managed on UIT’s instance of Jamf as of September 2023.

Which surveys do I have to complete?

To ensure the continuation of the iPads for Teaching Program, we ask that you complete the EBS survey on data usage as well as the end of loan feedback survey.

Do your devices connect to the Stanford network?

Yes, our devices connect to Stanford wifi.

Sustaining the iPads program

We partner with the School of Engineering in support of the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) program led by the Federal Communications Commission. We receive iPads to loan to the Stanford community primarily through this program.

To sustain this iPad program, it is critical that all participants cooperate with any requests to complete the EBS survey. The brief survey assesses hours of LTE data used in local geographic service areas and will be emailed to those who borrow iPads. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Guides and Documentation

Consultations and Workshops

Watch the recording of "The Benefits of an iPad and Apple Pencil for Remote Learning" workshop (Use your Stanford Google account to access.)
In-person orientation to iPads: Our staff will visit your group to instruct them on how to use the iPads.
One-on-one consultation: We offer personalized sessions tailored to your specific needs. Contact: iPadsForTeaching@stanford.edu.