iPads for Teaching & Learning
10/2 Update!
TA iPads are all checked out for Fall!
Faculty & Academic Staff applications are still open for individual devices and class sets.
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
Eligibility
All Stanford faculty, academic staff, lecturers, and course instructors 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 teaching assistants or students enrolled in a course or program should be submitted by the following due dates.
Quarter (Academic Year) | Proposals Due* | Awardees Notified |
|---|---|---|
Autumn 2024 | August 30, 2024 | September 6, 2024 |
Winter 2024 | November 20, 2024 | December 4, 2024 |
Spring 2025 | March 7, 2025 | March 14, 2025 |
Summer 2025 | May 30, 2025 | June 6, 2025 |
Proposals for individual iPads to be used by individual faculty members, academic staff, lecturers, and course instructors may be submitted at any time. However, as individual iPads are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis 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 2024:
New 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro Pending
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
Each iPad is bundled with a protective case, charging cord, 20v brick, and a Gen2 Apple Pencil. 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 to faculty and academic staff 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.
Instructors who have borrowed an iPad for individual use for 3+ cycles or 3+ years (not including remote teaching during the 2020-2021 academic year) will be placed in the lowest priority pool for individual iPad loans. New innovative use cases or a shift to requesting class, program, or instructional team sets will be considered new loan types at a higher priority. iPads for Teaching Staff is committed to supporting instructors in this group and can offer consultations for expanding use cases or purchasing and setting up individual devices.
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 5-7 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 at oncehub. Appointment slots are available 2-3 weeks in advance and the booking page is updated with new times weekly. During the school year, you may return a device to 408 Panama Mall between 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.
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 teaching assistants (TAs) apply for an iPad through the iPads for Teaching Program?
Currently, we have ~100 iPad Airs set aside for individual TA loans.* Teaching assistants must be graduate-level students and will need to provide verification of their position, if not already listed on ExploreCourses. Devices are allocated at the beginning of each quarter and are due back at the end of that quarter, except in cases where the TA has a multi-quarter agreement with their department. Graduate Teaching Consultants (GTCs) may check out a device for the academic year (Sept-June). All other program requirements, such as EBS and feedback survey submission, apply. Graduate students who would like to borrow an iPad for coursework or research should visit Lathrop Library Tech Desk. *We have a larger pool of devices for primary instructors and/or department staff requesting iPads on behalf of their TAs.
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 dongles, adapters, and tripods that we can loan on request for use outside of the classroom. If you are in need of adapters for in-classroom use, please contact Classroom Technology Support.
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
- Starter Guide for iPads for Teaching and Learning
- How to use Powerpoint and Zoom with iPad
- How to use Zoom whiteboard with iPad
- Digital Inking for Remote Lectures using iPad and Apple Pencil
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.