• iPads, Apple Pencils, Apple TVs in Plano ISD

    You DO NOT need to sign in with your personal AppleID or your PISD email. The district is creating Apple IDs for all users.
    See the section below Managed Apple IDs for details.

  • PISD Managed Apple IDs

    Plano ISD implements Managed Apple IDs for all staff, similar to how we manage Microsoft and Google accounts. 

    • These IDs allow employees to access district-issued Apple devices and services using the same credentials they use for other district devices. 
    • Benefits include improved technical support and data security. 
    • This is important as new iPads are distributed to teachers.
    • Managed Apple IDs are linked to district email addresses, and the district assists staff who have previously used their district email for personal Apple IDs to transition to new personal IDs using non-district email addresses. 

    Please read the District Managed Apple IDs Guide for more information and contact the Help Desk with any questions.

  • Getting started with your iPad

    1. Open Self Service.
       jamf icon 
    2. Add the following apps using your PISD email account, sign into the following:
      • Classlink (Webdesk)
      • Google Drive
      • Any Google Apps that you use (Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Meet)
      • Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
      • Elementary - Seesaw
      • Secondary - Kami (instructions on how to use the Kami app)
    3. Pair (connect) your Apple Pencil to your iPad
    4. Do not sign in with an AppleID.
      • You do not need to sign in with your personal AppleID.
      • The district will soon create AppleIDs for all users.
      • Please DO NOT sign in with your PISD email at this time. 
    5. Troubleshooting:
      • Charge device via port on side of Keypad.  Do not remove plug that connects case to the iPad.
      • For keypad connectivity, check that plug is securely connected to the iPad USB-c port.

  • Install & Request Apps

    Install apps from the Self Service (Jamf) app.

    jamf icon

    Request apps via the  iPad request form accessible via tile on Webdesk. See instructions on our iPad App Request page. 

    iPad app request tile

  • Security

    Set an access code on your iPad to prevent anyone other than yourself from gaining access to your iPad.

    Apple Support website - Set a passcode on an iPad.

  • Update your iPad (restrictions)

    Elementary campuses - iPad updates are restricted to after 2:45 pm.

    Secondary campuses - iPad updates are restricted to after 3:30 pm. 

  • Apple Pencil

    Pairing & Charging

    1. Remove the cap and plug the Apple Pencil into the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. 
    2. Connect the other end of the adapter to your iPad using the USB-C charge cable that came with your iPad. 
    3. Do any of the following:
      • Pair Apple Pencil: When the Pair button appears, tap it. After you pair the pencil, unplug it from the iPad. The Apple Pencil stays paired until you restart your iPad, turn off Bluetooth, or pair it with another iPad. Just pair the Apple Pencil again when you're ready to use it. 
      • Charge Apple Pencil: The Apple Pencil charges while it's plugged into your iPad. You can also charge it using the USB-C charge cable and power adapter that came with your iPad.

    For more instructions, view the pairing instructions on support.apple.com.

    Battery Widget - add a battery widget to home screen 

  • Apple TV

    Instructions on how to use your Apple TV: 2024-2025 Apples in the Classroom 

    Charge the Remote with an iPad USB-C cable
    - You will charge the Apple TV remote with the USB-C cable that the iPad came with.

    How to Switch the projector source to Apple TV.
    - First turn on the Apple TV by pressing the power on button on the Apple TV remote.
    - On the projector remote, switch the source to Apple TV. (Computer 2, HDMI, etc.)
    - Alternatively, some classrooms might have the HDMI switch to change between the Apple TV and your laptop.
    - The Apple TV number will be listed on the screen when toggling to the Apple TV source (Computer 2, HDMI, etc.). It will be 12-16 characters. Make note of the last 4 digits for easy identification from the iPad in the next step.
    - On the iPad, swipe from the top right corner to reveal the control center. Tap the mirror icon (2 overlapping rectangles) and a collection of Apple TV IDs will display. Look for the Apple TV ID using last 4 digits as reference. Click "more" to reveal additional IDs if it does not automatically appear.
    - Once the corresponding Apple TV ID number is selected, a 4-digit code will appear on the projected screen. Teachers will enter it on their iPad to pair.
    - If possible, complete these steps before students are in the classroom. Students with Apple phones or iPads can enter that code and display their own screen to the Apple TV. Talk with students prior to that number appearing on the screen to remind them that only the teacher is utilizing this tool and the importance of being a good digital citizen. 

    How to Mirror your iPad to your Apple TV:

    1. Turn on your Apple TV (press the power on button on the Apple TV remote)
    2. On the iOS or iPadOS device, swipe down from the top right of the screen to open the Control Center, 
    3. Tap Screen Mirroring (the button with two rectangles),
    4. Select Apple TV in the list of AirPlay devices.
    5. To end mirroring, follow the steps above to open the Control Center on your device, tap the Screen Mirroring button, then tap Stop Mirroring. 

    Visit the Apple TV User Guide support page for more details.

  • Display your iPad onto a screen

    To show your iPad screen on the projector/screen, you can use either your Apple TV (see instructions in section above) or a Lightning Digital AV Adapter

    ipad lightning cable

    ** Does your iPad cast an image that is upside down?  On Apple TV remote, press mute button twice and then press and hold.  This will reverse the command and return image to upright position. 

  • ⭐Digital Learning Apps

    Recommended iPad Apps for Teachers 

    Increase student engagement, quickly assess your students, design art, graphics, videos, and more!
    Products with a ⭐ indicate premium access for PISD staff/students.

    On your district-issued iPad, install apps from Self Service. 

    • Adobe Express - easily create graphics and videos; sign in with Google using your PISD email
    • BookCreator -  make a book!
    • Canva - design graphics, videos, and presentations 
    • Explain Everything - digital whiteboard for teaching, annotating images/PDFs, and recording instructional videos
    • Google Classroom - classroom management tool
    • Microsoft Co-Pilot - AI personal assistant; teachers only; sign in with your PISD email
    • Nearpod - interactive presentations to engage students in the learning
    • PicsArt - AI photo video editor; must be age 13+
    • Procreate for Art teachers
    • Quiver - 3D coloring app
    • Seesaw - student portfolio and learning management tool for PK-5 grades. 
    • SlidesGo - https://slidesgo.com/app
    • WeVideo - online video editor; sign in with your PISD email

    Explore more here! Best iPad Apps for Teachers

    Productivity Apps:

    • Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Slides
    • Microsoft ppt., Teams, Outlook
    • Skyward Mobile App

  • Training

    Apple Professional Learning Live (online)

    • Explore helpful resources, practice new skills, and reflect on ways Apple technology can support great learning and teaching.
    • Hosted by Apple Professional Learning Specialists, these hands-on sessions run for approximately 60 minutes.
    • To learn more, and register, visit apple.co/apl.

    Apple Education Community

    • A professional learning hub designed for educators who use Apple technology.
    • Find helpful resources for any skill level — from quick tutorials to inspirational ideas.
    • Engage in self-paced courses to earn badges and become an "Apple Teacher".(Sign in to track progress).
    • Grow in this collaborative space as you connect with peers and experts for advice, shared stories, and more. 
    • To learn more, visit https://education.apple.com/.

  • Support

    Technical support: Contact your CTA or the Helpdesk: tsos@pisd.edu or ext. 28767

    Instructional implementation support: Contact the Digital Learning Team at digitallearningteam@pisd.edu

    Apple support: https://support.apple.com/ipad

Vector Video - Apples in the Classroom

How-To Guide for using Apple Devices in the Classroom