Editor’s Note: I’m pleased to welcome the newest addition to the BHS Help Desk-senior John Vallerand. For his debut post, John has put together a list of helpful iPad tips as well as a few hidden features of the iPhone.

iPad 101:
Understanding the basics of your iPad is essential. Below is a list of common iPad functions all students and teachers should be familiar with. There are many students who are new to Burlington and have never used an iPad before. We are hoping this list will be helpful as you learn how to use your device. Here is a Google Presentation outlining some of the basic tips and tricks of the iPad. And don’t forget the most important tips of all:

1. Get a sturdy case to protect your iPad
2. Get insurance for your iPad

Lock your iPad– press the Sleep/Wake button
Unlock it – press the Home button or the Sleep/Wake button, then drag the slider that appears onscreen.
Turn iPad on – Hold down the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.
Turn iPad off – Hold down the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears onscreen, then drag the slider.
Set the auto-lock time – Go to Settings > General > Auto-Lock. – your iPad will lock itself after two minutes.
Set a passcode– Go to Settings > General > Passcode Lock – passcodes are recommended for all students
Lock rotation- Got to Settings > General > Lock Rotation – you can set your side switch to either Lock Rotation or Mute
Check for software update- Go to Settings > General > Software Update

About Your iPad:

Go to Settings > General > About  here you will find the “good stuff” including the numbers of songs, videos, photos, apps, etc. You can also find out the model and serial number of your iPad which is important in case you ever need to file an insurance claim (the model and serial number is also located on the back of your iPad).

What’s This Button Do?

Below is list of the buttons on your iPad and what each one does as well as instructions on how to use them.

1. Volume buttons are located on right side of iPad
2. Mute/lock rotation button is located on right side above volume
3. Home button is on the bottom of the front side
4. Lock button is located on top back side of iPad
5. Clicking the home and lock button at same takes a screenshot
6. Clicking and holding the home and lock button at the same time will restart the iPad
7. Double clicking the home button brings up all open applications
8. Holding down on an app allows you to delete/move it
9. Pulling down from the top opens the notification center
10. Sliding your finger across the iPad changes pages to where more apps are located

Have more questions about your device?

Come to Help Desk periods 1, 3, 4, 6, or 7 for one on one assistance with any and all questions related to your iPad. The Help Desk staff members are ready and willing to provide you and your students with solutions to your problems, whether you are experiencing problems with the basic functionality of your iPad, or you are looking for recommendations on the best tool to use for a class project or presentation, we are here to help and offer our suggestions! We are also available for classroom presentations and/or demonstrations. Finally, don’t forget that you can reach Help Desk on Twitter at @BHSHelpDesk

We hope to see you down at the Help Desk soon!