All iPads Which iPad? Online teaching and perhaps more

[Adamo]

I'm usually in-the-loop with tech but only ever once had an iPad before and didn't know why (it was more just to play with one than anything else); back then it was simply an oversized iPhone and I ended up selling it on.

Now.. tablets have come a long way and I need one (my phone is too small) for online teaching (the platform is iOS or Android only due to AR requirements).

I've seen that the Pro seems to also do a lot of other stuff and wondered if it's worth going for that, an Air or Mini instead? The front camera needs to be decent but aside from that I have no real requirements. I really know almost nothing about the differences so any advice is welcome.

Likely scenario:

- sitting in front of it on an Amazon Basics Tablet Stand for up to 4 hours a day
- used for online teaching almost solely
- would like to play around with using a pen, maybe for sketching
- Netflix and.. maybe that's it

I'm open to suggestion for what things I could do that would be fun, especially music and photography (RAW files) wise. I have.. let's say about £400/$500 to play with, second hand seems to yield quite a few options.

Thanks all.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I'm usually in-the-loop with tech but only ever once had an iPad before and didn't know why (it was more just to play with one than anything else); back then it was simply an oversized iPhone and I ended up selling it on.

Now.. tablets have come a long way and I need one (my phone is too small) for online teaching (the platform is iOS or Android only due to AR requirements).

I've seen that the Pro seems to also do a lot of other stuff and wondered if it's worth going for that, an Air or Mini instead? The front camera needs to be decent but aside from that I have no real requirements. I really know almost nothing about the differences so any advice is welcome.

Likely scenario:

- sitting in front of it on an Amazon Basics Tablet Stand for up to 4 hours a day
- used for online teaching almost solely
- would like to play around with using a pen, maybe for sketching
- Netflix and.. maybe that's it

I'm open to suggestion for what things I could do that would be fun, especially music and photography (RAW files) wise. I have.. let's say about £400/$500 to play with, second hand seems to yield quite a few options.

Thanks all.

It sounds like the iPad Air 3 would fit your needs quite nicely.

 

[ericwn]

There might be a new entry level iPad with bigger display on the horizon, maybe check that out.
If not that I’d personally look into any iPad with a 10.5” screen or bigger.
Just not sure you can find that used in your price range but worth a look anyway!

 

[Adamo]

It sounds like the iPad Air 3 would fit your needs quite nicely.

Is there anything I would regret buying it over the Pro (2nd gen) for?

 

[AutomaticApple]

Is there anything I would regret buying it over the Pro (2nd gen) for?

Have you used Promotion or quad speakers on an iPad before?

 

[Adamo]

There might be a new entry level iPad with bigger display on the horizon, maybe check that out.
If not that I’d personally look into any iPad with a 10.5” screen or bigger.
Just not sure you can find that used in your price range but worth a look anyway!

I think new is probably going to be out of my budget? What's the real difference between the models at that range?

 

[AutomaticApple]

I think new is probably going to be out of my budget? What's the real difference between the models at that range?

You should expect the new entry level iPad to be around $329.

 

[Adamo]

Have you used Promotion or quad speakers on an iPad before?

I've barely ever used an iPad honestly.
[doublepost=1567803591][/doublepost]

You should expect the new entry level iPad to be around $329.

I think they're considerably more in the UK mind you as our tax is much higher.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I've barely ever used an iPad honestly.

Then you should be just fine with the iPad Air 3.

 

[ericwn]

I think new is probably going to be out of my budget? What's the real difference between the models at that range?

The main differentiation is screen size as the screen is your immediate interface. You have to make a determination here on what size will suit you best. Old iPads and the entry level ones of today are 9.7” or something like that.

The next question to figure out is Apple Pencil support. Is it gonna matter to you? It might be nice to scribble some stuff out live on the screen for the students.

From there you can start to narrow the selection of iPads down.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I'm usually in-the-loop with tech but only ever once had an iPad before and didn't know why (it was more just to play with one than anything else); back then it was simply an oversized iPhone and I ended up selling it on.

Now.. tablets have come a long way and I need one (my phone is too small) for online teaching (the platform is iOS or Android only due to AR requirements).

I've seen that the Pro seems to also do a lot of other stuff and wondered if it's worth going for that, an Air or Mini instead? The front camera needs to be decent but aside from that I have no real requirements. I really know almost nothing about the differences so any advice is welcome.

Likely scenario:

- sitting in front of it on an Amazon Basics Tablet Stand for up to 4 hours a day
- used for online teaching almost solely
- would like to play around with using a pen, maybe for sketching
- Netflix and.. maybe that's it

I'm open to suggestion for what things I could do that would be fun, especially music and photography (RAW files) wise. I have.. let's say about £400/$500 to play with, second hand seems to yield quite a few options.

Thanks all.

i have the 11 and the 2017 12.9. I teach online about. 50 hours a week. When I travel, the 11 is fine, but at home I tend to use the 12.9 for teaching. It’s specifically because the extra area for the online white board is much more comfortable.

 

[Adamo]

i have the 11 and the 2017 12.9. I teach online about. 50 hours a week. When I travel, the 11 is fine, but at home I tend to use the 12.9 for teaching. It’s specifically because the extra area for the online white board is much more comfortable.

12.9 I suppose is going to be better, sounds very large though! Is that just the Pro at that size?

Which company are you teaching with if you don't mind me asking? Palfish doesn't have a whiteboard per se but does have the ability to annotate and circle things.

The main differentiation is screen size as the screen is your immediate interface. You have to make a determination here on what size will suit you best. Old iPads and the entry level ones of today are 9.7” or something like that.

The next question to figure out is Apple Pencil support. Is it gonna matter to you? It might be nice to scribble some stuff out live on the screen for the students.

From there you can start to narrow the selection of iPads down.

Which ones use the pencil and are there cheaper alternatives (aliexpress and the like)? It would be useful as the platform I'm starting with now uses on-screen annotation.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

12.9 I suppose is going to be better, sounds very large though! Is that just the Pro at that size?

Which company are you teaching with if you don't mind me asking? Palfish doesn't have a whiteboard per se but does have the ability to annotate and circle things.

Which ones use the pencil and are there cheaper alternatives (aliexpress and the like)? It would be useful as the platform I'm starting with now uses on-screen annotation.

I do Varsity, Wyzant. And as much as possible no middle man at all! Word of mouth.

When I started, only the pros had Apple Pencil support, and that was a must-have for me. It is big—the brand new 12.9s are more compact, but yeah, expensive.

it’s a different matter if you aren’t going to be writing a ton. I prep people for the LSAT, and it involves solving very complex logic problems. I need a lot of screen real estate. Like I said.. when I travel I just use the 11, and it is fine. But when both are available, I prefer 12.9. Mini would be miserable... don’t do that.

 

[LibbyLA]

You also may find a keyboard handy. I have an iPP 11” with the keyboard folio. I do a lot of my course access (statistical programming course taught using Moodle) with it, but all my in class presentations and demonstrations are on a Surface Go because the statistical software I teach is Windows only.

I have not used a third-party keyboard so I can’t recommend one, but if you need to do typing (say, to answer forum questions or email), a keyboard could improve your overall experience.

 

[Adamo]

I do Varsity, Wyzant. And as much as possible no middle man at all! Word of mouth.

When I started, only the pros had Apple Pencil support, and that was a must-have for me. It is big—the brand new 12.9s are more compact, but yeah, expensive.

it’s a different matter if you aren’t going to be writing a ton. I prep people for the LSAT, and it involves solving very complex logic problems. I need a lot of screen real estate. Like I said.. when I travel I just use the 11, and it is fine. But when both are available, I prefer 12.9. Mini would be miserable... don’t do that.

That's something I need to get into, I'll be trying that as much as possible via former students since they're all in far-flung countries now. What do you use privately? I tried Zoom on PC and that seemed decent enough.

A 2nd generation Pro seems like a decent option then and falls within my budget, and also has cellular in that too (ideal if I'm stuck and need a fallback).

Noted about the mini, thank you!

You also may find a keyboard handy. I have an iPP 11” with the keyboard folio. I do a lot of my course access (statistical programming course taught using Moodle) with it, but all my in class presentations and demonstrations are on a Surface Go because the statistical software I teach is Windows only.

I have not used a third-party keyboard so I can’t recommend one, but if you need to do typing (say, to answer forum questions or email), a keyboard could improve your overall experience.

As long as there is a vertical keyboard option though I'm unsure if it can be used on the platform I'm starting with. I do have a laptop that I am not going to part with so I think it'll be okay to begin with. Can any Bluetooth keyboard work with the iPads?

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Good point re the cellular. I never got cellular iPads before, but now that I use an iPad for my livelihood, it’s really invaluable being able to switch over to LTE in the middle of a session if I’m somewhere the WiFi is acting unreliably.

Privately I use FaceTime or Skype and just a free browser based whiteboard. I do use zoom for group classes through varsity tutors. That’s what they use... their platform doesn’t support group lessons. Zoom is fine. Honestly, FaceTime is more reliable than any of these platforms.
[doublepost=1567867383][/doublepost]And, yes, 2nd gen pro would be totally fine...that’s what my 12.9 is, and it performs perfectly. I only covet the new 12.9 because of the new compact form factor, not because of performance. And if you are going to go smaller, I think either the 2nd gen Pro 10.5 or the Air 3 would be totally fine for you.

 

[RevTEG]

I use a 12.9 iPad Pro to teach online. Currently teaching four courses from the States to a school in the Philippines. I always get the cellular models because of my travel schedule. With cellular I never have to be concerned with finding wifi when I set up to teach. Occasionally, I'll recored the lesson with my wife's 10.5 iPad Pro while reading my notes from the 12.9. I also use a Blue Raspberry mic... Not a great pic but this is my simple travel setup for recording. Obviously. the podiums are borrowed.

Simply set up, but it works.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I use a 12.9 iPad Pro to teach online. Currently teaching four courses from the States to a school in the Philippines. I always get the cellular models because of my travel schedule. With cellular I never have to be concerned with finding wifi when I set up to teach. Occasionally, I'll recored the lesson with my wife's 10.5 iPad Pro while reading my notes from the 12.9. I also use a Blue Raspberry mic... Not a great pic but this is my simple travel setup for recording. Obviously. the podiums are borrowed. View attachment 856577 Simply set up, but it works.

Wow, so fancy. I barely even get dressed to teach.

I should mention I do use two iPads simultaneously—one for materials I teach from and one for the actual session. It depends on what your needs are—I used to use books, but I travel a lot, so all digital is much better. (When traveling, I borrow my boyfriend’s ipad for materials or use my phone)

when I got the 12.9, I had ideas of it replacing both my iPad Air 2 and my laptop, but I wasn’t sure I could get used to not having mouse support for various non-teaching tasks. It turned out I didn’t use my laptop at all but didn’t want to get rid of the smaller iPad. Eventually, I replaced the air 2 with the 11 inch.

 

[EugW]

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

Having the Apple Smart Keyboard with my 10.5" iPad Pro has been a transformative experience for me. The keyboard is appropriately spaced for touch typing, and having all that on-screen real estate clear is great. I can't touch type directly on an iPad with the virtual keyboard since there is no tactile feedback, and having half the screen blocked out by the virtual keyboard is really irritating.

The iPad Air 3 also supports the same keyboard, and the 11" Pro has a very similarly designed keyboard. The 12.9" Pro models have wider key spacing, matching the MacBooks.

Below, 10", pretty much all of the keyboards suck IMO because of the smaller spacing, but you could always use a separate full-size keyboard if you're not going to be needing to have the keyboard with you at all times, and you don't mind the idiosyncrasies of dealing with Bluetooth keyboards.

 

[Adamo]

Good point re the cellular. I never got cellular iPads before, but now that I use an iPad for my livelihood, it’s really invaluable being able to switch over to LTE in the middle of a session if I’m somewhere the WiFi is acting unreliably.

Privately I use FaceTime or Skype and just a free browser based whiteboard. I do use zoom for group classes through varsity tutors. That’s what they use... their platform doesn’t support group lessons. Zoom is fine. Honestly, FaceTime is more reliable than any of these platforms.
[doublepost=1567867383][/doublepost]And, yes, 2nd gen pro would be totally fine...that’s what my 12.9 is, and it performs perfectly. I only covet the new 12.9 because of the new compact form factor, not because of performance. And if you are going to go smaller, I think either the 2nd gen Pro 10.5 or the Air 3 would be totally fine for you.

That's very likely with how transient I am! With data being so cheap nowadays it's hard to pass up.

I've not used Facetime before but I'll be sure to bear that in mind as I will need to provide as many choices as possible (iOS, Android, PC, Mac, etc).

I use a 12.9 iPad Pro to teach online. Currently teaching four courses from the States to a school in the Philippines. I always get the cellular models because of my travel schedule. With cellular I never have to be concerned with finding wifi when I set up to teach. Occasionally, I'll recored the lesson with my wife's 10.5 iPad Pro while reading my notes from the 12.9. I also use a Blue Raspberry mic... Not a great pic but this is my simple travel setup for recording. Obviously. the podiums are borrowed. View attachment 856577 Simply set up, but it works.

That looks fantastic, you even have a cloak! I'll be going for the Amazon Basics stand I found (desk based) but that setup looks great.

On that note I just ordered a microphone based on yours: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0719CHFLS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cheap as but should do the job better than the in-built one and can be used for the computer; can't moan for a tenner.

Can you hear people at the same time if it's plugged in?

Wow, so fancy. I barely even get dressed to teach.

I should mention I do use two iPads simultaneously—one for materials I teach from and one for the actual session. It depends on what your needs are—I used to use books, but I travel a lot, so all digital is much better. (When traveling, I borrow my boyfriend’s ipad for materials or use my phone)

when I got the 12.9, I had ideas of it replacing both my iPad Air 2 and my laptop, but I wasn’t sure I could get used to not having mouse support for various non-teaching tasks. It turned out I didn’t use my laptop at all but didn’t want to get rid of the smaller iPad. Eventually, I replaced the air 2 with the 11 inch.

I have a laptop and other cheap tablets (10" Android ones from teaching classes in person) that are basic but do the job. Just ordered a couple of the Amazon tablet stands (plus another for the uncle's) as you're right, they can be useful for multi-tasking (reading/teaching/etc).

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

Having the Apple Smart Keyboard with my 10.5" iPad Pro has been a transformative experience for me. The keyboard is appropriately spaced for touch typing, and having all that on-screen real estate clear is great. I can't touch type directly on an iPad with the virtual keyboard since there is no tactile feedback, and having half the screen blocked out by the virtual keyboard is really irritating.

The iPad Air 3 also supports the same keyboard, and the 11" Pro has a very similarly designed keyboard. The 12.9" Pro models have wider key spacing, matching the MacBooks.

Below, 10", pretty much all of the keyboards suck IMO because of the smaller spacing, but you could always use a separate full-size keyboard if you're not going to be needing to have the keyboard with you at all times, and you don't mind the idiosyncrasies of dealing with Bluetooth keyboards.

A keyboard is sounding more and more necessary though I think I'll go for another Bluetooth option as I would like to have it in a stand and move it about rather than be tethered. What issues do you think could crop up? I assume the Smart Keyboard is connected via that three-pin connector on the bottom so it isn't wireless?

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

That's very likely with how transient I am! With data being so cheap nowadays it's hard to pass up.

I've not used Facetime before but I'll be sure to bear that in mind as I will need to provide as many choices as possible (iOS, Android, PC, Mac, etc).

That looks fantastic, you even have a cloak! I'll be going for the Amazon Basics stand I found (desk based) but that setup looks great.

On that note I just ordered a microphone based on yours: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0719CHFLS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cheap as but should do the job better than the in-built one and can be used for the computer; can't moan for a tenner.

Can you hear people at the same time if it's plugged in?

I have a laptop and other cheap tablets (10" Android ones from teaching classes in person) that are basic but do the job. Just ordered a couple of the Amazon tablet stands (plus another for the uncle's) as you're right, they can be useful for multi-tasking (reading/teaching/etc).

A keyboard is sounding more and more necessary though I think I'll go for another Bluetooth option as I would like to have it in a stand and move it about rather than be tethered. What issues do you think could crop up? I assume the Smart Keyboard is connected via that three-pin connector on the bottom so it isn't wireless?

To me, the main benefit of the Smart Keyboard (yes, smart connector instead of Bluetooth) is that it is super compact and always there when you want it. (And never any connection issues) It’s my preference. That said, if you are going to travel with your laptop and mostly just use a keyboard with your iPad at home, and you like a stand setup, then Bluetooth may be preferable to you.

 

[Adamo]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113881444175

Pulled the trigger, the deal (with 10% off from eBay and 1% cashback with TopCashback) was too tempting to pass up. Lucky I saw it as it looks to be in perfect condition.

So.. I have one of those keyboards now! Can always shift it on if it isn't what I need.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Awesome!!

 

[RevTEG]

Wow, so fancy. I barely even get dressed to teach.

I should mention I do use two iPads simultaneously—one for materials I teach from and one for the actual session. It depends on what your needs are—I used to use books, but I travel a lot, so all digital is much better. (When traveling, I borrow my boyfriend’s ipad for materials or use my phone)

when I got the 12.9, I had ideas of it replacing both my iPad Air 2 and my laptop, but I wasn’t sure I could get used to not having mouse support for various non-teaching tasks. It turned out I didn’t use my laptop at all but didn’t want to get rid of the smaller iPad. Eventually, I replaced the air 2 with the 11 inch.

Sorry for the late reply. I’ve been visiting my parents. A much needed rare visit since I live and work so far away. I don’t normally get very “fancy” to teach. The way I set up they can only see my upper body. Nice shirt will do.. lol I was just grabbing things the class I was in had available.