Category Archives: Apple

This category contains items related to Apple products, including iPads, MacBooks, AppleIDs, and much more.

Use a Website Frequently in a Lesson? Preserve it and Make it Better

Do you use webpages or online articles frequently in your lessons? Are you concerned that one day you will discover that it has disappeared or changed dramatically?

Perhaps the content is useful, but you are concerned about the appropriateness of the advertising in the sidebars of the website.

Have you ever started a lesson only to find out that the internet just went down and the online content you had planned to use is now upended?

Apple provides a very useful tool on an iPad which allows you to skirt all these issues. No more plan B.

What you will learn in this article

  1. Using screen capture on an iPad
  2. Capturing a webpage and saving as a PDF (for future offline use)
  3. Using Apple’s ‘Reader’ view to ‘clean up’ view of article and make it accommodating for special populations
  4. Marking up documents for your lesson

What you will need to have

  1. iPad
  2. Internet connectivity
  3. Access to your OneDrive (OneDrive sign in is the same as your @k12 email address)

Most of us are familiar with screen-capturing an image on an iPad. If you aren’t, simply click both the lock-out button at the top and the home button at the same time to save an image to your photos app.

Click round home button and top screen lock out button to screen capture the screen’s image.

Screen capturing images on an iPad is a great way to quickly capture and store information. With this feature, you can easily capture high resolution images of websites, documents, and presentations for later reference or sharing. It’s also useful for creating quick visual notes or tutorials. Additionally, it can be used to create digital portfolios of projects that you’ve worked on or for quickly archiving important screenshots without having to take the time to save them as individual files.

If we were preparing a lesson about art history and choose to exemplify the accomplishments of Frida Kahlo, we might choose a website for students to read background information about the artist.

When pressing the home button and lock out buttons simultaneously, a small thumbnail image of the webpage will appear on the screen in the lower-left.

Screen capture thumbnail highlighted in pink

Tap the thumbnail image to bring up more options. The thumbnail disappears after seven seconds if you don’t tap it. If you miss it, just do another screen capture. You will see the following screen. Note that you have options to edit and markup the screen capture using the built-in markup tool indicated below by the pink arrow.

Capturing the content as a PDF

Here comes the real magic when screen capturing a webpage. If you want to capture the whole page and not just the visible image on the screen, you can choose “Full Page” from the top of the screen. This will allow you the option to save the entire webpage as a PDF file (Portable Document Format — think Adobe) that you can save in OneDrive to use with this lesson year after year. No more worries about the content changing, the article disappearing, or internet availability.

Notice the visual image of the entire webpage (highlighted in pink) on the rightmost part of the webpage in the image above. Rather than just capturing the image on the screen, you are capturing the full webpage.

In the video below, let’s learn how to save this as a PDF.

That’s it! That’s all you need to do to save a webpage as a PDF and keep it forever.

Taking it a step further

Apple Safari web browser has a feature called Reader that allows for different formatting options when viewing a webpage. Utilizing this feature in conjunction with what we learned above gives you even more options.

Take a look at the images below. Slide the arrows back and forth to see the regular view versus the Reader view.

example 1
example 2

Changing the view to Reader view allows your students to focus on the content that is most important. It also allows for better focus for students with special needs. Also, as it basically narrows down webpages to the core content located in the body of the webpage (leaving off any sidebars), it will usually exclude any advertising content that may be inappropriate for your students. Keep in mind, Reader view is not available for every webpage. More complicated webpage formatting usually precludes Reader view.

Reader view also gives you options for changing both the font type and size. It also allows you to change the background color as you see in the set of images below.

To use Reader view, simply touch the “aA” in the browser address bar as shown below:

Marking up the PDF documents

It is easy to markup these documents. As an educator, you may wish to highlight certain content for students. Or, perhaps, you want your students to highlight content or comment on it.

Apple markup tools make it easy to do this.

If you would like to markup the document prior to saving it as a PDF and storing it in OneDrive, select the markup tool in the toolbar (indicated by a pen tip) as highlighted by a pink arrow in the image below.

When you are finished marking up the document, simply choose “Done” in the top-left of the screen to save.

If you use Apple Classroom to enhance your instruction and manage the student use of iPads, you can now easily AirDrop this document to all of your students. You can also add it to your Schoology course, which could be brought back each year from your Schoology class archive.

If you would like additional assistance with anything that we learned today or you would like assistance with AirDropping and Apple Classroom, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jimmy Stewart or Eric Murphy. We are happy help.

Student Connection Issues with Apple Classroom

If you have seemingly random students that are not connecting to your class in Apple Classroom, here are some things you can try to remedy the situation.

  1. Of course, sometimes the issue is behavioral. Students turn off Bluetooth to avoid Apple Classroom but quickly turn it back on as a teacher approaches.
  2. Aside from this, the first place to start is making sure that a student’s Bluetooth is turned on in Apple Settings.
  3. Make sure the student’s iPadOS version is relatively up-to-date. It should be updated to at least iPadOS 14.6. If the iPad is using an older iPadOS, such as 13.1, this could be part of the problem. To update, go to Apple Settings, choose GENERAL > SOFTWARE UPDATE > DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL. If it won’t install, contact your Technology Systems Specialist (TSS) for assistance.
  4. Sign the student out of her or his Managed Apple ID and then sign back in. Learn how in this video.

We know Apple Classroom can be a big help in managing your instruction and your classroom. If you are still having issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Eric Murphy or Jimmy Stewart. Teaching is tough enough without all the technical issues. We can help get Apple Classroom back on track.


Find more general help with setting up classes and adding students to Apple Classroom here.

Missing Classes in Apple Classroom

Update from the MIS Department

The MIS department is working with Apple and is seeking ways to prevent the loss of manually created classes for Apple Classroom in Apple School Manager going forward. If you need assistance rebuilding your classes, please visit our post titled The New Apple Classroom.

This morning, you may have noticed that your classes are missing in Apple Classroom. The MIS department is aware of the issue. When they know more, we will be sure to pass along any information.

Some teachers have begun to rebuild their classes. There appears to be no harm in this with this caveat: Currently, it is unknown if a restoration of the data is possible. If it is, and an attempt to restore the data is not successful, any rebuilding of classes may be lost again.

Have a happy Monday! 🙄

Yay… New Software!  Bummer… My App Doesn’t Work Now!

MacOS Monterey (Mac laptop) and iOS 15 (iPad software) are the new operating systems from Apple that were released recently.  It is always an exciting time for me to check out the new features that a new operating system brings, but at the same time it is nerve-racking when software that was working suddenly stops or develops glitches!  One glitch we are aware of so far will affect you if you use Apple Classroom with your MacBook.  If your MacBook updates to the new MacOS called Monterey 12.0.1, you will be able to open Apple Classroom and everything will look fine.  When you click to open a class, your Apple Classroom software will most likely crash.  Apple is aware of this issue and says an update to the Apple Classroom app is coming soon.

Also, we have been made aware of an issue, after updating to tvOS 15.0, when a user tries to mirror their screen using AirPlay from a Mac or an iPad, the TV just turns black. tvOS 15.1 has come out and the issue is supposed to be fixed.  If you are experiencing this issue, please update your tvOS to 15.1 to take care of the problem.

The New Apple Classroom

Need to reset your managed Apple ID password? Click here.

With new changes to Apple Classroom it has become more important to make the move toward using Managed Apple IDs when signing into iCloud on school devices.  This includes student iPads, teacher iPads, and teacher MacBooks.  Learn more about Apple IDs.

Apple Classroom Step 1 – System Requirements and Managed Apple ID

On your teacher device it is imperative that you sign into iCloud with a Managed Apple ID. Please also watch this video to see system requirements.

Apple Classroom Step 2 – Setup and Add Students

Watch this video to learn how to create your classrooms and add students.

Step 3 – Reset Student Managed Apple ID Passwords

Learn how to reset Managed Apple IDs for your students after you have added them to your class.

Step 4 – Using Apple Classroom

Apple Classroom is used to guide instruction in the classroom. It is an essential tool for every classroom teacher!

Setting up Managed Apple ID on a MacBook

View video to learn how to sign in using your managed Apple ID on your Mac (what’s this?). This will allow Apple Classroom on your iPad and your MacBook to sync automatically.

With your iPad and MacBook both signed into iCloud with the Managed Apple ID, it will allow Apple Classroom classes to sync across devices so you only have to set up your classes once!  Even if your device would need to be wiped or reset, your classes would come back once you sign into your Managed Apple ID and then open Apple Classroom.

Please understand the immense importance of everyone using the Managed Apple IDs.  If one person chooses to use a regular Apple ID in iCloud, they will not be able to get Apple Classroom to work unless they sign out all the students as well.  If that is done, it will cause all other teachers who are using the Managed Apple ID to not be able to use Apple Classroom until all their students are signed back in.  


Have you forgotten your managed Apple ID? No problem. You can contact your building’s TSS or request a reset here and we will send it to you via email as quickly as possible.


Apple Professional Development Opportunities for the Week of March 29th

Scan, Sort, and Share with iPad

Monday, March 29, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online

iPad makes it simple for students and teachers to scan, annotate, organize, and share documents. Explore a variety of ways that students and teachers can collaborate and share files and folders using cloud-based services. 

*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.


Create Videos with Clips

Tuesday, March 30, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online

Clips is a free app that lets teachers and students easily create and share fun and engaging videos. We’ll show you how educators can use Clips to create instructional videos for exploring new skills and ideas — and how students can make videos to share what they’ve learned.

*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.


Create Content with iPad

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online

Explore Time-Saving Tips for Teachers. Learn how to digitize handouts, make interactive worksheets, create video newsletters, and more. Discover a variety of ways to capture the imagination of students and stay in touch with parents. 

*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.


Apple Professional Development Opportunities Next Week

Get Started with iPad

Monday, March 22, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online

iPad is packed with features for learning and teaching. In this hands-on session, learn how to use gestures, work with text, enable accessibility features, and work with multiple apps simultaneously.

*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.


Explore Data with Numbers

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online

Numbers is a free app that helps students and teachers organize information with tables, charts, and illustrations that go way beyond everyday spreadsheets. We’ll show you how to use built-in templates to quickly add data, perform calculations, and visualize everything with photos, videos, and sketches. 

*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.


Get Started with Mac

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online

Every Mac includes powerful apps and features for learning and teaching. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to personalize your Mac, use the Finder, work with text, enable accessibility features, work with multiple apps at the same time, and more.  

*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.


Create Presentations and Demos with iPad

Thursday, March 25, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online

Presenting information in compelling ways is even more important when you’re not able to be face-to-face with your students. In this session we’ll show you how to use built-in apps and features to create demos and instructional videos to share with colleagues and students. 

*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.


Using a Pointer During a Class Teams Meeting

When you use an iPad to present to students during a class Teams meeting, you don’t have the advantage of using a mouse pointer to guide students through your presentation as you would on a laptop. You can, however, use an accessibility option to not only mimic a mouse pointer, but also have quick access to shortcuts that come in handy in the middle of a presentation.

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AI, Sway, OneDrive, Creating Videos and More

Join Mark Moore, coordinator for the WVDE Office of Communications, for training options on a variety of topics… no pre-registration necessary! Visit Mark’s Sway for all the details. Recordings of sessions now available. Tuesday, November 28, 2023 9:00 AM – Artificial Intelligence in WV K12 School – Link to Live Session 10:00 AM – OneDrive…

Canva: Restricted sharing coming Oct. 27

Canva has updated their policy for student sharing. We thought you would like to know. Many of you are using Canva in your classes to engage your students and create exciting opportunities for learning. Please see Canva’s statement below.

West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Country Roads Codes Grant

COUNTRY ROADS CODES: West Virginia schools and classrooms are invited to apply to the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Country Roads Codes grant opportunity. These grant opportunities allow for up to $2,000 for events that enable local schools to educate their students and communities regarding computer science as part of Computer Science Education Week (December…

Using Microsoft Whiteboard During Teams Meetings

Have you often wondered how teachers use their iPads to demonstrate content to students? Many teachers utilize Microsoft Whiteboard in coordination with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Whiteboard is simply a digital dry erase board that you can use as a stand-alone tool or collaboratively with students. This tool also allows teachers and students to create a digital product that can include features such as photos, shapes, drawings, text, backgrounds, etc. To learn more about using Microsoft Whiteboard during a Teams Meeting, please check out this resource. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of your Wood County Schools Technology Integration Specialists.